The Castaway Hotel - 9 - 35. Chapter 35 - Easter To Commencement

Now that I’d been able to speak with Sammy and Little Ricky about their college plans and had also worked out the final details of the commitment ceremony with the boys that were going to be involved in it, I was able to turn my attention to the upcoming religious holiday. The boys decided to take it easy Saturday night, while Jake and I were busy getting everything ready for Easter dinner. I also took some time to color Easter eggs with Jesse. He had asked if he could do it, so I offered to give him a hand. Once Andrew heard what we were going to do, he wanted to join us. Once we started, each boy announced he was going to make a special egg for Joshie, which I thought was cute.

Sunday morning, Jesse and Andrew came down first. I allowed them to look for the Easter eggs and their Easter baskets, since they were the only two I still prepared a basket for. I had a collection of other goodies anyone could select from, which we kept in the dining room. This way, no one lost out, no matter how old they were.

Andrew let Jesse find most of the eggs and Jesse seemed to enjoy doing it. I think watching his enthusiasm as he searched for these items, we began to assume this was either something he hadn’t had a chance to do previously or it brought back memories of some of the better times he’d had when he was younger. Once all of the eggs had been located and accounted for, we placed them in a large bowl, so anyone could crack them open to eat.

Once the other boys started to come downstairs, Jake and I fixed breakfast, in preparation to our attending the Easter service. As always, it was joyous and upbeat celebration and little Joshie was as good as gold throughout the entire service. Dion held him most of the time, but Trey took Joshie for a few minutes when Joshie started to get a little fussy. This gave Dion time to pull a bottle out of the diaper bag and get it ready to feed his son. Other than a rather loud burp after eating, Joshie hardly made a sound, so he didn’t distract from what was going on. He was a very good baby and content to have his fathers hold him.

After the service, we chatted briefly with a few of the members of the congregation and waited patiently for the majority of the parishioners to leave. Once that happened, I gave the pastor the final details he had asked me about earlier and he said it took care of his remaining concerns. I thanked him for his help and for everything he had done for us over the years.

Once we left the church, we returned home and prepared for our big Easter meal. We were going to hold it earlier than our normal dinnertime, so the college men would finish early enough to return to their campuses, without having to rush. Since this was also the last time some of them would be going back to these particular campuses, we didn’t want their final semester there to start off with bad memories. Therefore, I planned our meal early enough to allow them plenty of leeway to drive back and get situated, without having to drive fast or act in a reckless manner.

The boys watched a movie, while Jake and I put the finishing touches on the meal, and then we waited for the others to arrive. Before long, our extended family began to show up, but this year we would be missing several members. My biological children, Frankie and Duck wouldn’t be with us, for different reasons. Duck was spending this Easter with his girlfriend and her parents and I had told my children they didn’t have to come, because the expense of the trip would far outweigh the amount of time they would be able to spend with us. Frankie, of course, was still in the army and his duties kept him from attending.

There would also be another important difference this year, and that was the Novaks would also be with us. Shelly had ridden home with the boys and I had them invite her and her parents to join us, so they could spend time with Joshie too. The Novaks were appreciative of our offer and accepted immediately, which pleased me. I didn’t want them to feel as if they were outsiders and hoped they would play a big part in Joshie’s life as well, so I was thrilled they had agreed to have Easter dinner with us.

Everyone was in a very good mood and I made certain to introduce everyone to each of the Novaks. Many of the extended family had met Shelly at our New Year’s Eve party or had heard her sing at the Christmas concert, which they had attended in order to watch Dion perform. However, only a few of them knew her parents, but everyone greeted them warmly.

Throughout the day, our various guests also chatted with the college students and asked how they were doing, their plans for the summer and what they intended to do after they finished their schooling. The boys responded by filling them in about everything we had discussed earlier. This included the fact that Danny, Brandon and Kevin would all be furthering their education and some of the others would be changing schools, so they could be with their partners. The extended family seemed to be very interested, as well as quite pleased about how things were working out for the boys. They also assured the boys they were looking forward to attending the commitment ceremony, which the boys had first announced on New Year’s Eve.

Jesse’s mother also seemed very positive about everything that was discussed and thanked the college boys for setting such a fine example for the younger boys. I wasn’t sure how to take her comment, because in my heart I believed she still had reservations concerning the commitment ceremony and was a little uncomfortable with the fact that some of the boys were gay. I think this might have been due in part because of what John had done to her son, although I tried my best to explain that what John did had nothing to do with being gay. I believe that even after hearing me out, she still harbored reservations concerning my explanation. I think this might have been born out in some of the comments she had made previously, even though she later confessed she was glad the boys were committing themselves to a single partner. I felt this showed some progress on her part, but I don’t think we’re totally out of the woods where she is concerned.

We ended up having a very nice, relaxing meal and I truly enjoyed having all of these people with us. Once we were finished eating, I began to urge the college boys to get their things together, so they could head back to their campuses for the final month of classes. In a way, it was sad to see them go, but I knew they’d be returning again shortly, so it wasn’t too bad.

While they were running about and packing up their things, the Novaks spent a little more time with Joshie, before taking Shelly home so she get her belongings together too. The boys had told her they wanted her to be ready by the time they arrived to pick her up and she assured them she would. The Novaks all thanked us for the invitation and for allowing them to spend time with the baby. They said they’d enjoyed the meal and the company, so they looked forward to seeing us all again soon. We told them we looked forward to having them join us in the future, as well.

Once we said good-bye to the college boys and they were on their way back to school, the rest of our guests began to leave too. Over the next hour, Jake and I said so long to the rest of our extended family and then cleaned up from dinner, with help from the boys that were still at home. I’m certainly glad they’re still willing to lend a hand with the chores.

After we were done cleaning up, I spent some time with Joshie and tried to get us both back into our normal routine. He had a tendency to slip out of our schedule when his daddy and poppy were home, because they do things a little differently. They wake up later and go to bed after we normally do, so now we had to reconnect and get back into our groove.

Jake and I did talk a little more about the Shannon-Nick relationship, especially now that Shannon was planning to transfer schools. I told Jake he shouldn’t have been surprised by his request, seeing how much Shannon and Nick seemed to miss each other when they were apart. I then explained that by allowing Shannon to make the move and by supporting it, it was serving as a means to strengthen their father-son ties. I also felt it was helping to unite all three of them as a family. I told him he should feel honored that both boys had talked us into allowing Nick to call him Dad, instead of using that name for me. It showed that Nick thought very highly of Jake too and I think it helped to assuage any fears Jake still might have had about agreeing to let Shannon transfer to Oklahoma State.

I also reminded Jake that since the boys had agreed to be very careful when it came to sex, they had been keeping their promise. Not only that, but Nick assured me, many times, that he would never do anything again that might put Shannon at risk. I told Jake this alone should be enough of an indication about how strongly Nick feels about his son, if Nick’s swearing off being with other guys hadn’t done it already. I think Jake was finally starting to realize that Nick was being sincere and faithful, so it was time he started thinking of both of them as his sons, not merely Shannon.

I also suggested to Jake that he contact the Lawrences, since they were his son’s ‘in-laws’ of sorts and Shannon and he would be spending Thanksgiving with them next year. Nick had already cleared it with his family, so Jake needed to make some overtures now too. Even though they already knew each other, this time the situation would be slightly different and it was important for Jake to do this, so it wouldn’t be awkward when he joined them for the holiday. This might be the first of many holidays they spent together and none of us knew how often this would happen. After I mentioned they’d be seeing a lot more of each other over the next couple of years, Jake agreed he’d get in touch with the Lawrences and set something up. Then, he thanked me for all I had done to help keep peace between his son and him, but I merely responded that we took care of family first.

At the end of April, I heard from the school board president again. He contacted me to chat for a bit, so he could find out how I was enjoying retirement and how the baby was doing. After we discussed those topics thoroughly, he told me my replacement was doing a very good job, but I was still missed. I thanked him for his kind words and admitted I wasn’t surprised that the new superintendent was doing well. He was bright, energetic and a very likeable guy, so I was happy it was working out for all of them.

Afterward, the board president also mentioned they were still having occasional problems with my old friend, the former board member, but he had toned his rhetoric down a bit. The board president suggested this was possibly due to how many other groups had opened their arms and reached out to all members of the school community and the old board member’s support had diminished dramatically after his run in with the law. I was also told the old board member had raised a few questions about some of the activities that had been slated, but this time around it was more to discover the underlying facts and learn more about what was planned, rather than spout his homophobic propaganda. The board president did say that possibly seeing three of the four officers of the club were straight this year, and the fact that Dion got Shelly pregnant, just might have convinced the guy he had not been seeing things clearly and had been wrong in some of his suppositions.

The board president went on to say that he didn’t know if that’s what did it or if the guy might have mellowed. He said it might also be due to the fact that I wasn’t there for him to challenge or that I had embarrassed him enough in the past that he didn’t want to continue looking like an ass. I suggested it might be a combination of all of those factors and the board president said I was probably right.

The board president then informed me there was another reason he had called, other than to just be sociable. He had also been directed by the Board of Education to invite me to this year’s retirement dinner. He stated that some of this year’s retirees had requested that I be included and it was also strongly recommended by the current superintendent. The board president then added another incentive, although it wasn’t necessary, and stated the district was covering the bill, so I dared not refuse. I told him the expense had never even crossed my mind and I would love to attend, no matter who paid the bill. He thanked me and explained I’d be a fool if I didn’t let the district pay for my meal. He then gave me the information I needed, before we hung up. It was nice to know that there were still people out there that thought of me from time to time.

A couple of weeks later, I attended the retirement dinner and was thrilled to visit with many of my former colleagues again. Not only were the teachers who were retiring there, which included some people that had worked for me at the middle school and others I had taught with, but my old secretary was there as well. I had really missed seeing her on a daily basis and it was good to be able to chat with her again. She told me she liked her new boss, although she still missed me. I informed her I was glad she liked working for my replacement and thanked her for her kindness.

The elementary, middle school and high school principals were also there, along with the new superintendent and the entire Board of Education. It was really a great gathering and I enjoyed speaking with each of them again.

During these various conversations, I was not only asked how I was doing and if I was enjoying my retirement and free time, but they also wanted to know about the baby. My friends asked how I was handling being the ‘stay at home grandfather,’ so I told them I was thoroughly loving every moment and wouldn’t have it any other way. I went on to explain how the baby and I had really bonded and how I was enjoying him on so many different levels, something I didn’t have time to do when my own children were little. Sure, I had spent time with my children and enjoyed and relished every second I spent with them, but I was not around as much as I am with Joshie now. For this reason, I’m enjoying a much more intense and deeper relationship with him, such as often occurs between stay-at-home moms and their offspring.

Everyone seemed truly happy things were working out so well for me and some even mentioned they had heard about the upcoming commitment ceremony the boys were having. They said it was quite a hot topic of conversation in some corners, but very little of the gossip and talk was negative. They informed me that most of the comments they had heard were that most people were pleased the boys were making such a commitment. These people also said they felt it was a shame the boys couldn’t just get married. I thought that was great news and pleased to hear that many people were starting to come around to this point of view.

Overall, the dinner was nice and I made sure to spend some of my time with each of the retirees too. I reminisced about old times with them and joked about some of the different experiences we had shared working together. Some of them even teased that when they first heard about what I was doing, when I first started taking in the boys, they thought I was having a mid-life crisis. A few said they had been worried that when I had resolved my issues, whatever they were at the time, I wouldn’t want to deal with the boys any longer. Hearing this, I quipped back that I must still have those same issues to resolve, because I had quit work to raise my grandson. They merely laughed at the idea.

None of what they said was done in a derogatory or demeaning manner. They were only saying that at first they didn’t realize how serious I was about giving these boys a better shot at life, but now they were glad I did. They then told me they were certain this new venture, with my grandson, would turn out just as nicely, as they added their best wishes to my endeavor.

As the dinner was drawing to a close, some of those attending asked me if I’d mind running home and getting Joshie, so they could meet my namesake. At first I thought they were joking, but when I realized they weren’t, I was still hesitant. Then I looked at my watch and realized it was still early and far from Joshie’s bedtime, so I quickly phoned Jake and asked if he’d mind getting Joshie ready so I could bring him here. I’d told Jake I’d be there shortly to pick them both up, since Joshie’s car seat was in my vehicle, and Jake agreed. I then excused myself and went to get them.

When we returned a few minutes later, I introduced everyone to Jake and Joshie. Most of them knew Jake already, so it was mostly for them to say hello to each other, before my little ray of sunshine took over the spotlight. Everyone got a kick out of him and many also commented on how much Joshie looked like Dion. They also told me how wonderful it was that Dion had decided to name the baby after me, so I admitted I was greatly honored that he had done it. I also let them hold Joshie, if they wanted.

I don’t know what it is about older people and babies, but suddenly this roomful of adults began talking baby talk and making silly faces. I was getting a bigger kick out of watching them making fools of themselves than I was in seeing Joshie’s reactions to what they were doing.

Joshie was very good about being passed around the room, but I guess it comes from being passed around our large family. He has come to accept different people holding him, although whenever he glanced up at Jake or me he would break into a huge grin. I guess this meant he obviously recognized who we were.

After we’d spent some time doing this, we said our good-byes and took Joshie home. He fell asleep on the ride back, so I just changed him into his nightclothes and put him in his crib. He never even woke up. He is such a good baby.

Over the next couple of weeks, I had a great deal I wanted to do, so I’d be ready when the college boys returned home for the summer. I had their graduation party to prepare for, as well as getting things together for the commitment ceremony. I cleaned the house from top to bottom, sent everyone’s suits to be dry-cleaned, ordered the various things we would need for the two events and made certain the extended family and friends knew what would be happening and when. We were going to try to hold everything on the same weekend, so those traveling to join us could be part of both events in one trip.

The college boys were graduating first and I suspected there might be some conflicts in when the ceremonies would be held, but it worked out that there weren’t. Brandon’s graduation ceremony was going to be held on Saturday, May 6th, while Danny wouldn’t graduate until the following Saturday, May 13th. Kevin’s college was holding their commencement on Thursday, May 18th and the high school boys’ graduation ceremony was being held on Saturday, May 20th, so everything seemed to be falling into place.

Since the high school graduation was the final event, we would hold the combined party during the afternoon and evening after the high school boys’ ceremony. Even though the party probably wouldn’t end until early morning, everyone would still have to get up and attend church the next day. That would be followed by brunch and then we’d go back to the church to hold the commitment ceremony.

I quickly ran all of this by Jake, to make certain I hadn’t missed or overlooked anything, and then we set up a schedule for home. It would be a very hectic couple of weeks, but I knew we’d get through it, and hopefully still in one piece.