Timothy - 53. Chapter 53

Our life became a routine, except for Friday’s when we visited the hospital and talked to Ann Marie’s doctor.

School had started, and Randy was busy with school, farming, and talking to Stephen. I was happy that Randy had bonded with Stephen. I knew he would make a good father to our son, and he also would have made a great teacher, as long as it involved computers. I still believed we would have a son. If Donnie said it, I believed it.

Fridays, we met Ann Marie’s doctor for the latest update. According to her doctor, she is coming along well. He thought we should meet with her in a couple of months. He mentioned our family to her, and she was agitated when he mentioned my name. He said she would come around, and she just needed time.

Stephen decided he would tackle the basement. He would tell me what he wanted to do, and I always agreed. I knew it would be a professional job. Next to me, Stephen loved his computer, and he was constantly adding to it or adding bells and whistles on my units. I think every time Randy visits, he leaves with some gadget.

Randy drove Dad up for a visit, and Aunt Clara went and stayed with Mom while Dad visited with us. Late one night, sitting around the kitchen table, just Dad and I. Randy and Stephen were playing on the computer, and that is what I called what they did.

“Dad, how is Mom?

“She is better, but the doctor said she still has a way to go. Tim, do you know what started all this?”

“Yes, Dad, I have an idea. It started when Ann Marie was a senior in high school. Do you remember Ann Marie when she went to high school and how she dressed?”

“No. I always left for work before she left and home after she returned. Why that question?”

For the next hour, I told Dad what we found at the library and my thoughts on Mom’s role. I told Dad what Ann Marie's doctor told me.

“Can I see her?”

“I’ll ask her doctor. If he agrees, I’ll let you know.”

I felt sorry for Dad. I know he feels terrible for not knowing, although I’m not sure what he could have done.

That evening, lying in bed next to Stephen, “I told Dad about what we found in the newspaper. He feels bad, and I think he will have a discussion with Mom when he gets home. I told him I would talk to the doctor for him, and he wants to see Ann Marie.”

“Is that a good idea?”

“I don’t know. It’ll depend on what the doctor thinks.”

With Ann Marie under the doctor’s care at the university hospital, we had time to enjoy our home and each other. Dinner at Stephen’s home on Sundays, working on the basement, and checking on Ann Marie on Fridays. This routine erupted when we had visitors from the South. Randy made frequent visits, Dad came up every other week, hoping to see Ann Marie. Mom hasn’t been up for quite some time. John and Eva visited on occasion. The last time we saw them, Eva told us she was pregnant. It would be a Spring baby.

“Tim, what do you think?”

“It’s great, babe.” Stephen had created a special room for the computer and peripheral equipment. In front of the computer room, were two offices. He put an opening in the wall separating the offices. He said he wanted to keep an eye on me.

“Now, we need to turn that small room into a bedroom.”

“Should we call it Randy’s room?”

I laughed, “if you don’t, he will. Watch when he visits. Those will be the first words out of his mouth. And don’t be surprised if he wants a computer set up for his use.”

“When we have a child, do you think he will be like you or me?”

“I would like for him to be like you.”

Laughing, “I thought I would like him to be like you.”

“Okay, we’ll adopt two, one for you and one for me. How’s that?”

Looking into his eyes, I wouldn’t mind if they both took after him.

Speaking to Ann Marie’s doctor, he told me that she is making exceptional progress now they have broken through her wall concerning her rape. I called Dad and told him he could see Ann Marie the following Friday. He wanted to know if he could bring Mom, and I told him I only cleared him to see Ann Marie. He could bring Mom, but she wouldn’t be able to see her. I was concerned about her meeting Ann Marie.

“Dad, let’s see how your meeting goes before we think about Mom seeing her. I’ll discuss that with the doctor tomorrow at our meeting, and we can talk about it when you are here.”

Friday, at our meeting with Ann Marie’s doctor, I mentioned Mom wanted to visit. “Let’s see how the meeting goes with your dad. If that goes well, I’ll think about your mother. I wouldn’t want her to start mothering her and saying things like it wasn’t your fault. That kind of sentiment may push Ann Marie back into closing up and reversing everything we have gained.”

I thought that made sense. Introducing the family to her one at a time will permit her to adjust. I didn’t want her to feel ashamed or go into a relapse. She was making good progress, according to her doctor.

Dad arrived and went with us to see Ann Marie. Arriving at the hospital, I introduced Dad to Ann Marie’s doctor. Dad left with the doctor, Stephen and I waited in the doctor’s office.

About 45 minutes later, Dad and the doctor returned to the office. Dad had tears in his eyes. I looked at the doctor, he smiled. “Dad, you okay?”

“Yes, son, I’m okay.”

I didn’t push Dad. He’ll tell me what happened when he is ready. I’ll call the doctor on Monday and get a report on the meeting.