A Soldier's Thoughts

Houston Texas 1928

A chance meeting of a young couple who fall in love

“Joe And Nippy”

She looks his way, smiles & blushes. He thinks to himself; how Beautiful but should he? He speaks to her, My name is Joe: She just Smiles & stares directly into his eyes almost hypnotically. Both their Hearts are as thunder pounding in their chest. The flames of Desire are raging within their Souls, almost exploding outward & engulfing them within the Fire of Ecstasy. Finally almost shakingly, she replies; Hi, my name is Nippy: She looks at him as if begging him to kiss her! Then, without thought; He Embraces her within his arms passionately & kisses her inviting moist lips! They’ve never met, but yet; it’s as if they’ve known one another all their lives. What magic is this that brought them together? Both have longed for love but never found it. Total Bliss has found fit to spray them with the scent of the other’s pheromones & they’re overcome with the hunger for passion & all it brings with it, no matter the consequences! Nothing can separate this mysterious bond that holds them at this moment in time. What will their next move be? He looks into her eyes as he savours the taste of the erotic potion from within her mouth that has left him somewhat intoxicated. He presses his lips against hers once more. He Breathes in her breath as if he needs it to survive as does she his. He breaks & whispers into her ear. The warmth of his breath makes her quiver & she begins to breathe hard. He kisses her long slim neck, tasting her essence as if he was licking candy; slowly moving down to her breast, & using is fingers to unbutton what must be undone. She can’t help herself but to call out “I love you!” But how can this be? They’ve only just met! His hand is like a finder, mapping every erotic zone & curve of this Goddess of Love called Nippy, as she quivers, moans & breaths ever so erratically! Before they knew it, they find themselves in a secluded Motel Room in town they call Houston! Soon they’re past the point of no return. Naked Bodies rubbing skin to skin riding the wings of Bliss. Feeding the burn, melding their Souls in the Passion’s Fire & fulfilling every unimaginable Desire. Tasting the deliciousness of Ecstasy at it’s highest point & savouring it unto no end. Enticed by each & every touch throughout the night entangled in the web of Love. Thunder rolls across the bed rumbling & shaking as if a quake erupted! He bathes her length with his lips & tongue. As he reaches the forbidden fruit, hidden between her thighs; her body begins to arch & suddenly screams out with pleasure begging for more! He obliged her with enthusiasm. All through the night baking in heated passion bound together as if inseparable; they thrive to please each other. Never have they known that pleasure this sweet existed. Deep into the night & into the Dawn they experienced more pleasure than they ever thought possible. When they can go no more, drenched in sweat of Desire; they look into the other’s eyes, smile, kiss & say Wow! They fall asleep embraced within the interlock of Love. What will become of theses Lovers? Is this really true Love? Was this meant to be Destiny? Or will this be just a one night stand? Joe awakes a few hours later & gets up, showers & dresses. He sits in a chair & just stares at his sleeping Beauty & debates with himself whether to leave or not. Does he want this to be or not ? He gets up & walks out the door! He gets a mile down the road, then thinks to himself: “I love Her”! He turns around, stops, picks up a couple cups of coffee & some doughnuts. He goes back to the room but it’s too late…… Nippy’s gone! He thinks: where has she gone? Why did I leave, if only I had stayed here!…..

After a while, Joe leaves the room & heads home. He lives North about an hour from Houston. He can’t get Nippy off his mind. Did he really just lose the girl of his Dreams. The only one he loves & has been waiting for all his life. What will he do?

He reaches home & stops at the ZEP Diner. He’s hungry, his night has been long & he hasn’t ate! He walks into the Diner & suddenly; he’s pleasantly surprised to see Nippy. My God, he says to himself: Is it really her? Nippy he calls out….

She turns, smiles & comes running into his arms!!! He asks her: Why did you leave? I got back to the room & found you gone. She replies: I thought you didn’t want to have anything more to do with me! My God he says: Nippy, I love you! I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Nippy begins to cry! Joe asks: Why are you crying my love! Nippy replies: Because I prayed for this moment. Because I love you Silly! Joe & Nippy talk a while about all that has happened & how amazing the night had been. It has to be Fate they agree that brought them together. Charles Joseph (Joe) & Napau (Nippy) Brodeur get married & have children! They live happily until Joe’s death in 1967.

~A Second Generation Love Story~

Gainesville Florida 1972

Charles Loves Candy

He notices her while having lunch at the local cafe one rainy afternoon.She’s beautiful beyond any woman he’d ever seen. Long black silky hair, an oval face with dark almond shaped eyes & arched brow; She could hypnotize a man with a glance! Her jawline is smooth & her nose slim, she has beautiful full pouting lips & a figure Aphrodite would be jealous of! He can’t take his eyes off her. He notices she’s having some kind of time getting a table as the cafe is rather popular & crowded this day. Being a Gentleman, he offers to share his table with her. He’s pleasantly surprised when she accepts! He walks her to his table, pulls out the chair for her & gently pushes it in as she sits down. She’s rather impressed. He introduces himself. My name is Charles: What’s yours if I may ask? Candace, but they call me Candy she replies! He thinks to himself Candy, WOW; I’ll say. But then he says to himself: Slow down Charles, mind yourself, she’s a nice girl & you just did a nice thing! He asks her if he could buy her lunch, she replies; really? You want to buy me lunch, why? Just because, he replies! She says: Well then Charles, I would be happy to have you buy me lunch, thank you so much! That’s so very nice of you! He smiles at her & she at him & so begins a relationship that becomes more than either can ever imagine. After lunch they sit & just talk awhile. He asks if he can walk her home & she says: I’d be delighted. So he did just that & not one time did he step out of line. They walked & talked, stopped for ice cream & even visited the Pet Store where he proudly bought her a puppy she named Charlie. When they arrived at her home, she took out her key & handed it to him. He opened her door & she stepped inside! Charles said Goodnight & started to walk off but Candy calls to him: You’re not coming in? He turns & replies: Yeah, If it’s ok? Candy smiles & says: Of course it’s ok Silly, I just invited you; so let’s build us a fire & put that Fireplace to good use! So Charles built a fire while Candy made a bed for Charlie & put some food & water down. After, she got a couple Wine glasses, a Bottle of Chardonnay & they sat down in front of the fire, talked, laughed & had a wonderful time. It was like they were meant for each other. Before they knew it, the Sun was coming up! They’d spent the day & night together. Charles thought to himself: I don’t want to go! I have to, I need to! I think I’m falling in love with this girl. Candy, He says: I have to go to work. I never enjoyed myself more in my life like I did with you. She replies: Charles, Likewise! Then she wraps her arms around his neck, presses her lips passionately against his & gives him a kiss to remember….. He stands there with the biggest grin on his face as he asks: Can I see you again? Now Charles she says: I don’t go around kissing just anybody. Here’s my number! I’ll be expecting a call from you today? … You bet he replies! He leaves with his heart beating like a locomotive. He never felt like this before. He thinks to himself: Am I in love? Never, not me, not Charles Joseph Newport III. Yes, I am in love. Thank you God…… Charles was beside himself. Happiness was in his heart. When he got to work, first thing he did was order Five dozen red roses for Candy & had them delivered to her house. Then he called & asked her to dinner. She accepted & this made him even more happy. His friends couldn’t believe the difference in Charles. He was a hard worker & an excellent architect, but didn’t smile much. There definitely was something going on with him…. Charles couldn’t hardly wait to get off & home to get ready for his date. Finally, 4:00pm Freedom! Charles clocked out & took off like “The Flash” headed home to get ready. He got dressed, headed to Candy’s, stopping only to grab a single rose as a sign of affection! He reached Candy’s at 6:00pm sharp & before he could ring the doorbell, she opened the door & says: Wow! Aren’t you the handsome one. Charles looks at her & can’t believe that she’s even more beautiful than the day before. Long red dress, dark red suede lace-up platforms. An antique pearl necklace & matching ring. Her hair was brushed & hanging naturally down her back. Her make-up was light, as she really didn’t need it. This woman was a Goddess. He says to her: Candy, you look absolutely ravishing. I brought this for you! He handed her the single rose, she began to cry. He asks: Why are you crying? Did I do something wrong? No, she replies: You did everything right Charles. I’m crying because I’m happy. I’m really happy. Now let’s go to dinner, I’m hungry! Charles took her to a place Uptown called Alioto’s. Best Italian food ever. They even have a Violin player who plays for you while you eat. Later they’ll play so you can dance romantically. Candy fell in love with the place right off! The couple sat down & ordered wine & cheese to start off. Listened to music for awhile then ordered Spaghetti & Meatballs. This place is the bomb Charles says to himself. He can see how happy Candy is & that makes him happy. They finished up their dinner & ordered more wine. Then as custom so calls for, they danced. They danced for hours until finally the owner had to close up. Charles took her home, but this time; Candy asked him to stay! It was Friday night, but at this point he didn’t care. He replies: Darling, if you really want me to stay, I want to! So they sat on the end of the bed for a few moments, just smiled at the other, embraced, kissed & one thing leading to the other; an ecstasy of love begun! Charles never fancied himself an Artist of Love. But this night, as it should; just came naturally! Kissing her wet sweet pouting lips, tasting the intoxicating potion from within, drunkening himself with her sweetness, he moves to her ear & gently blows into it. She’s aroused as his warm breath touches her skin! He moves down her neck gently nibbling while caressing her breast with his fingers. Soon his animal instincts take over as he bathes her length with his lips. Her breast, round & firm, graced with a dark areola. Her nipples perfectly sized & erect as he takes them between his teeth; gently spanking them one at a time with his tongue. Then gives special attention to the areola as if it was a mound of chocolate not to be wasted. Moving downward, mapping every curve, carefully marking her erogenous zones; he’s on the hunt for the Tree Of Life & the fruit it bares; hidden in the middle of Paradise & deep within the Garden of Eden. Her body quivers, she moans & he can feel her heart pounding as he nears his prize. She’s breathing erratically & her moans become louder. He enters Eden, sensing the fruit, gently takes it between his lips & begins to drink from the Tree of Life! He massages it’s meat with his tongue, in a back & forth motion causing sweet nectar to flow. Her body arches & screams out in pleasure, only to beg for more. He’s happy to oblige her. Soon he tends to the rest of the garden, tasting all there is to partake! His fingers playfully walks the garden’s bed, simultaneously; as he takes every drop from the fruit, quenching his erotic thirst. Candy is jumping out of herself with pleasure & can hardly bare it. He begins his journey back up this path of Paradise, caressing her length with his lips being careful to stop & pay attention to his markings! Keeping her wanting for more. He reaches her face, kisses her; looks into her eyes & says: Candy, I love you. God knows I love you! She replies: So do I & I love you too Charles! They make love all through the night & into dawn. Later they toast their love with a glass of wine & fall asleep embraced in the other’s arms. Charles was deep in Dream, when he experienced what he believed to be Candy Kissing him. Slowly in a state of pleasure he woke! Charlie, the puppy he bought her was licking his ears & had been lapping up the saliva around his mouth. He shook it off & moved him aside, looked to see Candy was not laying next to him. Suddenly the aroma of deliciousness coming from her kitchen caught his senses! She was making breakfast. He was starving & in need of coffee. He sits up on the edge of the bed & tells himself: Man I need a shower! Candy enters the room with a tray of food. He hadn’t had Breakfast in bed before. French toast, fresh Strawberries, Bacon, eggs & a small pot of coffee. He feels like a King. Wow he says to her, Thanks, that looks great! & smiles! She replies: My pleasure Charles! She tells him: After you eat, the shower is through that door. He thinks to himself: This girl is all that & more!, I can’t believe how lucky I am…… He eats every bite, drinks his coffee & jumps in the shower. Candy opens the Bathroom door & places clean towels on the rack, gets in the shower with him. She just smiles, asks him: Do you mind? She slowly begins to wash his body, all the time looking at him with those beautiful hypnotic eyes. He thinks to himself: How pray tell, can I say no! Aroused suddenly they’re making love in the shower! Afterwards; they get dressed & sit in the kitchen drinking coffee just talking. He says Darling: I’m going to dinner at my Mother’s in the Country tonight & would be honored if you would join me? He wanted his Mother to meet her. Candy smiles & replies: Charles, I love you & of course I’d be delighted! He tells her: I have to go home for a change of clothes but, I’ll be back to pick you up at 4:00pm. As he walks out the door, he kisses her & says: Darling I love you! So Charles left for his house to change clothes, all the time thinking of his last couple days & the girl who’s entered his life! He called his Mother & told her he’d be bringing a guest with him tonight! She was happy to hear it. She worried about him being alone. Charles arrived back at Candy’s 4:00pm sharp! She was ready & waiting for him! She opens the door & says: Well Charles, how do I look? He replies you’re looking most beautiful as always Darling! She was wearing a yellow dress, somewhat conservative. Black high heels. A pair of small crosses adorned her ears. Her hair was brushed & hanging naturally down her back. Charles loved that she had long black hair! She knows how to dress he thinks to himself: My Mother is going to love her!

They get in his car & head to the Country. Candy sings all the way. She has a Beautiful voice. She says: I use to sing in a choir until a few years ago. I love to sing! They arrived at his Mother’s at around 6:00pm. She lived in a Mansion in Madison County. Candy asks in Awe: Charles, are you rich? He laughs & replies, No, My Mother is! My Father was in Oil…. Candy can’t believe how beautiful this place is…. They walk up the steps, Charles rings the Bell; The Butler opens the door & escorts them into the Drawing room. Mother Newport walks in, smiles & gives her son a kiss on the cheek. She greets Candy, smiles at her & says: Lovely, how lovely you are my Dear! What’s your name? Candy replies: Candace Mam! Well Candace, you’re most welcome here, now let’s eat; I’m famished, simply famished! They go into the Main dining room & are seated. The table is long, wide & made of Mahogany. Candy thinks to herself: How beautiful is this! Candles, Silver, China & two sets of Glasses each magnificently adorning the table. Fruit & beautiful Flower arrangements are also present. The Butler opens a Bottle of Château Pétrus & pours a small amount for Charles to taste. He approves & his Glass is filled, then each of the Ladies glasses are poured. Mother Newport raises her glass to Candy, smiles & winks. They’re served dinner & talk about Charles & how he’s so much like his Father Joe…. She says: He’d be so proud ! He passed a few years back! He was the only man I ever loved! Candy & his Mother got along perfectly & both had excellent taste in wine. After dinner, when they are alone for a few minutes; Mother Newport says: Candace, Charles has never brought a girl home to meet me. He must really like you! Do you love him? She replies: Yes Mam, I do! Good Mother Newport says: He needs someone like you & I’m glad it’s you my Dear! When it was time to go, they were saying their Goodbyes; His Mother whispers in her son’s ear, You better marry her: I want Grandchildren! It was 11:00pm by the time they got on the road. It was a two hour trip at least. They stopped about Midway & got coffee. He asks Candy: What do you think of my Mother? Charles she says: I was so nervous when I seen that house, but when I met your Mother; I loved her, I absolutely loved her! Thank you Charles for allowing me to meet her. Charles is happy that his Mother & Candy got along so well. He turns to Candy & says: I love you! Thank you for honoring me with your company! He kisses her & they head home! They arrive back at Candy’s house about 1:30am, they are tired. Candy asks: You’re staying, right? Charles replies: Definitely! They go inside, check on Charlie, Candy asks: Want a Nightcap? He replies: Please? She pulls out the glasses & a bottle of Cabernet. He cracks it open, pours each of them a glass & toasted her: To Candy, more beautiful than the Morning Rose! She just smiles, kisses him & says: Charles: You’re a true Gentleman! She lifts her glass to him, winks & smiles. After one drink, they go to bed, embrace & kiss. They just fall asleep, bonded together on the train to Slumberland; where they would meet in a Dream called Love! When they wake, Candy tells him: Hurry, I want to go to Church! He replies: Oh, ok, right! They get dressed & off to Church they are. They’re both non-denominational, & find themselves at “The Church of All Faiths”! Charles hadn’t been to Church since before Vietnam, he doesn’t know why he stopped attending; but this just feels right! He’s with Candy & proud to be. He says a prayer & thanks God for bringing Candy into his life. Never before has he been so happy as he is now! After Church he takes Candy to a Sidewalk Cafe for lunch. After eating, he asks her; Would you like to go to a Movie? She replies: Oh yes, I love the Cinema Charles! I would love to go! She makes him feel like a King every time she speaks! So they go to the Movies, sees “Love Story” & She cries so hard when Jenny dies! She takes a phrase from one scene that Jenny spoke: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”! She tells him: those words mean so much! After the Movie he takes her to dinner & later home. He explains that he has to work the next day & needs to go home for the night. She replies sadly: Charles, I understand & I respect a man that keeps his responsibilities! I love you & we’ll see each other tomorrow! Besides, we can talk on the phone! Now go get some rest, I love you! He replies: I love you, really I do! Goodnight Darling! All the way home, all he thought of was how much he loved this girl & how lucky he was to be in that Cafe on Thursday afternoon! About 9:00pm or so, Candy calls him & says: Charles: Before you go to sleep, I want to tell you Goodnight & I love you. Sleep well & dream of me? Charles replies: I love you Darling, know this to be true: With all my heart you are my every wish & I will surely dream of you. Goodnight Darling. They hung up, Charles goes to sleep & does indeed dream of his Candy! The two of them date for about six months before Charles takes her to Alioto’s for dinner one special night. He knows how much she loves this place!

The Proposal

He’s previously made arrangements with the staff to have a Violinist come to the table & play an Italian love song & sing the lyrics. He pulls out a box, gets down on one knee, at his Candy’s feet & says: Darling, I’ve loved you from the very moment we met. I thank God every day for that day, that Cafe & that need you had for a table. Because it brought us together! I love you beyond Life itself & would gladly give mine for yours. I need you by my side & couldn’t bare the thought of not. Darling: Will you give me the honor of your hand in marriage? He opens the box, takes out an elegant 2ct Round Diamond Engagement Ring set in Platinum & slips it on her finger. She gasps & replies: Yes, oh yes Charles! Yes, yes, yes! I love you so much & you’re all I need or want in this world! She stands up, wraps her arms around him, kisses him & says Charles: You’ve made me the happiest woman in the world. If only my parents were alive, they’d be so happy! They would’ve loved you! But let’s dance? They dance until closing time & the owner asks them stay for a time longer to have a Congratulatory glass of wine with him. After, on the way home; Charles asked Candy: What happened to your parents? She replies sadly: When I was Sixteen, they perished in a plane crash over the mountains. I miss them very much, but now, somehow I know they’re happy for me! She smiles & goes on: They always wanted the best for there little girl, & Charles: You are the Best! If my Father was here, he himself would’ve chose you for me! The next weekend, they go to dinner with his Mother! They give her the news & she’s overwhelmed with joy! She grabs Candy by the hand & says: My Dear, let us girls make some plans, oh, & call me Mom! She Giggled & was acting like Charles had never seen before, almost like a schoolgirl! She turns & says: Congratulations Son, you have made an old lady very happy. You two don’t worry yourselves about anything, Im paying for this party, ‘O, I so love Weddings! Charles Joseph Newport III & Candice Anne Langley were married at his Mother’s Mansion. All of Madison County attended, as well as; every friend of Charles & Candy. Charles’ sister Josephine & her husband Robert drove in from North Carolina, two brothers Michael & Louis flew in from Dallas. Candy asked Chef Alioto to walk her down the Aisle & give her away….. It was a beautiful wedding! The Madison County Journal reported it as the event of the year! Charles & Candy gave not one, but four grandchildren to Mother Newport, who took every opportunity to spoil them!… Napua (Nippy) Brodeur Newport passed 14 years later & was buried next to Joe. Knowing her; Candy understood why Charles was such a good man! She strived to teach her children the values of their Grandmother. Charles & Candy moved into the Mansion as Nippy had Willed & lived a long & happy life. They raised their children & all were successful & carried their Grandmother’s values!

Third Generation

Key Largo, Florida 2004

“Harry and Julia”

I was 12 years old when our Grandmother passed, but I’ve never forgotten what she told us: Be kind, Honest, Hard working & Proud of who you are! Never forget where you came from! Grandma Nippy would tell us stories of her & my Grandfather “Joe”. He was an Oilman through & through. He met her in Houston, when it was just a small Oil town; where they fell in love. She always told us he was her Knight in Shining Armor. He passed some years later. We never got to meet him, but we knew him nevertheless; Our Grandmother made sure of that! My name is Harold Joseph Newport & this is my Story: I always said to myself, Harry: You’re going places! I’m lucky to have had the parents I did, because they taught me to go after my Dreams. After returning from Afghanistan & being discharged from the Army, I did just that! I love the Sea & am Captain of the “Willow”, best little Tour Boat in “The Keys”! Always liked going it alone & never thought about getting married until I met Julia. She, along with friends hired “The Willow” to tour the 113 Mile journey across the prettiest Islands this side of Heaven! She was more than Beautiful, she was a Dream come true & my heart nearly stopped when I saw her! Suddenly, going it alone wasn’t important to me anymore! I said to myself: Harry, you’re gonna marry that girl; so I did everything possible to get her attention. After returning to the shore of Key Largo, I ask her to dinner & to my surprise she says: Yes, I was hoping you would to ask me out! My heart begins to pound in my chest. I’m ecstatic! So begins my journey of Love!!! I make reservations at “Sundowners”, It’s famous for foods of the Caribbean. I arrive at the “Hotel Marriott” on the Bay & knock on her hotel door, Room# 103 at 6:00 pm sharp. She opens the door! Hi Harry, you’re right on time! I’m looking at a real Lady. She is absolutely Gorgeous & I’m nervous as Hell! We arrive at “Sundowners” at 7:30pm. We order Shrimp & Mahi with Lemongrass sauce, White wine & Arora Marti for desert. The meal is absolutely delicious. We enjoy ourselves immensely. It’s like we’re made for each other! After dinner I take her Dancing at the “Caribbean” Club. I’m with the prettiest girl there & proud of it! We dance until closing. On the way back to her hotel, we stop for coffee & we talk until dawn. I don’t want it to ever end but I know I have to get her back to her room. When we get to her door, I just kiss her. She looks at me, smiles, wraps her arms around me & kisses me, really kisses me; she says; Harry, I had a wonderful time. Thank you. I ask her: Can I see you again? Of course she says: I’m free today! Call me, you got the number!!! Ok I reply, I will certainly call you! She winks at me & says: See you later Alligator & shuts the door. I kicked my feet together & tell myself: God you’re lucky Harry….

I give her time to get some sleep, call her & ask: What do you want to do today? She replies: I want to see the Dolphins swim Harry, I love Dolphins Harry; can you take me to see the Dolphins? I answer: Your wish is my Command Milady! I pick her up at 2:00pm, she’s wearing Shorts with a Black Bandeau. She’s Beautiful & I’m in awe! We take the “Willow” out to see the Dolphins swim. She says: I always loved Dolphins. They bring you luck you know? They brought us together Harry! She asks: Harry, Do you believe in love at first sight? I say: I do indeed. I fell in love with you at first sight! She replies: I know Harry, I sensed it. Harry she says: I love you too! We get back to Shore at 8:00pm or so & go for dinner at the Hotel. Afterwards, I escort her up to her room & open the door for her! Harry she says: Stay with me tonight? I answer: Of course I will! This night is the beginning of the rest of my life! We stand a moment by the bed, & just look at each other. I take her in my arms, caress her face; look into her eyes & say: I love you! She replies: Me too my Harry, I love you! I gently lay her down on the bed. Her beauty takes my breath away & she is my every Dream. I begin to caress her body with my lips. Like a Panther on the prowl, I taste her every essence moving downward; as if searching for my next meal. I find myself between her thighs, hungering for what awaits me. I taste the hanging fruit & it’s sweet. She quivers & moans, calling my name. I’m aroused & can feel myself throbbing. I move my tongue up & downward, slipping it inside & out of her; driving her insane with pleasure. I return to the fruit of life, for the much anticipated nectar about to flow. I take it between my lip’s hitting it with my tongue in a fast motion until she explodes, releasing her love juices. I waste not a drop as it drunkens me with ecstasy. I move back to her side & say: I love you. She looks at me & replies: I love you too. She sits up, forces me down as she moves to take my throbbing Manhood into her mouth, pumping it dry. The pain of ecstasy is great & lasting, as she’s careful to draw it out slowly. She sits up, smiles at me, then returns to my side, stroking me until I become aroused again. We make love until both of us are exhausted, falling asleep embraced in each other’s arms. When we awake we talk about us. Then she says: Harry, I’ve got to go home to Louisiana tomorrow Harry! I didn’t know what to say! I ask: Don’t go? I say: You can’t, besides I want you to meet my Parents. They live in Madison County, about 3 hours from here. Please Darling stay? She answers: Ok Hary. I’ll stay. I love you Harry, & I want to meet your parents. Ok then I say, it’s settled! I will call my Mother today & let her know. I call my mother that evening & tell her I’m bringing a girl home to meet her tomorrow. She’s out of her mind with happiness. She says: Harold, it’s about time son! I call Julia & tell her: we’re expected at my parents house tomorrow. We both decide to rest up so we’re at our best for Mother & Father. I pick Julia up at 8:00am & we head for the Airport. Madison County is approximately 740 miles from Key Largo so, flying is the way to go! We land at Valdosta Regional Airport, in Georgia at 1:30pm. Madison County is nestled in the corner of Florida Bordering Georgia. Father picks us up & is happy to see me. He asks: And who do we have here son? I answer: Father, this is Julia & I’m madly in love with her! He turns to me, smiles & says: Well, that is good news! Turns to Julia, says: I’m very happy to meet you. Now let’s go home, Mother’s expecting us! The Mansion my Parents live in is only 30 minutes from the Airport. My Grandmother left it to us. It’s a Beautiful old place, but much to large for me. We reach Newport Mansion & my Mother is sitting on a swing out in the Courtyard waiting for us. I’m reminded of my days here as a child & how much time my Grandma Nippy spent with us. She taught us how to be who we are, & my Mother carried it over to our adulthood. Mother’s happy to see us. As soon as we step out of the car, she asks: Lemonade? All at once we answer: Please? Mother I say: I would like to introduce you to Julia. Father adds: And he’s madly in love with her! Smiles & raises his lemonade in a toast! Mother says: ‘O Goodie, that’s wonderful news, wonderful indeed. Come on, let’s sit here in the shade & catch up! She takes Julia by the hand and says: You sit here Dear, next to me. I want to get to know you. The two of them get along really well. Mother likes her, I can tell! We talk for hours, until we hear the Dinner bell! Dinner is served says the Butler! We go inside & are seated at the table. That huge table I remember so well. I whispered to Julia: What do you think of them my Love? She smiles & replies: I love them so much. Harry, I didn’t know you were rich! I say: I’m not my love, My Grandparents were in Oil & my parents inherited the place, not that they needed it. My father & Mother did quite well on their own. I had everything I ever needed growing up! Julia says: It’s all just Beautiful, Harry; I love you! I’m so happy you brought me here. Thank you Harry!

After dinner I propose to her, on one knee. I slip the ring on her finger & Say: My Darling;

~My heart in aches to hold you close

thundering in of storm~

~Sending bursts of lightning strokes

throughout my mortal form~

~Of that my soul in catches fire

raging through of through~

~Spewing flames of hot desire

burning love of you~

~I would walk ten thousand miles

slay a Beast from Hell-

~To lay beside you just a while

and know you to be well-

~To embrace you in my mortal arms

kiss your pouting lips~

~Hold you of one hundred yarns

hurling unto bliss~

~You rule my every thought of day

in paint my every dream~

~Shower me in sweet array

caress me with your gleam~

~You are my every longing of

my every heart’s desire~

~My one in only Goddess of love

within my soul of fire~

~I would climb the highest high

swim the deepest deep~

~Just to look into your eyes

in hold you in my keep~

~I would ride the wind of Hurricanes

cross of sea afire~

~Suffer one thousand times of pain

bathe in of Pariahs~

~Just to hold you of embrace

kiss your lips of wine~

~Brush the tender of your face

be of so divine~

I love you Julia, Will you Marry me?

She stands & begins to cry in happiness. She replies: Yes my Darling, I’ll Marry you! My Mother is crying too! She says: Harold, I never knew you were so poetic. I say: Mother I love you, can we have the wedding here? She replies: Of course you can son! Just like us, right Charles? Yes Dear he says! My Father shakes my hand, says: I’m proud of you Son & hugs Julia. Welcome to the Family Julia he says! The Butler brings in a Bottle of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Brut Gold Champagne. My Mother always had impeccable taste in wine. She had that in common with Grandma Nippy. It’s already iced down, I think my Mother sensed I would propose tonight! The Butler pours each of us a glass, my Father; raises his Glass in a toast & says: May you be as Happy as we are! We raise our glasses back, & Mother adds: Here Here! I never seen my parents as happy as they are this night! I married Julia Rae Marcantel 3 months later, on the grounds of Newport Mansion just like my Parents before me. Her parents flew in from Shreveport Louisiana & her Father, The Rev. James Ray Marcantel, walked her down the aisle. He & her Mother Rachael became close friends with my parents & remain so today! My siblings attended & were part of the Wedding. My sister Jamie drove in from Little Rock with her husband Bill, she was the “Maid of Honor”! My 2 Brothers Richard & Lewis flew in from Dallas. Richard is the oldest & was my “Best Man”. We’re expecting our first child, a boy; in 6 months & we’ve never been happier. My parents are already buying out the Baby stores & Julia’s are in strong competition!

Shreveport Louisiana

GOOD SAMARITAN FUNERAL HOME

December 15, 2009

~Tragedy Strikes~

Standing over the only woman I’ve ever loved, looking down at her seemingly asleep & lying in a Casket; I can’t help but to be angry at God! My Son, John Ross (JR) is without his mother & I my wife. I’m doing all I can to hold it together for him! It happened suddenly! She had headaches, but never once complained. She would take a couple Tylenol, smile & say: There, that’s better! Until one day, she was giving JR a bath & passed out on the Bathroom floor. I took her to the Emergency room, they called Dr Rivera; her personal Physician. X Rays revealed the unimaginable. He entered the room & gave us the bad news: The diagnoses showed she had a Tumor! I almost died when I heard that word, to make it worse; it was inoperable by that time! She had just weeks to live….. She went to sleep one night & just didn’t wake up! My Julia was gone! I took her home to Madison County for burial in our Family plot. Her parents made the trip with me… Julia’s Father, The Rev James Ray Marcantel officiated. He had great strength, I don’t know how he managed. My parents, Sister & Brothers were there & did all they could to comfort me! My parents offered to take JR for a while, but I explained: I needed him with me!

Key Largo

Christmas Day

2011

I wake up to my son jumping on me yelling in excitement: JR’s calling me:~Daddy, come on Daddy, Santa came! Wake up Daddy, hurry up!~ I think to myself: Seven years of joy! I reply: ~Okay Buddy, I’m coming!~ I get up, go in the Living room & pull his gifts from under the tree. It’s been two years since I buried his Mother & I still mourn her. Christmas was always her favorite time of year & she loved decorating the tree. Our ornament hangs on this one, two Christmas Dolphin with the words (Harry Loves Julia); bringing back so many memories! Suddenly, the Doorbell rings & JR says: ~Daddy, Daddy, it’s Miss Covington~ Mary Covington, JR’s Teacher) He’s quite taken with her! I open the door, she Greets me: ~Hello Mr Newport & Merry Christmas, I’ve brought my favorite student a present, If that’s alright?~ I answer: ~Merry Christmas to you too & of course it’s alright, Thank you! Come in please~ She gives JR an Easel, a packet of art paper & Chalk! She Notes: ~He’s very talented!~ ~I say Thank you!~ She explains: ~I enjoy working with John Ross very much. He’s quite a child, you’re doing a fine job with him!~ I remark: Thanks! She seemed a little shy… She asks: ~Mr Newport, I hope you don’t think me too forward but; I’d like to invite you & John Ross to Christmas Dinner at my home tonight, please accept?~ She catches me off guard: I reply: ~We’d be delighted Miss Covington, thank you!~ She smiles at me: & replies ~Okay, I’ll expect you at 6:00pm, here’s my address!~ She turns, walks towards the door & pauses, turns & says: And please, call me Mary? I respond: ~6:00pm, we’ll be there; Thank you Mary!~ As she walks to her car, I stand at the door thinking what an amazing woman! I watch her get into her car & leave. I close the door. For the first time in a couple years, I’m looking forward to going out! I tell JR: We’re going to eat dinner with Miss Covington tonight JR reacts: ~Yeaaaa! Daddy, you know what Daddy? I love Miss Covington, she’s my favorite Teacher; Daddy, I’m hungry!~ I think to myself: Me too & I can use a cup of coffee! I cook scrambled eggs with Cheese & Bacon bits, Toast & pour my Son a glass of milk! Julia use to cook it all the time & besides; it’s JR’s favorite! We eat, dress & spend some quality Daddy Son time together! It’s Christmas Day & there’s a Carousel in the park. I take him to the to ride it. We get home by 1:00pm! I put him down for a nap. I haven’t been able to get Miss Covington out of my mind! She’s quite a looker. I think to myself: It’s been a while, Damn it’s been a good while! I’ve been hesitant to date, I guess I’ve felt guilty. I miss Julia, I miss holding her in my arms; she was my heart & soul! But maybe it’s time! She always said: ~Harry, if something was to happen to me; I want you to find someone! I know you love me! Please Harry?, I don’t want you to be alone!~ Julia was the best thing that ever happened to me! I get my Son dressed in his Sunday’s best. I dress & we head for Miss Covington’s house. She lives about 20 minutes from us near the Overseas Hwy. We arrive at 6:00pm sharp & knock on the door. She opens the door & says: ~Right on time, & how handsome you are today!~ I respond: ~Thank you! She corrects me: ~I was talking to John Ross! She winks & smiles at me: JR says: ~Yes Mam, just like my Daddy.~ She smiles at me again & says: ~I see, very handsome indeed.~ JR asks: ~Miss Covington, I sure hope you have pie, I love pie!~ -She answers: ~Just for you~ JR reacts: ~Yeaaaa!~ He runs into the house. She smiles at me: & says: ~I hope you’re hungry!~ I answer: ~I’m starving!~ Her smile reminds me ofJulia. She has dark green eyes & long black hair. Slender & quite beautiful. We go into the Living room & she offers me a mixed drink. I accept & we toast a Merry Christmas to all! We go into the Dining room & sit down at the table: I observe: ~Wow, this is quite a spread!~ She Notes: ~It’s Christmas & my favorite time of year!~ Again I’m reminded of Julia: She adds: Mr Newport, would you say Grace?~ I do, we eat & have a wonderful time. After dinner, I help her clear the table & do dishes. When finished, we notice JR falls asleep on the couch & she covers him. We sit & talk, for hours: She asks: Mr (I interrupt) & asks: ~Please, call me Harry?~ She continues: ~Harry, what happened to your wife? I’ve never talked to anyone about her but this time I do: I explain- ~Julia passed two years ago. She had a Brain Tumor! She just went to sleep one day & never woke up! I haven’t been happy, really happy except for my Son; since she passed!~ She asks: ~Let’s have a drink?~ We crack a bottle, sit & talk for hours: I mention: ~It’s late, I should get JR home.~ she says: ~Harry, thank you for coming. I had a good time. Be careful?~ She kisses me on the cheek:. I respond: ~We will, & thank you for dinner! It’s been some time since I’ve had a meal like that.~ She smiles & closes the door slowly. I see her watching us through the window & I think to myself: I’m going to ask her out! We get home & I put JR to bed. I lay in mine, not able to sleep. I can’t get her out of my mind! It’s Monday morning & JR’s sitter arrives. I have a tour around the Islands today! A week left of Vacation for JR! I kiss my Son Goodbye, leave instructions with the sitter & off to the Boat! I arrive at the Dock where the “Willow’s” tied. The Cunningham party is already waiting. We board my boat & push off. We get back to shore at 6:30pm. Mr Cunningham pays me & thanks me for a great day. I give him my card & say ~My pleasure Sir!~ They leave & I secure the “Willow”! I call Mary & say: ~Mary, this is Harry; I’d like to ask you out for tomorrow evening?~ -She replies: ~I’ d really like to go out with you Harry, so Yes!~ I’m thinking Dinner & Dancing afterwards?~ She answers: ~That sounds wonderful Harry!~ I Note: ~I’ll pick you up at 8:00pm if that’s okay?~ She replies ~Of course Harry, I’ll be ready!~ We hang up & I go home. JR is playing on the kitchen floor & the sitter is doing dishes. After she finishes I pay her & say: ~Thank you Nancy!~ She says: ~My pleasure Mr Newport, he’s such a good kid!~ She leaves, I bathe JR & put him to bed. I shower, have a glass of wine & I go to bed. I sleep like a Baby….. I wake in the morning to the doorbell. It’s the sitter, She says: Good morning Mr Newport~ I say: ~Good morning Nancy! I overslept but luckily my tour doesn’t start until 9:30am.~ I wash up, shave & brush my teeth. I kiss my Son goodbye & head for the Boat! An older couple by the name of Jacobs had hired the “Willow” to tour the Reefs. We get back to shore by 5:00pm.They pay me twice what I asked & mention they know my parents: I say Really?~ He says: ~Yes, & you’re a spitting image of Charlie. I use to work with him at the Firm in 72. You have a great day now, you hear & say Hi to your Dad for me?~ I reply~ Yes sir, I will. Thank you Sir!~ I get home at 6:30pm, pay Nancy & let her go home! Joshua’s Mother called & asked if JR could spend the night with her Son. I said yes! I shower & dress. By the time I drop JR off at Joshua’s, pick up an Orchid (multi colored) for her; it’s time to head to Mary’s! I arrive at 7:55pm, knock & she opens the door. I’m looking at an Angel,! She’s quite lovely. Wearing a Golden gown w/silver designs, her long silky black hair is hanging naturally. It sets her beautiful green eyes off as if to glow! All I can do is stair: She says: ~Hi, Earth to Harry, hello!~ I say ~Oh I’m sorry, you’re just so Beautiful.~ She smiles at me! -Mary- ~You’re looking pretty good yourself She says: Mighty handsome if I say so!~ I say: (I Stutter…) ~Oh, oh, thanks; I, I’ve made reservations at the “Sundowners” Great food! This is for you!~ I pull out a box holding the Orchid: She remarks~ Oh Harry, it’s so Beautiful, thank you!~ I pin the Orchid to her gown! I’ve not felt this nervous in years. I think maybe I’m falling for her. We get in my Beamer & drive to the restaurant! 8:25pm We arrive at the restaurant. I hand the Valet my keys & I tip him! We go inside & are seated directly. We have drinks & order from the menu & she says: ~This is a nice place Harry, I don’t know where to begin, what do you suggest?~ I say: ~I like the Shrimp & Mahi w/Lemongrass sauce!~ She says~Sounds delicious Harry, that’s just what I’ll have! We sit & talk a while enjoying Caribbean music in the background. After eating, I take her to “The Brass Monkey & we have a great time. We dance to almost every Set. I don’t want it to end.. We close the place down & on the way back to her house we stop at Denny’s to get some Breakfast & she says: Denny’s has the best breakfast! I say: I Agree, I’m partial to the Grand Slam. Me too Harry! Harry, thanks for being such a good guy, not many of them out there.~ When she looks at me, my heart flutters. I feel nervous but a good nervous. We sit & talk until sunrise! I take her home & open the door. She looks at me with those dark green eyes & as if in a Hypnotic state, I take her in my arms & kiss her. She kisses me back, drunkening me with pleasure from within her lips! She takes my hand & leeds me through the door, kicking it shut; & into her room! She smiles at me & says: ~Harry, I never want this night to end!~ My heart is beating like a drum. I undress her as if a Doctor examining his patient & lay her down gently. I Kiss her then disrobe! I brush her hair back from her face & ask: ~Are you sure?~ She answers: ~I’m sure Harry, I want you!~ We embrace & kiss passionately, working ourselves into a frenzy. I break & begin to fondle her breast as I kiss her ear & whisper sweet words of endearment! She becomes more excited! I move down her neck gently nibbling. She begins to breathe heavily as I taste her breast.They’re firm, perky & pear shaped with nipples that drive me crazy! I squeeze her breast & place the nipple in my mouth & suck as if a baby drinking milk. I simultaneously slip my other hand between her legs & playfully caress what lies within. She’s moaning & breathing as if she’s been running a marathon… I move from one breast to the other, kissing her areolas; further exciting her! I begin to explore her length, tonguing & nibbling as I taste her every essence, marking every curve, evey zone, & every jerk she makes.The closer I get to what’s hiding between those beautiful thighs, the harder & more shallow her breathing becomes… I reach the nest hiding the fruit of passion & waste no time tasting it. I slip my tongue inside & out of her as she arches & recovers several times over. It’s sweet & I crave the nectar flowing within. I take the fruit between my lips, massage & tease it with my tongue. I suck on it with vigour. She’s quivering, almost uncontrollably. Finally, as if a volcano erupting, she spews her nectar of ecstasy…. She’s jumping out of her skin, yet her body begs for more. I lap up every drop as if an animal drinking from a pond. She screams with pleasure & I’m aroused beyond possibility. I begin to slowly climb back up her beauty, kissing & checking every erogenous zone, assuring her pleasure doesn’t expire. I reach the point of my journey’s beginning, I kiss her & look into her beautiful green eyes & say: ~I’m in love with you.~ She answers: ~I know Harry, now lay back!!!~ She runs her fingers up & down my Body’s skin, tingling & giving me goosebumps, arousing me more than I can barely sustain. She begins kissing me from my head to my toes & everywhere between. I feel her grab my throbbing, hungry Rod & stroke it, caressing it with her lips. Like a lollipop, she licks it up & down, I can hardly hold it back! She squeezes the sack, slowing the inevitable & I’m going crazy. She slips it into her mouth & strokes it at the same time. Just before climax, she stops; again squeezing the sack & stopping the flow. She straddles me, slips me inside & rides me to climax as she reaches hers again! She bends forward, kisses me: & says: ~Now there Harry, I love you too!~ We make love throughout the night until exhausted, kiss & fall asleep. When I wake I’m aroused by her presence! I think to myself, Damn, I’m sure glad I’m taking the day off! We make love one more time, get up, shower together & dress. She’s fixing me waffles, bacon & eggs with Blueberry syrup. Orange juice & coffee. It’s delicious, this girl can cook: I mention: ~I have to work Tomorrow! Also; I’m taking JR to Madison County to see his Grandparents. I’d like you to accompany us? We’ll fly down tomorrow night, you can meet my parents & we’ll make a Weekend out of it!~ She asks: ~Harry, you want me to meet your parents?, I’d love to Harry!~ I say: ~Great!~ I help her with dishes, after & say: ~I have to go. I’ve got to pick JR up from his friend’s house~ She answers: ~Okay Harry, I understand. Go get John Ross~ I sayr: ~I love you & I’ll see you tomorrow, kiss her goodbye & say: ~I’ll pick you up at 6:00pm!~ She replies: ~Okay Harry, I’ll be ready. I love you Harry. Call Me tonight?~ I answer: Sure thing Love!~ I leave, pick JR. up & we stop at Baskin Robbins for ice cream on the way home! We get home at 4:00pm & watch TV for a while. I fix us something to eat, pack a couple bags. By the time I finish, it’s time for J.R.’s bath. I bathe him, put him down for bed. He says his prayers: ~Now I lay me down to sleep & says: Nite Nite Daddy, I love you.~ I say: ~Goodnight Son, I love you too!~

7:00am
Nancy’s here & I have a Boat Tour at 8:00am!

I get to the Boat & my clients are waiting for me. They board, I push off & they have a great tour! We get back to shore at 2:45pm. They hand me a check & I hand them my card. I secure the "Willow” & head home to clean up & retrieve my Son: He asks: Daddy, where we going?~ I reply: ~Well Son, Miss Covington & I are getting Married!~ He asks: ~You love Miss Covington Daddy? Is she going to be my Mommy?~ I reply: ~Yes, I love Miss Covington. Is that Okay with you?~ He says: ~Sure Daddy, I love her a whole lot, but Daddy, where we going?~ -I reply: ~We’re going to see Miss Covington’s Mommy & Daddy!~ He reacts: Yea! I load our bags in the Beamer & we’re off!

6:00pm.
We arrive. at Mary’s, knock & she opens the door. She’s wearing a beige skirt & black blouse. She’s Gorgeous: She remarks: ~Hey handsome!~ I reply: ~Hey!~ She corrects me: ~I was talking to John Ross!~ She smiles & winks at me: He says: ~Hi Miss Covington, you going with us?~ She replies: Sure am John Ross!~ He reacts: Yea! ~She says ~I love you too John Ross!~ I load her bags & off to the airport. We board the plane for Valdosta Regional at 7:30pm & arrive at 10:00pm. My Father’s waiting for us. JR sees him right off. He loves Grandpa & happy to see him. My Father opens his arms & JR runs right to him, Hugs Grandpa, pulls on his beard & giggles! He looks to Mary: ~Young lady, my name is Charles, Harold’s Father!~ She replies: ~Happy to meet you Sir, I’m Mary!~ He says: ~Delightful & turns to me & says: ~Son, good to see you, Mother’s waiting!~ We get to the Mansion at 11:00pm & Mary remarks: ~How Beautiful a home Harry~ I say: ~It is, isn’t it? Much to large for me though!~ We enter the Mansion & JR spots Grandma & reacts: Grandmaaa! He runs & gives her a hug & says: ~I love you Grandma!~ She says: ~I love you John Ross!~ She turns her attention to us, kisses me: & says: ~This must be Mary, She’s lovely Harold! How do you do Mary? I’m Harold’s Mother!~ he replies: ~Happy to meet you Mam! & curtsies: Mother turns to me & remarks: ~Harold, I miss you Son! Your rooms are ready!~ She instructs Huntington (The Butler), to take our bags upstairs & remarks: ~I know you’re tired, so let us all sleep on it & have a fresh start in the morning? Goodnight John Ross!, it’s off to bed with you!~ We walk upstairs to our room, step inside: & I say: Mary, I love you & I’m so happy you joined me!~ She replies: ~I love you more!~ We’re tired from the trip, we go to bed; kiss & fall asleep in each other’s arms.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

John Ross's 8th Birthday

We awake to a knock on the door. It’s: Huntington announcing: ~Breakfast is served Sir!~ We get ready & go downstairs for breakfast. Mother & Father are seated at each end of the table: Mother greets us: ~Good morning you two, Sleep well?~ We reply: ~Yes, Good morning: ~ Father’s busy with JR but gets a Good morning in: We say: ~Good morning Father! he replies: Good morning you two!~ I add: Father, Mr Jacobs sends his regards!~ He remarks: ~Paul Jacobs? I haven’t seen Paul in years, we worked at the Firm together!~ We’re seated at the center of the table.The menu’s: Waffles w/ flax & almond butter, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, Cheese, Orange juice & Fruit salad: Mary remarks: ~This is all so elegant! Thank you so much for having me Mam!~ Mother remarks: ~We’re quite glad to have you Dear~ Father adds: ~Yes, quite glad indeed.~ Mother asks: ~How is my little man doing in School Son?~ I remark: ~Very well Mother, infact; Mary’s his Teacher!~ She remarks: ~Really, a Teacher?~ I reply: ~Yes Mother~ She asks ~Mary, How are you getting along Dear?~ She replies: ~Fine Mam, thank you~ Mother says: ~We hope to see a lot of you Dear! ~ She replies: ~Yes, Thank you Mam!~ Mother remarks: ~No need to be so formal Dear, just call me Mom if you please? After all, you’re part of the family now!~ She says: ~Thank you so much Mom!~ We finish eating & retire to the Drawing room. We’re served Coffee. We talk a bit longer. Mother takes me aside & says ~What’s your Plans Son, how’ve you been?~ I reply: ~Good Mother, since Mary came into my life!~ She replies~ Are you going to Marry her?~ I reply: ~I haven’t asked yet, but it’s on my mind~ She says ~Wonderful, I like her, & John Ross seems to adore her~ I reply: ~Yes Mother, he loves her very much, we both do!~ She replies: ~Excellent! Now let us make ready for a Celebration of my Little Man’s Birthday!~ My Sister Jaime, her husband & my two brothers fly in to celebrate JR.’s Birthday & the New Year. My Mother has planned quite a party for JR. We’re expecting at least 30 children & their parents. We set up a tent on the grounds to shelter refreshments.The entertainers & Circus animals are arriving & my Father is directing. Mother’s ordered a Band to play through the day! Their finishing up the stage & the Band’s setting up! It’s 11:00am & the guests are beginning to arrive. Mother, my Siblings, Mary & I are greeting them. My Father’s decided that he’ll Supervise! The festivities begin at exactly 12:30pm & the Birthday Boy’s riding a Pony: I tell: ~Hey JR! &wave. He looks my way & yells: ~Look Daddy, I’m riding a Horsey, Yahoooo, Yeaaaa!~ He’s having a such a good time. 2:00pm, a bell rings! Huntington announces: ~Refreshments are served~ Everyone heads for the Tent where a very large Birthday Cake, with JR’s image on it & very large candles. JR stands in front as the candles are lit. My Father signals the Band to play Happy Birthday & we sing. He makes a wish & blows out the candles & Mary asks: ~Whatcha wish for John Ross?~ He replies: ~It’s a secret!~ Mother asks: ~Mary, would you cut a piece of cake & give the first piece to John Ross? She cuts a corner piece off and gives it to him & winks! Mother remarks: ~God, that boy’s growing fast.~ -I remark: ~It seems just like yesterday, I was holding him in my arms~ Huntington serves the children cake, then the rest of the guests. The cake’s gone in a flash! JR begins to open his more than one hundred gifts. He’s as happy as I’ve ever seen & that makes me happy! It’s 5:30pm & the party ends! The guests depart & the extra help Mother hired are cleaning the grounds as we go in the house.

7:00pm
Huntington announces: ~Dinner is served~ We eat & afterwards retire to the Drawing room. Huntington serves us each a Glass of Louis XIII Cognac & Father proposes a toast: ~To John Ross, Happy Birthday!~ Mother adds: ~Here Here, Who’s staying up with me to see the New Year in?~ We raise our glasses & reply all at once: I am!… Mother remarks: ~Fabulous, I’ve got Fireworks for tonight!~ She’s hired a crew to set off Fireworks for the arrival of the New Year….. My Father calls me aside & says: ~Son, I have something for you!~ He pulls out a box & hands it to me: ~It was your Grandmother’s.~ I open the box & it’s her Wedding rings: I reply react: ~Father, I’m so Honored!~ He explains: ~You’ve been through alot Son & she’d want you to have them. Now, Marry that girl & live a happy life. I’m proud of & love you very much!~ I reply: ~Father, I love you!~ We embrace, hugging each other: He says: ~Now, let’s join the the rest of the family~ I slip the rings into my pocket for safe keeping & we join the family! We congregate & talk old times & about my Grandparents. At 11:40pm, we go outside to the Court yard & be seated. At 11:59pm we begin a countdown to Ignition! 12:00am exactly, a display of Firewood worthy of Royalty paints the skies….. JR.’s eyes lights up with excitement as does Mary’s. She has the prettiest smile & her green eyes melt my soul. Yes, I so want to spend the rest of my life with her! I find myself in prayer, asking God to forgive my anger towards Him. I ask Him to give me strength to raise my Son. As we retire for the night!: I announce: ~We’ll be attending Church with you in the morning Mother!~ She smiles & replies: ~I am so happy to hear that Harold, we’ll be departing at 8:00am sharp!~ I respond: ~Yes Mother, we’ll be ready~

Sunday, January 1, 2012

8:00am
We all load up in the Limo & George (The Chofer) drives us to “The Madison First Baptist Church”. My Mother proudly in lead, we enter the Church. The Pastor (Rev. Johnson) greets us by shaking our hands. We’re seated by the Ushers & Church begins. It’s a fine service & I feel right about being here. Church is over & George drives us back to the Mansion. Tomorrow’s a School day & both Mary & myself have to work! We pack our bags, for the trip home.

12:00pm
We thank my parents for everything. My Mother kisses me on the cheek & pleaded: ~Take care of yourself Harold, I love you very much Son!~ I react: ~I love you too Mother!~ She turns to Mary, opens her arms & motions her for a hug Goodbye.They hug: & says: ~I expect to see you again soon my Dear.~ Mary replies: ~Yes Mom, for sure you will!~ Father loads our bags into the car & drives us to the Airport! I hug my Father goodbye say: ~See you Father!~ He replies: ~I love you Son, remember what we talked about?~ I reply: ~I will Father! ~ He picks JR up & hugs him goodbye says: ~I love you Little Man!~ -JR replies: ~I love you too Grandpa!~ We board the plane at 1:45pm for our 2 ½ hour flight home…. We arrive at Miami International at 4:00pm. I pick up my Beamer, load our bags & arrive in Key Largo by 5:15pm. We stop at Mary’s first. I take her bags inside, hold her in my arms & say: ~Darling I love you.~ She responds: ~I love you more.~ I say: ~I’ll see you tomorrow, I have to get JR home & ready for School!~ she replies: ~I know Harry, I have to get ready too. Harry, thank you for being you! I enjoyed my Weekend. Be safe going home?~ We kiss again & I leave. I get JR. home by 6:30pm. I prepare some Macaroni & Cheese. He likes that. I bathe & put him to bed for the night. I have a drink & I too bed down for the night. I have a dream of Julia & she’s standing at my bedside smiling. She gives me her blessings to be with Mary & vanishes…… I wake Monday morning with such a calm feeling! I’ve made up my mind, Friday; I am going to ask her to Marry me….. I call Mary & make a date for 6:00pm, Friday: She says: ~Sounds good, I can’t wait Harry!~ I add: ~Neither can I Darling, see you tomorrow!~

Friday, January 6
The Proposal

I arrive at her house at 6:00pm sharp. Knock & she opens the door. She’s wearing a Red dress, Black Heels & hair hanging naturally down her back. I’ve always loved long black hair. Her ears are graced with green topaz earrings. She’s looking beautiful. She greets me & says: ~Hello Harry!~ I react: ~Hello Darling, you’re quite beautiful tonight!~ She replies: ~Thank you Harry, & you’re very handsome!~ I take her in my arms & say: ~You know how much I love you Mary?~ She replies: ~Yes Harry, I really do!~ I kiss her & we get in the Beamer. I’ve made reservations at the “Sol By The Sea”. It’s romantic & the food is excellent!

7:00pm

We arrive at the restaurant. I hand my keys to the Valet & tip him. We enter the restaurant & are seated directly & I order the best Champagne in the house (Don Perignon). The waiter pours the a glass each & I drop to one knee & propose: ~My Darling, never did I think I would love again. You changed that! You gave me your heart & I relinquished mine to you. Now I ask your hand in Marriage?~ I pull my Grandmother’s rings out & slip the engagement ring on her finger. She stands up & just stares at me. I begin to doubt myself. But all of a sudden, she takes a deep breath & takes my face in her palms & accepts: ~Yes, ‘O yes! I love you Harry & I want to be your Wife! Harry, these rings look like Heirlooms.~ I explain: ~Yes my Darling, they were my Grandmother’s.~ She promised: ~'O Harry, they’re so Beautiful, I swear I’ll keep them safe on my finger.~ I reply: ~I know my Darling, I love you!~ We order dinner, (Mahi-Mahi, House jerk, Napa slaw, White wine & Vanilla-Coconut Crema w/Charred pineapple relish) It was a meal fit for the occasion! After dinner we want to be alone & go straight home to Mary’s to be by ourselves. I stay the night! The next morning I call my parents & give them the news! They were happy for us. My Mother insists we have our wedding at the Mansion. After all; it’s become a tradition. I call Mary & explain my Mother’s wish. She replies: ~Yes Harry, I agree with them wholeheartedly. I think it would be beautiful. Besides, I love your Parents. My parents could fly down to attend & meet yours, & asks: ~Harry, can we take a trip to Raleigh, so you can meet my parents?~ I observe: ~Yes, of course we can my Darling! Besides, I want to officially ask your Father for your hand.~ She breaks out in a huge smile: -Mary- ~'O Harry, how did I ever find such a fine Man? I love you Harry, I love you so much!~ We make plans to visit her parents next week. I make reservations for Friday afternoon, for a flight to Raleigh.

January 13, 2012

“The Covingtons”

Packing a couple bags for my Son & myself, I notice it’s coming on 11:30am. Our flight’s schedule for 2:00pm & I’ve still got to pick Mary up. I get done, dress JR & load the bags in the Beamer: JR asks: ~Daddy, where we going?~ I explain: ~Well Son, Miss Covington & I are going to be married! He curiously asks: ~You mean Miss Covington’s going to be my Mommy? I ask him :~Is that okay with you Son?~ He replies: ~Sure Daddy, I love Miss Covington! But where we going? I explain: ~We’re going to visit Miss Covington’s Mommy & Daddy!~ He replies: ~Oh, okay Daddy!~ We drive to Mary’s house & arrive at 12:15pm. Mary’s waiting at the door. She’s wearing a yellow Sundress, Red Ruby earrings & Black w/White Strap High heels. I kiss her & say: ~We’ve not much time!~ I take her bag, & off to the Airport we are! By the time we get to the Airport, through security & check our bags; it’s time to board the plane. We depart on time & land at Raleigh-Durham International on schedule! We pick our bags up & hale a Cab!He asks: ~Where too Sir?~ I give him the location! He replies: ~Very well Sir!~ It’s about a 40 minute drive to her Parents house. We arrive at about 5:00pm. I pay the Cabbie tip him & grab our bags. Her parents are standing on the steps, looking very happy to see their daughter: Mary introduces us: ~Dad, Mom, this is Harold!~ I shake her Father’s hand (William Covington) & say: ~Pleased to meet you Sir.~He replies: ~Nice to meet you to young man!~ Next I extend my hand to her Mother (Laura Covington) & say: ~Pleased to meet you Mam!~But instead of shaking my hand, she opens her arms & hugs me & says: ~So happy to have you hear young man!~ Mary adds: ~And this is John Ross!~Her Mother observes: ~What a charming child. He’s so cute. How you doing Son?~ He replies: ~Fine Mam, are you Miss Covington’s Mommy?~ She replies: ~Well yes I am! Polite young man, isn’t he?~ Her asks ~You like Ice cream young man?~ ~Yes Sir!~ JR replies!Her Father says: ~Then come on, I have a whole freezer full just for you!~ JR Reacts: ~Really?~Yeaaaa!~ We go inside the house & have a seat in the Living room. The wall is covered with pictures of Mary. Many of her awards & Trophies line the shelves. Her parents are proud of her! I would be too, she was & is quite impressive!

7:00pm

Mrs Covington invites us into the Dining room. She’s prepared a meal of Pot Roast, potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Fresh Baked bread, Sweet Tea & Apple pie topped with Vanilla Ice cream for dessert! A Traditional Southern meal & delicious if I say so myself! we eat, her Father & I retire to the Living room, Mary & her Mother clears the table & proceed to do dishes. JR. goes into the Den to watch TV. I take this time & plead my case! ~Sir, I would like to to ask you for your Daughter’s hand in Marriage? I love her beyond my own life, & want nothing more than to take care of her from this time forward! I promise you to hold, to have, to honor & keep her unto death do we part!~ He looks at me, stands up, lights a pipe and answers: ~Harold, how can I ever say no? Yes, you have my blessings. Just please take care of my baby? She’s an only child & all we’ve got!~ I say: ~Yes Sir, you have my word! Thank you Sir!~ Mary & her Mother walk into the room, look at us & they both simultaneously ask: What? William says: ~Laura, this young man has just asked for our daughter’s hand in Marriage & I’ve given him my blessings~ Mary’s Mother’s eyes open wide, she raises her eyebrows & says: ~I think that’s just wonderful! Congratulations both of you, I’m so happy for you!~ Her Father pulls out a bottle of Brandy he’s been saving for a special occasion & says: ~Let’s have a warm one & celebrate?~ It’s 10:00pm & I ask: Has anyone seen JR.? Mary answers: ~Yes Harry, he fell asleep on the couch in the Den; so I took him upstairs & put him in my bed. He can sleep with me tonight! (Mary has already given me fair warning, that we’ll have to stay in separate rooms.) I reply: ~Very well Darling, if he bothers you, l’ll take him in with me! My Son is quite taken with Mary I announce, he loves her very much; as do I!~ We go to bed at Midnight. I look in on JR. & kiss Mary Goodnight & say: ~Darling, I love you beyond my own life, sleep well my Darling!~ Mary replies: ~I love you so much Harry. You sleep good too!~ I go to the Guest room, say a prayer of thanks & go to sleep.

6:00am

Saturday morning I’m up early. I smell coffee! My nose guides me to the kitchen to find Mary’s Mother making Breakfast: She says:- ~Good morning Harold, sleep well?~ I reply: ~Yes Mam & Good morning to you, that smells delicious!~ She says: ~Sit down & have some coffee! Sausage & eggs are on the stove, Biscuits are in the oven! Breakfast will be done shortly!~ She pours me a cup of coffee & asks: Cream, or Sugar? No Mam, thanks, I like it black I reply! She notes: ~Just like my Bill!~ Mary & J.R. comes into the kitchen: Mary says: ~Good morning Mom, Good morning Harry, I’m starved!~ JR ads: ~Me too, I’m starving!~ -Laura asks: ~John Ross, how do you like your eggs young Man? JR ~Crambold please?~ he replies! I correct him: Scram-bold! J R ~SsssCrambold he says! Mary says: ~Let him be, Harry, I use to have that problem myself~ She smiles at me & winks: I reply: ~Come to think of it, so did I~ Laura mentions: ~Mr Covington had to go to the University today, he’ll be back later~ Mary & I spend the day touring Raleigh & all her favorite places. We stop & eat lunch in the local Cafe & after, head back & arrive at her parents house, by 5:00pm. We wash up for dinner: Laura announces: ~Dinner’s on the table, get it while it’s hot.~ We come downstairs & into the Dining room. JR is already sitting at the table. The rest of us take a seat. Mary’s Mother asks: ~Harry, What time are you kids leaving tomorrow?~ I reply ~Our flight leaves at 9:30am Mam. William requests ~Let me drive you to the Airport you two?~ Mary smiles & winks.~Thank you Sir, I’d be most obliged I reply.~

Sunday 6:00am

We wake up early & eat Breakfast. Say our Goodbyes. Mary says: ~Mom, I love you so much. It was really nice to see the old Homestead again. Laura replies: ~Mary, Harry, hopefully we’ll see you again real soon. At the Wedding!~ She winks at us. William announces: ~Okay you two, let’s Boogie, don’t want you to miss your flight!~ I reply: ~Yes Sir! Mary kisses her Mother Goodbye. I extend my hand to her & she come here and show me some love Harry?~ She Opens her arms & motions me to her: I say: ~Yes Mam!~ We hug & she kisses me on the cheek. With tears in her eyes she say: ~I love you both!~ We load up in her Father’s LTD & he drives us to the Airport: Mary says: ~Bye Daddy, gonna miss you!~ He hugs his Daughter, clears his throat & says: Take care of my Little girl Young Man!~ Yes Sir, I promise I reply! We shake hands & exchange goodbyes.

“Homeward Bound”
8:00am

We go through security, check the bags & board the plane by 9:00am. We take off on time & land at Miami International on schedule. I pick up my Beamer, load our bags in the trunk. I kiss Mary & ask: ~You ready to get home Darling?~ Mary replies: ~Yes Harry I am! I love Raligh but, glad to be back in Florida!~ JR is exhausted. He’s falling asleep on his feet: Mary whispers: ~Come on my Little man, time to go home!~ I can see how much she loves that boy & JR loves her. She picks him up, kisses his forehead & lays him down securely in the back seat. I run around to the passenger side, open the door for her: Mary mentions: ~Harry, you’re such a Gentleman!~ She kisses me. I close the door & run around to the Driver’s side. We head home! We arrive back at Mary’s about 1:40pm. I grab her bags, take them to her door & return for! I open the & passenger door for her & she asks: ~Coming in?~ I kiss and say no, I have to get JR Home Darling! I’ll call Nancy to sit with him & come back~ Mary says ~Sounds good! Harry, I love you! See you in a while?~ I say: ~I’ll be back soon!~ We embrace, kiss & I take my Son home… I couldn’t help but to think of how decent & kind her parents were. How much they love her! I’ll talk to Mary tonight about setting the date! Neither of our parents are getting younger & besides, I want JR to know her parents. After all; They will become his Grandparents too! I’m thinking about bringing Julia’s parents up to see him! It’s been a while! I don’t want him to lose touch with her parents either.They’re part of him.They’re also a part of my family. A connection to Julia… I call Nancy on the way home & have her meet us at the house. We arrive & she’s sitting on the steps: She greets me: ~Hi Mr Newport, how was your trip~ I reply: ~ Hi Nancy, trip was good, thanks. I brought you something~ Nancy says: ~Really Mr Newport? You didn’t have to do that!~ I remark: ~There’s a lot of things I don’t have to do, but want to do! This is one of them! Thought you might like this~ Nancy observes: ~Almond Cocoa & Chai Spice, Thank you Mr Newport. Sounds delicious. Thank you so much for thinking of me!~ I reply: ~Don’t mention it. It’s my pleasure, I hope you enjoy it. JR’s tired & will probably sleep a while. Thanks for coming on short notice! Nancy replies: ~That’s okay Mr Newport. I love watching him! I say: ~Thanks again, got to go, I’ll be back later! I’m back at Mary’s at 6:00pm, knock & she opens the door & pulls me inside! Wraps her arms around my neck & kisses me like we’ve been apart for eternity! She guides me once again to the bedroom. & tells me she wants me now!!!! Arousing me right off! We make love over & over & over again: I say: ~That was nice!~ Mary agrees: ~Mmmmmh I know!~ I mention: ~Darling, I want to set a date. I love you & want to start our life together~ Mary replies: ~Me too Harry! Harry, I want to get married on my 25th Birthday! June 17, 2012. ~ I observe: ~What a wonderful idea Darling! Gives us time to make arrangements, & send out notices. I’ll call my parents tomorrow with the date!~ We embrace, kiss & Make Love one more time…….: I Note: ~It’s late Darling. I need to go home so Nancy can leave. Mary says: ~I understand Harry, & I should probably get things together myself for School tomorrow!~ I dress, look at her & say: ~Darling, don’t ever forget how much I love & need you? Mary replies: ~Never Harry, I will always love you! (She kisses me) Now get home & get some rest, I love you with all I am!~ I say: ~Goodnight my love, I’ll call you~ I leave & drive straight home! JR is sound asleep in Nancy’s arms on the couch. Nancy’s asleep as well! I gently wake her up, take him from her arms & upstairs to his room. I pay Nancy & say: ~Nancy, I want you to know how much I appreciate you! You are a Princess, thank you so much!, By the way, you’re invited to the wedding!~ (She smiles loudly) & replies: She says: ~Whaaaaat? Mr Newport, I’m so happy for you, do I know her?~ I reply: ~Oh yes, I’m sure you do! She’s JR’s Teacher!~ She Asks: ~Miss Covington? Wow! She’s a very lucky woman Mr Covington, & she’s very pretty. John Ross talks about her all the time……..quoting JR.: I love Miss Covington….. Mr Newport, I hope you’ll be very happy, you deserve it~ I reply: Thank you Nancy, Oh, by the way, Mary would like you to be the Maid of Honor?~ She answers:~Please let her know, I’d be honored! (As she’s walking out the door) EEEEEW, I’m just so happy!~ I take a shower, brush my teeth & go to bed thinking about how our lives change suddenly. I pray to God & ask him to keep my child & Mary safe! I fall asleep with Mary on my mind!

Monday, January 16

“Julia’s Father”

I wake to the sound of someone knocking on my door! I open the door, a young man dressed in a messenger’s uniform is standing there: -Messenger- ~Western Union Sir, you have an urgent Telegram!~ I take the Telegram & tip the messenger….. I read it, (Bad News)!!!!!! Julia’s Father is in the Hospital & not expected to survive! I right away call my Mother-in-law. Rachael- ~Hello~ -Me- ~It’s Harry Mom~ -Rachael answers: ~‘O Honey, James has Cancer! There’s nothing more they can do, it’s out of control! He hasn’t much time left Harry!~ I explain: ~Mom, John Ross & I will fly down in the morning, he’ll want to see his Grandfather!~ Rachael replies: ~Okay Harry, I’ll be expecting you, bye now! Kiss John Ross for me?~ I say: Okay Mom, we love you! Bye now!~ I call Mary & let her know what’s going on, & that I’ll be taking JR. to see his Grandfather in the morning! Mary answers: ~Yes, I think that’s the right thing to do! When shall you return?~ I explain: ~We’ll be back on Wednesday! I love you Mary!~ Mary observes~ I know Harry, I love you more!~ Next I call my parents! I let them know we set a date, then gave them the bad news! (They’ve become rather close) I told her we’ll be flying to Shreveport in the morning, so JR can see his Grandfather! (Mother tells me she also got a Telegram) and says: ~Be safe Son & please give them our love? Kiss John Ross for us? I reply: I will Mother. I love you & tell Father, I love him too Bye!~

Wednesday, January 17

I wake JR. up at 4:30am & get him dressed. The bags are already packed. Our flight departs at 7:30am. We leave the house at 5:00am, stop at McDonald’s and buy JR. a Pancake meal & milk! We continue on to the Airport. I park the Beamer, we go through security & check the bags. We board the plane at 7:00am & take off on time! We land at Dallas Love Field on schedule. We pick up our bags & rent a car for the 189 mile trip to Shreveport. We stop about half way for lunch. We arrive at my in-laws home in Shreveport 4:00pm. We unload our bags & head for MD Anderson Cancer Center, where Reverend Marcantel's admitted. We arrive at 4:45pm & directly to his room. JR is not sure what’s going on, he sees his Grandfather hooked up to machines and breathing apparatuses! JR asks: ~What’s wrong with my Papaw Daddy?~ I explain: ~He’s sick Son!~ Mom’s asleep in a chair next to his bed. We walk over to his bed, his eyes are open & he knows we’re here: I say: ~Hello Dad, how ya doing?~ It takes all he has to smile, but he’s happy we’re here! I lift JR up so he can kiss his Grandfather! JR greets him: ~Hi Papaw, I miss you. I love you Papaw!~ He kisses his forehead, & I put him down! He’s pouting, sad about his Papaw! My Mother-in-law opens her eyes & says: ~Harold, good to see you Son, & there you are my John Ross!~ She picks him up, kisses his cheek ,& hugs him like there’s no tomorrow! She puts him down & says: ~Oh Harry, what will I do without him. I’ve loved him forever! We’ve been together since I was 16. Oh God, I love him so!~ I observe: ~I know Mom, & so does Dad!, I didn’t even know he was sick~ She explains: ~It was about six months after our little girl was buried that he received his diagnoses! You know how he is Harry, he didn’t want to be a burden on anybody! I think he stopped fighting it. He missed her so! They did all they could, but the Cancer was just too progressive until there were no more options. He’s got maybe a couple days or less Harry!~ I say: I’m so sorry Mom, is there anything I can do?~ She states: ~Harry, you’re here & John Ross is here. That’s enough. I keep praying he’ll be okay, but I know God is calling him home. He says he’s ready to touch the face of God & to be with his little girl again!~ My Father-in-law passes on Wednesday night at 8:13pm. We’ve made funeral arrangements & he’ll be buried on Saturday afternoon. The viewing will be that morning beginning at 8:00am at the River Park Church in Shreveport, Heavenly Gate Funeral Home Officiating. I call Mary to tell her we’ll be back next Sunday. We’ll be attending JR’s Grandfather’s funeral. We stay in Shreveport for the rest of the week..

The Funeral

Saturday, January 20
7:00am

My parents fly in to attend the Funeral. My Mother & Father are in Mourning for their friend! My Father has rented a Mercedes Benz for the duration! We load up in the Escalade I rented & drive to the Church. I escort my Mother-in-law into the Church. The Reverend James Marcantel was the Pastor here & this was his Congregation!. The Church was packed (standing room only!) The viewing of the deceased has started. My Mother-in-law was first in the line for viewing, followed by myself, JR, & my parents. I lifted JR. to see & kiss his Papaw goodbye. He kisses him on the forehead, rubs his eyes & asks him to say hi to Mommy! The viewing lasts three hours & the Service is beginning,! The Reverend Ronald Toussaint is the attending Minister. We sing Amazing Grace & pray. The Lady’s Choir sings favorite hymns of my Father-in-law. We didn’t so much as to mourn him as we did to Celebrate his life! After the Services, the Casket is loaded in the Limousine. My Mother-in-law will ride in the second Limo to the Cemetery with Myself & JR following third & my parents next in the line of many vehicles! After the Funeral we go back to the Church, where the Ladies auxiliary has prepared food for all! We attend & Congregate, as we thank everyone for attending. We get back to the house at 8:30pm. We will be returning home tomorrow morning. Our flight leaves at 11:00am. My parents have already left! The food we ate at Church filled us up. We go to bed & get some rest before leaving early in the morning.

“Home again”

Sunday, January 21

We wake at 3:00am & my Mother-in-law has fixed us a light Breakfast & packed a lunch for us: She says: ~Good morning you two! I didn’t want you to leave hungry!~ I reply: ~Thank you Mom, we’ll be leaving in two hours. Is there anything you need before we leave?~ She answers: ~No Dear, just make sure you two get home safe! I couldn’t bare to lose you too!~ I reply: ~Just don’t you worry about us Mom? We’ll be alright! Just take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything, I mean anything!~ She replies: ~I will Dear, Thank you.~ We leave at about 5:00am & arrived at the Airport at 8:30am. I turn in the rental, we go through security, check our bags & sit in the waiting room for an hour & a half. We Board the plane at 11:00am. We leave on time & land at Miami International on schedule. I pick up the Beamer! We’re on our way home by 4:00pm, I call Mary & say: ~Darling, I’ve missed you so much, so did JR! We’re home & going to rest up! I love you Darling!~ Mary replies: ~Harry, I’ve missed you more than I’m able to say! I love you too! How was your trip? I answer: ~Long but we’re happy to be home. Different circumstances, JR would’ve had a good time!~ Mary replies: ~Harry, get some rest & I’ll be there just after 6:00pm. I’m cooking dinner for you & John Ross!~ We hang up & I bathe JR.! It’s been a long day & the little guy’s exhausted. I take a shower & get ready to see Mary. God I missed her! 6:00pm a knock on my door. It’s Mary & she’s got groceries in her arms - I greet her & say: ~Hello My Darling, let me take those!~ I carry the two sacks of groceries to & place them on the Counter! She stands there for a moment to catch her breath Mary says: ~Harry, you just sit down there at the table. I ’m going to make Dinner.~ I reply: ~Sounds good Darling, I’m famished!~ Mary takes the groceries out of the sacks & begins to prepare She’s cooking Southern Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/Country Gravy & Okra: I observe: ~Sure smells good Darling.~ Mary explains: ~My Mama didn’t raise me not to use my talents. This is her recipe! I sure hope you like Fried Chicken?~ I reply: ~I love anything you cook Darling!~ She’s finished cooking. She sets the table & calls JR for dinner & announces: ~John Ross, Dinner’s on!~ JR. answers: ~Yes Mam!~ She serves JR says: ~Now you eat everything John Ross & I have something special for you after dinner!~ JR asks: ~Really Miss Covington, I’m going to eat the whole thing…. I promise! I love you Miss Covington!~ She turns to me & asks: ~Harry, you want me to serve you?~ She smiles & winks! I Note: ~No, I think I can probably handle it! This really smells good!~ -She states: ~Harry I have something extra special for you!~ We sit down & eat. Mary can cook, really cook! She with pride asks: ~Anyone for Blueberry pie?~ She pulls a pie out of a box & explains: ~I want you to know I made this fresh this morning! I know how much John Ross like pie.~ JR ~Sure do Miss Covington! Mmmmh mmmh~ She says: ~Enjoy it John Ross!~ I ask ~How’d you know I like Blueberry pie?~ She says: ~Your Mother told me that was the way to your heart!~ I say: ~Darling, usually, but you’ve already got my heart!~ She smiles loudly & says: ~Harry, I Love you!~ & winks at me again…. After dinner & dessert I help her clear the table & do dishes. She bathes JR, puts him to bed & hears him say his prayers. I hear them talking something over! JR asks: ~Miss Covington, can I call you Mommy? Please?~ She replies: ~I’d like that John Ross!~ JR says: ~I love you Mommy!~ She replies: ~I like the sound of that John Ross, now you go to sleep! I love you very much!~ These words touch my heart! I’ve come to realize just how much those two love each other! I’m Damn lucky! She comes out of the room with tears in her eyes, but smiling & says: ~Harry, God know I love that child!~ I Reply: ~So do I My Darling, So Do I~ Now: About that something Special?~ She Smiles, grabs my hand & leads me into my room & we make love for the rest of the night!

Mary’s Surprise

Saturday, June 16

We walk into the Sitting room: My Mother asks: Mary could you join me in the sewing room please?~ She replies: ~Sure, can I do something for you?~ Mother replies: I’d like your opinion on something Dear?~ They leave the room. We go to the Garden Pavilion located on the south side of the grounds. My mother has arranged for 150 guests to attend a surprise party for Mary. Only the Family are in on the secret. The Family line up on one side, the Servants on the other! The guest are seated in chairs in the Garden. Mother brings Mary into the Garden & Father motions to the Band to play Happy Birthday! Huntington follow pushing a cart with a Giant Birthday Cake on it. I have the honor of lighting the Number 25 Candle. Mary is crying in Joy! She blows out the Candle, kisses me & graciously thanks my Parents for such a surprise! She picks JR up, kisses & hugs him! Huntington announces: The Bar is open. The music plays & I ask my Fiancee to Dance! The party ends at 10:00pm & the guests have left. The Servants have a task of cleaning the Garden & setting it up for the Wedding at 1:30pm tomorrow! The Family retires for the night! I’m being vanquished to the Guest house. I’m not allowed to see Mary again until Her Father walks her down the Isle! I kiss her Goodnight & tell her I love & will see her at the Ceremony!

The Wedding
Sunday, July 17, 2012

6:00am

Everyone’s getting things ready for the Wedding! I’m having to stay away from the House until the Wedding. But My Father & Brothers are on the way to keep me company & assist me getting ready! God I love this Woman! Huntington has brought me Breakfast. I need coffee….

1:00pm

Thirty minutes & counting, I make my way to the Garden where we’ll be Married! My Mother has outdone herself! The guests are seated & waiting! We’re hoping the weather holds up, Tropical Storm Debbie is on the prowl!

1:15pm

I’m standing at the front of the Altar with with my Best man. I’m nervous, but that’s normal!

1:30pm

The Organ play begins playing “Here Comes The Bride” Mary’s being escorted Down the aisle by her Father. She’s looking ravishing in her Wedding Gown. Nancy is proudly carrying the Bride’s train. My Son in his little Tux is bearing The White Silk Pillow carrying the Wedding Rings. Followed by six Bridesmaids. The Bride & her Father reaches where I stand & he puts her hand in mine. We turn together towards the Altar. Rev. Jerry E. Johnson recites: ~Dearly Beloved! We are gathered here…………! Mary recites her vows to me: ~I Mary, take you Harold as my Partner in life & my one true love. I will cherish our Union & love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust & respect you, loving you faithfully through good times & bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart & my love from this day forward, for as long as we both shall live.~ I recite my vows: ~I Harold, take you Mary, to be my friend, my lover, the mother of my children & my wife. I will be yours in times of plenty, in times of sickness & in times of health, in times of joy & in times of sorrow, in times of failure & in times of triumph. I promise to cherish & respect you, to care & protect you, to comfort & encourage you & stay with you through all eternity~ Rev Johnson pronounces: ~By the authority invested in my, by & for the City of Madison, Madison County & The State of Florida; I now pronounce Husband & Wife! You may kiss the Bride!~ I lift Mary’s Vaile to expose the face of my now wife. I take her in my arms and kiss her, knowing that my life has changed for the better. I tell her again how much I love her. The audience of 300 or more clapp. My Mother, Rachael, as well as; My wife’s Mother are crying out of happiness for us! As we walk up the aisle, we’re greeted with well wishes & love. We get to the end where our car is waiting, Mary turns & Tosses the bouquet! Luck would have it, Nancy caught the bouquet! We’re traveling to Spain for our Honeymoon! My Mother will tend to our Son JR. We return from our Honeymoon & buy a new home for our family, with enough room that if God willing; we’ll be Blessed with another child!

"The Newport Story" ~Generation 4~ John Ross, The Future 2019

My son was just five years old when his Mother passed away. I would have thrown in the towel if it wasn’t for that little guy. He was the glue that held me together.

He decided to attend the Military Marine Academy, -College Preparatory School- in Harlingen Texas. Now he’s scheduled to graduate on October 25, 2020. He’s preparing to go to US Naval Academy in Maryland. He’s making the Old man Proud. Mary has done well with him. The two of them love each other as if they were blood. She adopted him shortly after we were married. I really feel in my heart that Julia guided us to her. She brought me back to God. I left him for a while after Julia’s death but she came to me in a Dream & brought me back. You see: I blamed God for Julia’s Death! That was wrong & I’ve asked His forgiveness, He’s granted it. We’ve had a pretty perfect life together the three of us, Mary was JR’s Teacher for a while. She really taught him allot. He’s smart as a whip. Julia would be so proud of that boy! Spring break is coming up & JR is coming Home.

JR Arrives home

April 15 Spring Break

5:30am & I’m off to the Airport to pick up JR. I have to admit I’m a bit excited. I haven’t seen my son in three months. Mary’s ecstatic & can barely hold herself together. She’s stayed behind to assure everything’s perfect for her John Ross! I arrive at the airport by 7:00am. JR’s flight is on time, he clears security & picks his bags up. He meets me outside the security ropes & we load up the Beamer. I say: ~Son, Glad to see you, you’re looking good!~He replies: ~Thanks Dad, They treat us well! Where’s Mom?~ I reply: ~She wanted to come, but she had some things she needed to handle!~ He replies: Sure Dad, I get, it, she’s gonna surprise me. I love my Mom with all my heart! (he laughs under his breath)……. We get home by 9:30am & Mary’s waiting on the steps. She doesn’t even give us a chance to get out of the car. She runs up & around to the passenger door, pulls it open & yells: ~John Ross, ‘O John Ross, 'O how I’ve missed you!~ Now I’m not even going to try to tell how many kisses she smothered that boy with, but it’s amazing he was even able to recover from themI unload the bags & take them into the hos while Mary drags her JOHN ROSS by the arm, so not to lose him. We open the door to all of JR’s closest friends at their loudest: SUPRIIIIISEEl!! JR knew it was coming but for his Mother’s sake; he acted like it was the biggest surprise of his life. I noticed he was walking around looking for someone, like a lost puppy, suddenly a knock & Mary yells: ~JR, It’s for you!~ It was Kellyanne Richards, JR’s Girlfriend. I heard my wife say:
~He’s sure going to be happy to see you!

~John Ross & Kellyanne~

Tuesday April 16

JR asks me: ~Dad, you have any tours scheduled today?~ I reply No son, why?~ He asks: Well, you think you could let me take the “Willow"out today? I’d like to take Kellyanne out to see the Dolphins swim. You know how beautiful they are Dad?~ Suddenly it was like Julia speaking through JR! I reach & grab some the keys off the hook & toss them to him saying: ~Just be careful & keep your eyes on the horizon?~ He replies: ~I will Dad, thanks Dad.~ He begins to walk away, turns around & says: Mom, Dad; I love you! Walks out the door! I kiss my wife & say Mary: ~I’m going over to see George Richards~ She replies: Kellyanne’s Father?, Poor Dear, he lost a leg to a Shark not too long ago. Their having a bit of a hard go at it!~ I reply: ~I know Darling, I’m going to try to change that. I’m going to offer the man a job. I can use some help on the "Willow” & he can handle it. It’s legit & not charity!~ She replies: ~Harry, you are still the greatest man with the biggest heart I know! & I love you more with every day that goes by!~ I reply: ~My Darling, without you, I’m nothing. You’re Every breath of air I breathe. I love you! I shall see you when I return.~ I got in my Beamer & headed towards Mr Richards House on Park Ave, just a few blocks away! I get to the Richards House & Ring the Doorbell! Lucy (Lucille) Richards opens the door & asked: ~Yes Mr Newport, can I do something for you?~ I reply: ~Yes Mam, Is Mr Richards available? I have a proposition for him?~ She opens the door & motions me to come in & follow her to where he’s sitting on a recliner watching TV. I ask: ~Mr Richards, I’m in need of a hand on my boat, the “Willow”! It’s become too much for me to drive it & take care of the tourists too. Only requirements are that you steer the boat, watch the horizon for any changes & consider yourself second in command. Also no drinking for the crew while on duty for safety reasons! I’ve heard somewhere you’re somewhat an experienced Sailor. Pays $550.00 per week. I could really use the help!~ I see a sad but proud man, struggle whether to accept or not! He asks me: ~Mr Newport, Me know ya to be a kind & charitable man! Me can respect dat! This ain’t no Handout is it? Cause Mr Newport, me just can’t bring meself to be takin no charity!~ I reply: ~Mr Richards, I assure you Sir, I need help, you need a job & I thought I’d offer it to you first! Either way, the job needs to be filled. It’s not charity!~ He stands on one leg, smiles & asks his wife: ~Lucy, Baby; bring me Captain a drink?~ She replies: ~Okay George~ She brings a bottle of J W Black & Two Shot Glasses. He raises his Glass & makes a toast: Captain Newport Sir, Me at Ya service Sir! Me won’t let ya down!~ I reply: ~I know! Never had a doubt Mr Richards!~ He asks me: ~Me name be George Sir, please Sir? I reply: ~Very well then, George it is! 7:15am, George, Pier 17. Is that okay?~ He replies: ~aye aye Captain, See ya in the mornin & Captain, Me be thankin ya~ I reply: ~George, it’s me that needs to be thanking you, I was really in a bind. You all have a great rest of the day now!~

Meantime out on the “Willow”
Conversation between ~John Ross & Kellyann~

I say: ~Kellyanne, have you ever seen anything so beautiful?~ She replies: ~They’re like Angels of the sea, absolutely beautiful.~ I reply:
~Before my Mother died, we use to come out here & watch them all the time!~ She Notes: But your mom is still alive John Ross!~ I continue: ~Sure. She’s my Mother as far as I’m concerned & I love her just the same. But when I was just five years old, my Mother Julia died from a Brain Tumor. She died really young. My Dad took it hard. Mary was my First grade Teacher. I was seven when they fell in love. I was happy because he needed somebody & I really liked Mary. Now Mary as far as I’m concerned, she’s my Mother! She’s legally adopted me as hers!~ She asks : ~John Ross, Do you love me?~ I reply: ~Kellyanne, I love you so much that I can’t even think at night sometimes. I love you so much that all I want to do is hold you next to me & know you’re there. You make me feel like I’m all that matters in the world Kelly Ann. I love you Kellyanne more than I can ever say & I intend to one day spend the rest of my life with you!~ She replies: ~'O John Ross, I love you so!~ I explain it’s time to start back to shore! I start the boat up & we head into shore! We get back to the Marina at 6:00pm & I tie the “Willow” to the pilings. We hop in Mom’s car & head home. We get to Kellyann’s house. I get out of the car, walk around to the passenger side & open the door. I offer my hand to Kellyanne & help her out of the car. I walk her to the door & kiss her goodnight. Suddenly her Mother opens the door & says: ~Hi kids, how was your day? Kellyann replies: 'O Mom, The Dolphins were so Beautiful, simply Beautiful! I had a wonderful time!~ Kellyanne’s Mother turns to me & says: ~How’ve you been John Ross. How’s School? I reply: ~it’s been good Mam, & School’s going well too, thank you Mam!~ Well Goodnight Mam, Kellyanne! Oh & please tell Mr Richards Goodnight for me too Mam?~ I head home!

Conversation between
~Kellyanne & Her Mother~

Mrs Richards turns to her daughter & says: ~Kellyann? He’s such a fine young Gentleman. & smiles.~ She Smiles at her Mother & replies: Yes, I know Mama, I’m going to marry him one day. Mama, did you know John Ross is going to attend the Naval Academy? He’s already been
accepted!~ Mrs Richards takes her daughter in her arms & hugs her, telling her how much she loves & how proud she is of her.

I get home at about 8:00pm & hang the keys to the “Willow” & Mom’s car. Mom walks into the kitchen and says: ~Hungry son? I Answer: I sure am Mom, especially for your cooking!~ She replies: You sit down & I’ll fix you something to eat!~ She kisses me on the cheek, smiles & winks at me. My Mom has the cutest wink that will make you feel warm inside! I say:~Mom: I love, I’ve loved you since I can’t remember. But I know it’s been a long time.~She replies~ You know what John Ross? Same here, I’ve always loved you! Always! She’s making me Cheeseburgers, I love Cheeseburgers. My Mom knows the way to my heart, but she’s already got it. But hey, little extra don’t hurt! Hahaha. I eat, kiss my Mom, thank her for the burgers & French fries go figure! I say: ~Goodnight Mom! I love you thiiiis MUCH!~ (STRETCHING MY ARMS OUT) She replies: ~Me more my John Ross~ With that wonderful smile of hers & that magical wink that makes me feel so good & warm inside! ~Goodnight John Ross & remember how much I love you!~ She cleans the dishes & goes upstairs. I go to my room, take a shower, call Kellyann & tell her I love her. Roll over & fall asleep!

Wednesday April 17
Pier 17
Harry & George

I’m up by 3:30am & Mary has me a good breakfast ready. My wife makes sure I’m taken care of even if I don’t! She’s my Angel & my Best friend! I’m off to work by 6:00am. I arrive at The Marina by 7:00am & I see George standing there on a Peg leg, big smile & holding 2 large cups of hot coffee! First thing I thought of was an old pirate movie. Anyways, the man was on time & that means something to me! I say: ~Good morning George, how goes it?~ He replies: ~All be well Captain, Me brought ya coffee Captain~ I reply: ~Thank you George! I sure can use it. You must be a mind reader?~ (Laughing under his breath) He replies: ~aye Captain! Be a trick me learnt in the Navy!~ I say: ~George, we still have a little time. So it’s sort of like a flight check! Have to make sure our tanks are full. Oil level’s good & pressure’s right! Then we’re always watching the horizon, you know why George, don’t you?~ He replies: ~aye Captain, dem der storms be comin up on ya like da Spirits of Hell all at once & swallow ya up in dem swells like a whale!~ I reply: ~You’re a smart man George! There’s our Clients, the O'Brien’s. We’re just out three hours & back for a total of six hours! Not bad!~ He replies: ~aye aye Captain!~ I’m going to enjoy working with George. Very nice fellow. They board the boat & Don Life jackets. George takes the Helm & guides her out to sea slow & steady! I say he’s quite good at it & I’m quite happy I hired him. The day goes great in every way possible & George did everything expected of him & more. I couldn’t ask for a better Mate! We get back to the Marina at 2:30pm. Tie the “Willow” to the pilings & give her a good washing!
4:00pm
We’re done: ~Need a ride George?~ He replies: ~aye Captain, if ya not be mindin. Save me from havin me wife fetchin me. Aah she’s a good woman dat Lucy. Can’t fine no better. Stuck by me through me worst I say. Me be lovin her, just hope she be known it Captain!~ I reply: ~She’s still with you George, that says it all. You two have a beautiful young daughter together that loves you both. I seen how Lucy looks at you. She loves you George! Tears fall from his eyes: ~Me be thankin ya Captain, ya be a good man! Ahh, we’re here. See ya in the mornin Captain. Ya be havin a good night~ I reply: ~You betcha George, get some rest!~

5:30pm

I’m home & hungry. I can smell Mary’s fried Chicken. She make the best in all the South & I’m willing to wager on that! I see Kellyanne is here. JR’s pushing her on the swing. Brings back memories of those two when they were young. Never thought they would fall in love. Glad it’s her, she’s a nice girl, reminds me of his Mother! I walk in the house & kiss my wife hello & say: ~How’d your day go Darling? Good I hope.~ She replies: 'O Darling, it was a lovely day. I’ve planned a wonderful dinner for us tonight & Kellyanne will be joining us! Would you like to invite Mr & Mrs Richards?~ I reply: ~ Okay Dear, I’ll give it a go right now!~ I pick up the phone & dial George’s number:& ask: ~George, we were wondering if you’d like to join us for dinner tonight? I can guarantee you my wife Mary makes the Best Fried Chicken in all the South. I’m willing to wager on that!~ George ponders & repeats: Fried Chicken? ~ Dat be me favorite! Ya be known where to striken a man in da gut.. aye Captain, Lucy & me & Me presume me little girl be already der (laughing under his breath) be honored Sir. What time we be expected Captain?~ I reply: ~Sevenish is fine my friend!~ He replies: ~aye Captain. Sevenish it be!~
I tell Mary that they’ve accepted & she’s quite happy about it. She continues preparing her feast. She’s even got Blueberry pies. JR is going to be big headed tonight! Mama took care of her Little Man! God she’s quite a woman!

6:55pm

The Richards arrive! Myself & JR meet them at the Car & walk them to the house. Kellyanne is helping Mary in the Kitchen! Before we even get to the house, George takes a huge wiff & says: ~Sure be smelin like sometin good Captain. Don’t it be Lucy?~ Lucy replies: ~Smells delicious Mr Newport & asks: ~It’s Fried Chicken?~ I reply: ~It is Mrs Richards! Best fried chicken in all the South.~ She smiles & asks: ~Please, call me Lucy?~ I reply: Very well, Lucy it is!, By the way, my name is Harry. We are all friends, aren’t we?~ We all laugh & go in the house!

I escort them to the living room & ask: Drinks? Lucy replies: ~Just a little wine thank you!~ I ask: ~George?~ He replies: Cold Beer?~ I ask: ~Florida Beer or just Good old Bud?~ He replies: ~Me be likin Bud Captain Harry! Dat be what we be drinkin der where we be from!~ I ask: ~Where are you originally from George?~ He replies:~Uston, Texas. Me Grandpa come over from cross da pond befer me Daddy was born. He done work der in da Oilfields. Me Grandpa, he telled stories of a fella be known as Joe & a Princess he falled in love with & he married. She loved him & gived up her Royalty. I grew up in Uston & met me Lucy there. We got married & moved to Key Largo where our Kellyanne was born.~ I ask: ~You say your Grandfather knew Joe? His name was Charles Joseph Newport Sr. My Grandfather. What a coincidence! He was an Oilman in Houston, Texas in 1928! I never knew that about my Grandma Nippy gave up a title for love!. She was never one to Brag! George, we were destined to be friends, family!, I’m Famished, how about everybody else?~ Everyone: ~Here here!~
I sit at the end of the table. George sits at my left hand. Lucy sits next to George. JR sits at my right hand. Kellyanne will help Mary serve dinner then take her place at JR’s side. Mary will sit next to Kellyanne. After we’re all seated, I say Grace……… Amen! George is the first to compliment: ~Mrs Newport Mam~ Mary stops him and asks: ~Please, call me Mary~ He continues:~Mary, dis be da best fried Chicken in all da Land! Ooouii it be good~ He turns to Harry & grins! Mary replies: ~George: Got Blueberry pie for dessert!~ He reacts: ~Mmmmh, me be hopin me save enuff fer da rest of y'all. Dats me favorit pie!~ He looks around the table, winks & laughs! He says: Me save ya some! Dinner finished up & the ladies got together & cleaned up!
We three men went into the living room for Drinks, Coke for JR.
I asked: ~Scotch George?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, me be thankin ya~ I pour us a shot each & JR cracks a bottle of iced down Coke & we toast family. We talk about how our Grandparents knew each other & we didn’t even know it. God has a way of bringing people together! Now to our Children.
George asks: ~John Ross, Me Kellyanne be sayin ya been accepted in dat der Navy Academy in Maryland!~ He replies: ~Yes Sir, Mr Richards. My specialty training will be as a Riverine on an Assault Craft. I’m confident that as an officer in the Marine Corps of the United States of America, I will make my parents proud as well as Kellyanne & my Country! George looks at him, looks at me, shakes his head & says: ~Me Ladd, ya one of few & be a good boy. Me be glad dat it be ya me Kellyanne got eyes fer!~ He replies: ~Thank you Sir!~ I see a pride in my Son’s eyes Everytime Kellyanne’s name is mentioned. I certainly can relate, it’s the same feeling I still have today of Mary & frankly; Julia too! That boy is no boy anymore, he’s in love!
JR asks me: ~Dad, tomorrow is April 18th, & it’s Kellyanne’s 15 th Birthday. You think it would be okay if we could throw her a surprise party? I’ll be leaving for School Sunday. Just want to give her a great birthday party from me. If that’s okay with you too Mr Richards?~ I turn to George & say: ~What do you think George? This concerns you too! George replies: ~ Me think dat be a Grand idea! We be invited?~ JR replies: ~Yes Sir. Of course! I turn to JR & tell him to get with his Mother & Mrs Richards & make the arrangements for tomorrow evening while George & I are on the water. I turn to George & ask: ~That sound good with you George?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, good! Ya be talkin with a big wisdom!~ I tell my son: Okay then: make your arrangements! JR replies: Thanks Dad! Thanks Mr Richards. It’s going to be a great party. She’s going to love it.~ Mary, Lucy & Kellyanne all walk into the room!
Mary asks: ~How are you three Gentleman getting along?~ We look at each other, smile shrug our shoulders & while (laughing) We reply:
~Great!~ George says: ~Man talk, jus man talk. ~The Ladies with suspicion on their faces, walk around the room, looking at us, & raising their eyebrows. Suddenly they stop & just sit down, Lucy next to George, Kellyanne next to JR & my Mary next to me! I ask: ~Can I get you Ladies a drink?~ Mary replies: ~White wine please?~ Lucy replies: ~I’d like the same please?~ Kellyanne replies: Thanks, I already have a Dr Pepper!~ I ask: ~ George, another?~
He replies: ~No Sir Harry, me think not! Got work in da Mornin! Want to be me best. But Me be lovin a cup of coffee?~ Mary says: ~George, I thought you asked me for coffee? Already have a pot on!~ George replies: ~Me be thankin ya Mary! Ya be an Angel~ Our Dinner party is over. It’s 10:30pm. George, Lucy & Kellyanne all leave for home. I truly believe we’re all better for knowing them!

Thursday, April 18

I get to the “Willow”, lo & behold there stands my second in Command George, holding two hot cups of coffee. Man can I use a cup this morning. I say: ~Hey George, how goes it
Mate?~ He replies: ~Da Dawn come, da water be calm. God see fit to allow da two of us to wake dis fine Florda Mornin, Me say it be goin might be fine Captain!~ I reply: ~Well said George, what do you say we make our safety checks & take the extra time to enjoy those cups of coffee you so graciously thought of bringing us?~ He replies~aye Captain Harry, be sondin might good!~ We make the quick check which normally takes no more than five minutes. It’s a go over of the night before! We sit down & enjoy that coffee & just talk. George has allot of history behind him. I’m glad he’s on my team. I see our clients: I say: ~George, the Fitzsimmons are here. Just six hours of diving at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park!~ He replies: ~aye Captain~ The clients board the boat & Don Life jackets. George takes the Helm & guides her out towards Pennekamp!
We’re back to shore by 4:00pm. The Fitzsimmons were very happy with their experience. They gave George a $100.00 tip. They said that he was just such a pleasant fella They will be giving us more business in the future. I thanked them for there business & gave them my card. We cleaned the boat & did our final checks. George tried to give me the hundred dollars. I asked: ~What’s this George?~ He replies: ~Me not earn dis Harry!~ I reply: Yes you did George, you’re allowed to accept tips. You didn’t coerce it from them. They gave it to you because they think you deserve it. You made them feel good because you are a good man! I told George early in the day not to worry about calling his wife, that his house is on the way, besides she’s probably been busy all day helping with the party arrangements. So I dropped him off, the party’s at 7:00pm, gives me enough time to get cleaned up & ready for the party!

7:00pm
“Happy Birthday Kellyanne”

Knock on the door! All the guests are here & hiding behind & under what ever they can. I open the door. Kellyanne is under the impression that JR has been called back to School early & will leave at 5:00am. She’s quite sad & in tears! Her parents are trying their best to console her. George looks at me & raises his left eyebrow in wonder, shakes his head & says to his daughter: ~Der der Kellyanne, me little Mermaid, it not be ferever. He’ll be back!
I welcome them in & close the door. The lights are on dim! Suddenly: SURPRIIIIISE! I turn the lights up & standing in front of all her friends was JR! He Announces: ~Alright everybody! (They begin to sing) 'Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Kellyanne, Happy Birthday to you!~ She begins to cry in happiness. Then she grabs JR & says: ~John Ross, you’re not leaving tomorrow, are you?~ He replies: ~No silly, that was just to get you here for the party. Like it?~ She replies: ~'O John Ross, I like everything you do for me. Thank you John Ross. It’s Beautiful! Let’s Dance?~ Meanwhile, George takes me aside & says: ~Whew, Me glad dat be over! Me little girl almost make me cry. Lucy, God be blessin her, me loves her wit all me heart, nay be a help! Had to console me little girl all by meself me tell ya!~ Lucy interrupts: ~George, Don’t be telling no fibs over there. You know, when it comes to Kellyanne, she’s her Daddy’s little girl! Now George & you know you love it!~ He replies: ~Well der Lucy, ya might be right, & Me love ya Lucy. Me was jus runin me mouth Lucy, havin a bit of fun. Ya be known me?~ She replies: ~I know George, You’re my life. I know everything that makes you what you are. I love you.~ She walks over to him & plants a wet one worthy of -well I’d rather not say- I take him to the library where we can have a drink away from the kids.
I pull out the Scotch & pour us each some over ice. We toast the kids & join them & our wives in the festivities! The party seems to be a success. Everybody’s having a grand time. My son & his Mother learned from the very be best. My Mamaw Nippy passed it on to my Mother. My wife & son inherited it from her. I miss my Parents, I hope they come down for JR’s Birthday! The Party girl opens all her gifts & saves JR’s for the last!

JR hands her a small gift. She unwraps it. She see the ring & her mouth opens wide! He takes it & slips it on her ring finger & makes a promise: ~Kellyanne, with this ring, I do swear to be true to only you, to never waiver from my heart, for you are my heart. To think of you the first I wake & the last before I sleep & all that is between. Kellyanne, my heart is yours until time exist no more, beyond time itself. I will give my life for you Kellyanne, this I swear before God & all who stands before us!~ It’s a promise ring of elegance. Quite beautiful. My son has impeccable taste! George is crying & so is. Lucy & Mary! Kellyanne stands & wraps her arms around JR’s shoulders, looks at us like (Please?)
we turn our back. I’m sure they kiss. I know they did!
It’s 10:30pm & the party’s shutting down. The kids are saying their goodbyes & leaving. I’ve got to say this for JR & Kellyanne. Their friends are good kids. Not a bit of trouble out of any of them. Its 11:00pm & my wife is picking up! Lucy says: ~Mary: I’ll stay behind & help you clean up?~ She replies: No, no, you three go home, get some rest. George’s got to get up early. You need your rest too! I’m just going to get the big stuff! John Ross will help in the morning, won’t you Baby?~ He replies: ~ Mom, you go to bed, you’re tired. I got this! I can handle it, it’ll be done. I promise!~ They say their goodbyes & go home! JR picks up the trash & Garbage. He leaves the smallest stuff for the morning. Then goes upstairs! We take our baths/Showers & go to bed. JR calls Kellyanne as soon as he feels they have enough time to get home.
Tonight my son made me very proud the way he made his pledge to Kellyanne. It was much like the one I made to his Mother Julia. I never spoke of that to anyone. But I imagine he naturally has that part of me in him!
I asked Mary: ~Darling, you feeling frisky tonight?~ She replies: ~Have you ever known me not to be my love?~ That’s my Que! Goodnight all……………!

It’s Friday

5:00am comes awful early & I’m on the road to George’s house. Told him I wanted to pick him up for all that coffee he buys me! 5:22:am & I call George from my Cell & tell him I’m here. He’s on the way out the door. He gets in the car & we’re off to the Marina! We stop by the Cafe Moka & pick up some coffee & doughnuts on the way. It’s 6:20am by the time we get here! I say: ~George, let’s relax & enjoy our coffee, & there’s doughnuts in there too if you want some! Clients aren’t due until 9:00am. They just want to go out for two hours & spread their son’s ashes. I feel sorry for the couple. Didn’t even charge them! So relax buddy & recoup!~ He replies: ~aye Captain Harry, ya be a good man! God be lookin down on ya with favor Sir, aye he be! This sure be good coffee!~ So we relax, drink our coffee & talk, becoming even closer friends.
~It’s 8:45am George, let’s get this show on the road, the client’s will be here in 15 minutes & we want to be ready to shove off!~ He replies: ~aye Captain Harry, we be ready Sir! We make ready the “Willow”!
Mr & Mrs Ron Johnson arrives 9:00am sharp. Mrs Johnson (Clara) is carrying a Bronze Urn with her son’s ashes in it! She’s wearing a black dress suit & hat with a Black Vale. She’s in he middle sixties. Mr Johnson is wearing a black suit black, white shirt, black tie. Black hat. He’s holding his wife by her arm. I meet them at their Ford LTD & escorted them to the “Willow” I State: Welcome aboard! I give the order: ~Take her out George!~ He replies: ~aye Captain~ He takes the Helm & guides her out to sea at 2 knots, gradually taking her to cruising speed of 40 knots. The Johnson’s lost their son to a Drunk driver, illegal alien. He’s already back on the streets & nothing anyone can do about it. It’s a shame really. Okay, we’re here the location they chose! There’s a sunken ship down deep, hasn’t been found yet, but they say it’s down there somewhere! Mrs Johnson said that hers son’s last wish was to have his remains spread among the brave spirits that were lost here. She walks to the bow of the boat & opens the Urn, prays a few words & spreads her son’s ashes & says: ~I love you Michael. Go with God my son!~ With that we head for home! We get back to the Marina at 1:15pm. We again give our condolences to the Johnsons & I add: ~This is my card. It has my business number as well as my cell on it. If you need anything, I mean anything, please don’t hesitate to call?~ Mr Johnson replies: ~Thank you Mr Newport, thank you so much. We really don’t know what we would have done without you.~ We shook hands. He looks at George who is busy securing the"Willow" to the pilings & says: ~Thank you too Sir! You made the trip quite pleasant the way you handled this boat. Were you a Navy man Sir?~ George answers: ~aye Sir, Me was Sir. Thank ya fer noticin~ I escort the couple to their car & return to the boat to clean her up, make our final checks & put her to bed for the weekend!

We hop in the Beamer & Head George says: ~Dis be a fine car ya got here Harry. Keep it real nice ya do Sir! What year it be Harry?~ I reply: ~1969 BMW M3! Blue Book on it runs right at mmmmh $49000.00..~ He replies: ~Wewey Dis be a real nice car. Beautiful car. Makin me want to kiss her. But me wife get jealous hahahaha!~ We both break out in laughter. That George is a character. Sense of humor, a heart & knowledge. He’s a good man & a good friend. I hit the jackpot when I hired him. No regrets! I get my friend George home by 4:00pm. I pull out an envelope & say: ~Oh George, Payday!!!! I hand him the envelope with the check in it & thank him for a great job well done. He looks at the check and says: ~Harry, der be too much, Ders $550.00 hear~ I reply: ~George, You’re not paid by the hour, nor the day, you’re paid a salary! Today’s payday. Your Salary is $550.00 per week. A week consist of whatever falls between Monday through Friday. You may work a few hours or a bunch of hours. You may be charged with running things. I sometimes have to be away. In that case you will receive an extra $250.00 per week & I will bring a second mate in to assist you. As you will act as Captain.~ He replies: ~aye Harry, ya da Captain. Me be thankin ya Harry. Drive safe Harry, ya like me Brother Harry.~ George is a Hell of a great guy! He doesn’t want a dime that doesn’t belong to him. I want to help him. He deserves whatever I can do for him! This job takes talent. You need to know what you’re doing out here in the Devil’s Triangle! It’s like George said ~ Quote- Dem Der storms can come up on ya like Da Spirits of Hell & swallow ya up in Da swells like da Whale. -Unquote~ He’s got the knowledge, I trust him, I like him! It’s not charity! So he can be happy to know that. I’m home by 4:30pm & Mary asks: ~How’d your day go my Harry? I answer: ~It was a good day Darling! God is Good! You know Darling, I’m really happy we got to Know George & Lucy! Really good people! She replies: ~I know Harry, I like them. Harry, Can we go out to eat tonight? I reply: ~Now Darling, have you been taking lessons from George?~ She replies: ~Harry, whatever do you mean?~ I reply: ~‘O Darling, mind reading! I was going you ask if you’d like to go to Sundowners for Dinner. Maybe the Caribbean after for a little dancing?~ She replies rather excitedly: ~Now Harry, are you feeling Frisky, she, smiles, winks (Her winks drive me insane) & says: I’ll be ready by 6:00pm! She wraps those arms around me, & plants those always delicious lips against mine. No man can ever wish for more than what I have in my life! She’s ready By 6:00 pm & is as Beautiful as always. She’s wearing a Trumpet/Mermaid Scoop Neck Floor-Length Satin Evening Dress that fits her perfectly. Shows off her figure but yet doesn’t flaunt it! She has on Pointed toe Blue Suede Stiletto Heel Pumps. Her hair as usual is worn combed naturally down her back the way I like it. She’s wearing Diamond earrings to match her Wedding rings & a 2ct Diamond “V” Necklace. She’s Stunning, absolutely stunning! I take her hand & kiss it, & say: ~Your carriage awaits~ I put her arm in mine & escort her to my Beamer & walk her to the passenger side, open the door & help her in. I feel so giddish. It’s like my first date again! Man I love this Woman!…….. We get to Sundowners at 6:45pm. I tip the Valet & we go inside. We have reservations so there’s no wait. Being a Friday night, the place is packed. We’re seated & order drinks. Mary orders just a Soda water. I ask if she’s feeling well & she says she’s fine. She’s just in the mood for Soda water! I reach over, take her hands in mine & say: ~Mary Newport, You’re the best thing that ever happened to me! I love you!~ She looks at me and smiles, winks (Ohhhh that wink!) & says: ~Harold Newport, You’re the best thing that ever happened to me too, I love you. You know what Harry? I’ve got a bit of a secret to tell you!~ I ask: ~You do? She replies: ~I do! There’s one in the oven Harry!~ I reply: ~What? Let me call JR, I’ll have him check the oven.~ She says: ~No silly….. I mean we’re going to have a Baby Harry!~ She’s smiling really large. I’m not sure if she’s pulling a fast on me or not. I ask: ~ Darling, really, we’re going to have a Baby.~ She replies: ~Yes Harry! The Doctor confirmed it today! I ask a stupid question: ~But when, how, I mean aaah oh Darling I love you so much! We have to build a Nursery. I got to get George to help me. Oh & JR is Going to love it. He always wanted a little Brother. Ohhhh. We don’t know yet do we? How far along are we Darling? I can’t even tell!~ She replies: ~six weeks my love. Next week’s my Ultrasound. You’re coming with me, aren’t you? That’s when we’ll learn the gender of the baby!~I reply: Darling, of course I am! I wouldn’t miss it for the world. George can handle the “Willow”! I will get Nicholas from the Agency for a Second Mate. I want George as Captain to make the decisions. Yet still drive the boat! George is gentle & treats her like a Lady! She looks at me & remarks: I’m glad you finally have a good friend Harry that you can trust! Let’s eat. I want to go dancing!~ She looks so very happy! Her face is glowing! Now I understand the reason behind the Soda water. Mary’s always told me she’s never thought pregnant woman should be drinking alcohol! We finish eating & go outside the Restaurant. I give the Valet my ticket & he retrieves my Beamer. I tip him & he opens the passenger door for my wife, I help her in & close the door. I tip him & walk around to the Driver’s side, get in & we head for the Caribbean. It’s 10:00pm & from the looks of the parking lot, it’s packed! I tip the Valet & he parks the car. We walk inside & the Waiter has our table ready. He takes our order. Mary’s drinking Ginger Ale & I’m drinking Coke, as I will be driving & want to make sure she has a wonderful time but not have any problems, that alcohol may render me less able to take care of! We dance & dance to every favorite beat she hears. I’m getting tired, you’d think I’m the pregnant one! Where does my Wonder Woman get all her energy? I ask: ~Darling, don’t overdo yourself?~ She replies: ~Harry relax, chalk this up to exercise! What I’m going to be doing is nothing compared to this!~ I reply: ~Yes Darling, I’ll try to remember that!~ She smiles & motions to me; now let’s dance! This is really a night to celebrate. I can’t wait to let my parents know. Or for that, I’m sure my Mother in-law will be quite excited. This will be their first Grandchild, although they consider JR as much their’s as if blood. Tomorrow we’ll get together with JR & let him know! It’s 2:00am & the last song is playing. It’s our favorite: “Stand By Me” by Otis Redding! I pull my wife in real close to me & dance old school with her! I love this Woman & I love these moments! The song has ended, the lights come on & it’s time to leave. I take my beautiful wife by the hand & tell her: ~Darling, I love you more today than yesterday & now more than I did before my last breath. Thank you for making my life so wonderful Darling!~ She says to me: ~'O Harry, My Harry, you’re the most romantic Man on Earth. The only man I’ve ever loved. The only man I will ever love. Harry take me home my love?~ I reply: ~Your Wish is My Command!~ I place her arm in mine & I escort her out the door. I hand my ticket to the Valet & he retrieves my Beamer. He opens the passenger door, I help my wife in & close the door. I tip the Valet, walk around to the Driver’s side & get in. We head home. On the way home I ask my wife: Mary: ~You’d think we could ask George & Lucy to be The Godparents!~ She replies: Harry, I think that’s a wonderful idea!~ We’re home by 3:15am. I open the door & help my wife out. I escort her arm in arm to the house, open the door & say: ~Mary; ( I smile, pick her up & carry her over the thrush hold) I love you I say!~ She replies: ~I love you more my Harry!~ I always loved how she calls me her Harry! We go to bed & have a wonderful night of love in every way possible!

Saturday, April 20
John Ross Learns The News

We wake about 8:30am. We decided to sleep in. I’ve got it on my mind to hire some help for Mary, at least until the baby comes; & even after. I hear JR moving around downstairs. I know he’s hungry. Mary’s in the bathroom. I’m going down to the kitchen & surprise her & cook them both breakfast! I haven’t forgotten how! Besides she deserves a break! I get to the kitchen & JR is patiently sitting at the table waiting for us & says: ~Good morning Dad! You two kids had a late night of it!~ He bends his head to the side & smiles like he knows what his mother & I did! I replied: Good morning: ~Young Man! Your Mother will be down directly. I want to surprise her! Want to help?~ He replies: ~Yeah sure Dad, anything for Mom!~ We’re fixing her Blueberry Pancakes, (Her recipe) Hot Syrup, Pork Sausage links, Poached Eggs, Hot Mocha Coffee & Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice. Mary comes down the stairs just as we are finishing up the Poached Eggs. She says: ~What’s this?~ Those big Beautiful Green eyes of hers are wide open in surprise! She adds: ~I can’t believe you two did this for me, 'O I love you both so very much.~ I reply: ~Ok Darling, It’s hot, & we want you to sit down & enjoy it. We are at your service. After you’re finished eating, myself & JR will do the dishes. Then we can all sit down & have a nice talk about the surprise.~ She replies: ~Okay my Harry, that sounds like a good idea. It’s time my John Ross knows what’s going on!~
JR says: ~What? haaaa, what’s going on?~ She says: ~Now there John Ross, just you don’t worry about it for now, it’s a surprise!~ He shrugs his shoulders in wonder & replies: ~Okay Mom!~ She eats her food, all the time with mmmmh & aaahh & oohhhh this is good! She really enjoyed her food. & we enjoyed making it for her. She finishes her breakfast & we pick up the dishes from the table. I wash & JR dries. Everything is done. We all sit down. I ask Mary: ~More coffee Darling!~ She replies: ~No thank you Harry, too much coffee is not good for me!~ JR asks:~Since when Mom? Are you ok, sick?~ She replies: ~Im fine, my Dear Dear John Ross. My Baby that I’ve loved since the very moment you’ve come into my life. John Ross, we have a Surprise for you! You’re going to be a Big Brother soon!~ He replies: ~Mom, you mean, you’re going to have a Baby?~ She replies: ~I do John Ross, what do you think about it?~ He replies: ~Mom, I’m happy, really happy. But when? I’m going to have to get leave from school, I want to be here when the baby comes. I say: Oh yes when is the due date, I forgot to ask in all my excitement. She replies to both of us: December 06, 2019, Twenty five days before your Birthday John Ross. You will already be home on Christmas Leave. I figured Maybe we could spend the Holidays in Madison County. I figured I could have the baby in Madison County Hospital. It’s the Best one in the County & near the Mansion. None Of your Grandparents, I mean all five of them are not getting any younger. The Mansion is the perfect place for all of us to meet & spend the Holidays together & they’ll be there when the baby is born. I’ve already talked to your Mother my Harry, she has agreed that if it’s a go with you & John Ross, then it’s a go with the rest of us!~ I reply: ~Of course Darling, that’s a wonderful idea! Darling, would it be ok to invite George & his family?~ She replies: ~You read my mind My Harry!~ She asks JR: ~How about you John Ross, the plann sound ok with you?~ He replies: ~Yes Mam, Mom, I like it. One question Boy or Girl?~ She replies: ~'O My John Ross, does it matter?~ He replies: ~No, not really Mom, just curious!~ She says: We’ll find out my next Dr’s appt on April 25. I will be sure to call you & let you know my John Ross! She smiles & gives him that special wink. He smiles back in approval! I ask Mary: ~Is there anything I can do for you Darling?~ She replies: ~Yes My Harry, Stop treating me like there’s something wrong with me! I’m pregnant, not crippled, & only 6 ½ weeks my love. I loved the surprise but now, you two boys go play! I have things to do!~ She kisses me, kisses JR on the cheek & says: ~I love you, now let me do my work!~ We look at each other & go about our business! I call George & ask: ~Hey, want to go have a beer?~
He replies: ~aye Harry, me whistle needin a wetten!~ I say~ Be there in fifteen minutes!~ I ask JR: Need a Ride to Kellyanne’s?~ He replies:
~Sure Dad, thanks!~ We hop in the Beamer & head to George’s house. We get to George’s house at 11:15am. George comes out of his house as JR passes him going in. I say: ~Hey George, ~Mary & I are having a Baby!~ He replies: ~Aaaah! Ohhh Captain Harry, me Brother. Ya been a busy man have ya~ & laughs under his breath. He adds: ~God He be lookin on ya with da favor. I knowed it. Ya be a lucky man Harry, a lucky man.~ I ask: ~George.
We’ve decided to have the Baby in Madison County. It’s on the border of North Carolina. That way all of JR’s Grandparents can be there. It’s during Christmas Holidays George. Would you be interested in joining us. My parents live in a Mansion & it’s plenty big. George, We would be honored if you & Lucy were to be the Godparents?~ He’s looking at me, teary eyed, hardly able to utter the words & replies: ~aye Harry, it be our Honors to be fer sure. Me give ya me word Harry, ya never regret it Sir!~ I reply: ~I have no doubt George, Oh George, one more thing, before I forget! I’m going to need you to Captain the “Willow” on Thursday, the 25th.~ He replies: ~aye Harry! Ya go be with ya wife! Me be takin care of ya boat, don’t ya be worry bout dat Captain Harry!
We reach Sharkey’s Pub on the Wharf at 12:30pm I park & we go in & have a seat. I ask George: ~Want a bite to eat with that Beer George?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, Much obliged, Me belly be achin, Me lips be parched! I order two Buds & we look the menu over. I ask ~George: What are you going to have George?~ He replies: ~Dos der Fish -n- Chips sure be lookin tasty!~ I reply: ~Agreed, I’ll have the same!~ I call for the waiter & say: ~We’ll have two Fish & Chips, go heavy on the chips. Oh , & bring us a couple more Buds please? Thanks?~ Ahh, our order’s here! One thing about Sharkey’s, when they serve you a Basket of Fish & Chips, you can’t complain. You’re going to get a stomach full! I ask George: ~What do you think George?~ He replies: ~Mighty good Harry! Me be owen Ya Harry!~ I reply: ~George my Brother, You don’t owe me anything! You give me everything I need just by being the friend you are! You see George, Good friends are hard to come by, & I hit the Jackpot when I came by you!~ He’s looking at me with a kind of Brotherly love in his eyes & says: ~Harry, ya like me Brudder & Me love ya like me Blood, If ya ever be needen somthin, ya be lettin me know! I reply: ~You got it George! Eat up my Brother!~ We toast to friendship & enjoy our meal together! We finish up, have one more beer & go home to the wives. I have to say, I enjoyed my day with George! I haven’t been out for a Beer with a friend in a long time!
I’m home about 6:00pm & I walk in the door, Mary kisses me & says: ~Hello Dear, enjoy your day out with George?~ I reply: ~I did Darling! I really like George. He’s really a great guy! She replies: ~That’s Good my Harry, it’s about time you had a friend! We’re having Pot roast for dinner, green beens. Mashed Potatoes & brown gravy.~ I reply: ~My Darling, how did I ever get so lucky to have you come into life?~ She replies: ~I don’t know Harry, you might ask John Ross that!~ Turns around & starts to walk away, stops, turns, smiles & winks at me, then goes into the kitchen. She had me going for a moment! I love her so much! I’m going upstairs & clean up for dinner! That’s better, I’m starved! I go to the Dining room & sit down at the end of the table. JR is already sitting & Kellyanne has joined us for dinner. She’s trying to spend as much time time with him as possible as he will be leaving for School Monday morning. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. We will be attending Church. I ask Kellyanne: ~Will you & your family be attending Church for Easter Sunday Kellyanne?~ She replies: ~Yes Sir Mr Newport! We attend at the First Baptist Church of Key Largo. I say: ~If it’s alright with your parents, I don’t mind picking you up in the morning & you & JR can attend together since we all go to the same Church.~ She replies:
~'O Mr Newport, thank you so much. I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ll have my daddy call you.~ I say: ~That’s okay Kellyanne, I’ll call him after dinner!~ She replies: ~Thank you Mr Newport! I say Mary: ~Darling, everything looks so wonderful. Smells absolutely delicious!~ She replies: ~Well thank you my Harry, I hope you enjoy it. I know Pot roast is yours & John Ross’s favorite.~ Mary is always thinking the best for us. I really have to do something special for her! After dinner I tell Mary: ~Darling, take the night off my love, I’m going to do the dishes & clean the kitchen up! You two kids go spend time together!~ My wife looks at me, smiles & says: ~Thank you My Harry, & that was nice of you, what you said to the kids! & Harry, I love you!~ I finish up the kitchen & join my wife in the other room. We sit down & just listen to music. We turn on the radio & listen to Oldies but Goodies & talk about when we first met & fell in love. We cuddle & like Teenagers (Make out) on the sofa! It feels good to just spend time with my wife. Before we know it, 10:00pm comes about & I need to get Kellyanne home! I kiss my wife & holler: ~Lets go! The kids come right away & we load up in the Beamer & take Kellyanne home! JR escorts her to the door & assures she’s inside. He gets back in the car & we head home! We get home & I go upstairs, open the bedroom door & my Beautiful wife is already in bed. She says:~Hello Big Boy!~ She pulls back the sheets & there she is, more beautiful than any woman on this Earth & as naked as the day God created her. All I can do is to disrobe & join her in this rendezvous of love. Goodnight all!

Easter Sunday April 21

We’re all up & ready bright & early! It’s Easter Sunday! Church isn’t until 9:00am but my Wife still has to have an Easter Basket for her John Ross! & he’s just as excited as he was when he received his first one! She calls:~ John Ross!~
He replies: ~Yes Mother? Coming Mom! He enters the Library & sees the Basket & as usual becomes excited at the prospect of what’s in it! He doesn’t believe in the Easter Bunny any longer but he knows the Easter Mommy got it for him. He opens his arms & gives her a Bear hug & then says: ~Oh no, Mom! You alright! I’m so sorry. Did I hurt you.~ She stops him & says: ~John Ross, it’s okay my Baby, you didn’t hurt me. You can show me love. It’s fine!~ A world of relief came over his face & he was happy again! That boy would go through Hell for his Mother! There is chocolate bunnies, licorice, jelly beans, chewing gum, peanuts, corn nuts, homemade chocolate chip cookies, waiting tablets & pencils, socks & underwear, & everything a boy could need at school as well as other favorite things of his! He says: ~Mom, you thought of everything!~ She replies: ~I tried My John Ross! There’s an envelope in there too. Open it when you get to School, not before!~ He replies: ~Yes Mam! I love you Mom. She kisses him on the cheek & he hugs & kisses her back. That boy loves his Mother & she loves him! It’s 8:15am & we’ve got to get going if we’re going to pick Kellyanne up & get to Church on time! We arrive at George’s at 8:30am & Kellyanne is waiting on the Doorsteps. JR rushes up & escorts her to the car & helps her in the backseat. He’s quite the Gentleman, (Takes after his old Dad if I say so myself) We’re on our way! We arrive at the First Baptist Church of Key Largo at 8:55am with George & Lucy close behind! We walk the doors & are greeted by Bishop Gilbert who will be conducting the Easter Services, & Pastor James, the Sitting Pastor of the Church. We shake hands & are ushered in & seated, Followed directly by George & Lucy! Service is beginning. “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty…….. "The hymn plays as the Bishop leads the Pastor, the Bible bearer, Candle lighters, Visiting Pastors & special Guest. Finally the Choir comes in from the rear of the Altar……………… It's 12:00pm Church ends & I’m taking everyone out to lunch: ~George, you coming?~ He replies: ~Where to Mate~ I say: ~Easter Dinner George, you coming?~ He replies: ~aye, Me belly achin, talkin to me it be!

We head to Gus’s Grille in the Marriott. Great dining. It’s 1240pm & we arrive. We tip the Valet, go inside. I’ve already called ahead so no waiting. We have Prime rib cooked to perfection & a beautiful Honey Baked Ham w/ all the fixings. It’s a wonderful meal. It’s 5:00pm & we’re finished eating. I pay the tab & tip out. We need to get home! I promise George to have Kellyanne home by 9:30pm. JR will be leaving on a 5:00am flight to Brownsville Texas. There’s no tours scheduled for tomorrow so I tell him he can take the day off! We’re home, it’s 6:15pm & we go inside. Easter Dinner was big so Mary decides she’s just going to prepare sandwiches & chips for tonight. Kids can spend what time they have together & we’ll just kick back & enjoy each other’s company!
It’s 8:30pm : I have to take Kellyann home. I can hear her crying and telling JR: ~'O John Ross, I’m going to miss you terribly. What am I going to do? I love you so much John Ross. Please come back to me soon?~ He replies: ~I love you too Kellyanne with all my heart. I’ll be back in December! I promise. We’re all going up to my Grandma’s Mansion for Christmas Vacation together. You’re just going to love it!~ I get to the corner as he embraces her & stop! They kiss & only after do I enter. I say: ~Let’s go kids, I promised your Father Kellyanne, that you’d be home by 9:30pm.~She replies: ~Yes Sir Mr Newport!~ JR escorts her to the Beamer, we load up & head for her house. We arrive at 9:25pm & JR escorts her to the door & kisses her one final time just before Lucy opens the door. He comes back to the car & we head home. We get home & He’s silent. I say: ~JR, won’t be long & you’ll be home!~ He replies: ~I know Dad, I’m just going to miss her! I love her Dad, I mean I really love her! I don’t even look at another girl Dad. She’s the only girl I’ve ever wanted!~ I reply: ~You know son, that’s the way it is with us Newport Men! Your Great Grandfather, Your Grandfather, yes & me too! I never looked at or wanted another woman until I lost your Mother Julia! She was my everything. You were the only reason I stayed together after her death! Then came Mary. She taught me that I could love again. & You loved her too, even better she loved you! I really in my heart think Julia guided us to Mary!~ He replies: ~You know Dad, I never told anyone, but, I use to dream about her, you know my Mother! In my dream she would tell me it’s okay to love her. She told me: ~She loves you very much! She’ll take care of you John Ross! You & your Daddy need her! I’ve never forgot my birth Mom & never will, but I love Mom too with all my heart & soul!~ I reply: ~I know son, & she knows too! & Julia’s looking down on you from Heaven with pride! She came to me in a dream once too! You’re the only one I’ve ever told!~ He turns to me & smiles. We’re home & we go inside & go upstairs. We’ve got to get up early in the morning. My Beautiful wife is tired out & in bed already. I tip toe into the bedroom, disrobe, climb into bed, kiss her gently, wrap my arms around her & fall asleep knowing I have the best woman man could ever have in life, in my arms!

Monday, April 22nd

Alarm going off, it’s 2:30am! I reach over & gently tap my wife on her shoulder & say: ~Mary, time to wake Darling, we’ve got to take JR to the Airport. We want to make sure he eats a good breakfast!~ She rolls over & says:
~Okay my Harry!~ I go in the Bathroom, wash up & shave. I go down stairs & put on the coffee. I go back upstairs & make sure JR is awake & getting ready! I go back down stairs, Cook some bacon up, scramble some eggs and cheddar cheese, throw some frozen biscuits I keep on hand just for these occasions in the oven. I put butter & jelly on the table. I’m pouring the coffee as my Beautiful wife is coming down the stairs! She’s quite happy to just sit down to a cup of coffee & wake up! I kiss her Good morning, tell her how beautiful she is & how much I love her! By that time here come our young Marine! I say: ~Hungry son?~ He replies Yes Dad, thanks. I’m starving!~ We eat, I pick up the table & leave the dishes until I get home. I take JR’s Bags out to the Beamer & load them up in the trunk. I come back in & escort my wife to the car & we’re off to the Airport! His flight leaves at 5:00am & we want to get him checked in so we can sit with him a little bit before he has to go through Security! We reach the Miami International by 3:45am. It’s early & I drop Mary & JR of at the Curb. I park in the Garage & walk across to the terminal! I meet the at the self Check-in. We have fifteen minutes to sit & say goodbye. I see the tears already forming in Mary’s eyes! JR says: ~Mom, please don’t cry, I’ll be back soon! You’re making me feel bad, I can’t stand to see you cry Mom, please? I love you!~ I say to JR: ~ She’ll be fine son. She loves you & just doesn’t want to see you go. She understands though but she still going to she tears. That’s her
heart!~ He replies: ~I know Dad, but I don’t like to see my Mom cry! It breaks my heart!~ She interrupts: ~I’m sorry John Ross, I’m just going to miss having you around! I just love you so much!~ He replies: ~ No Mom, you don’t mind have anything to be sorry about! Don’t worry about it! Oh Man, Their beginning to run us through Security. I’ve got to go. Mom, give me Love, Dad you too!~ He hugs us & we say Goodbye. He runs to the gate just in time to get through the line. We wait to hear that his flight takes off on time before we leave! I tell my wife: ~Darling, you sit here while I go get the car!~ I walk across to the Garage & pick up the Beamer, drive around the circle & stop at the terminal. I escort my wife to the car help her in. We head home. We get about home at 6:45am giving the traffic! I help my wife out of the car & escort her to the house. We go into the kitchen & I tell my Mary: ~Darling, why don’t you go ahead & get a little more sleep. I’m going to clean up these dishes! I might come up & join you afterwards!~ She replies: ~Okay my Harry, I’m going to do that. I’m still quite tired! Please come upstairs after your done? I want you to hold me!~ I reply: ~I promise Darling, directly!~ She goes upstairs & lays down. I do the dishes up, doesn’t take long & I follow her upstairs! I climb in bed & wrap my arms around her & thank God she’s mine. I fall asleep.
We both wake together. The alarm is ringing, Mary has it set for 10:00am! We smile, kiss each other & get up. We go in the bathroom & take a shower together! I love taking a shower with my wife. But no Hanky Panky this time! She’s a bit sad about our son having to go back to school today. I’m going to let her have some time! We get dressed & go downstairs & I put some coffee on while Mary prepared us some lunch! I ask her: ~Darling, is there anything special you’d like to do today?~ She replies~ 'O yes my sweet Harry! I want to go shopping. I’m going to need Maternity clothes. We need to start thinking about Baby furniture. We’ll worry about clothing after we learn if we’re having a boy or a girl!~ I reply: ~Very well my Darling, I think that’s a great idea! Let’s go shopping! We drink our coffee & eat our Brunch, load up in the Beamer & head for Refined Legacy Maternity Wear. My wife has very good but conservative taste in clothes. 3 hours at Legacy & next stop is Mark’s & Spencer’s. I’ve never been Maternity shopping before. Kind of fun watching my wife pick things out, allowing for her stomach to grow for the Baby. Her face has such a gleem to it. She’s so happy. That makes me happy. We’re truly Blessed! It’s 6:50pm & I tell Mary: ~Darling, I love you, I know you’re invincible, but you still have to eat if you want to remain so! Let’s go get a bite?~ She replies: ~You’re right my Harry, & I am quite hungry! Where do you suggest?~ I say: ~I’m thinking "The Pelican” You feeling like some Spaghetti & Meatballs Darling! My Parents fell in love over Spaghetti & Meatballs!~ She replies: ~'O my Harry, that sounds absolutely delicious. I’ve actually been craving that! How’d you know?~ I reply: ~Oh just a wild guess my Darling, I’ve kind of been craving it myself!~ We both break out in laughter….. I carry the bags to the car and load them up in the trunk. Help my lovely wife into the car & drive the couple blocks to The Restaurant. We park in the parking lot & I take my wife arm in arm & escort her inside the restaurant. We’re seated almost immediately as the Owner knows my Father. I thank him & he asks that I give him my regards. I tell him that I would be pleased to do so! The waiter takes our order almost immediately & brings us complimentary drinks. I a Red wine & Mary a Sweet Tea. We both order you guessed it: Spaghetti & Meatballs! We had a fantastic meal. It’s about 9:00pm & we need to get going. It’s been a long day. I ask my wife: ~Darling, I promise, I will take you shopping for Baby furniture on Saturday! Is that okay with you? If not, I’ll take tomorrow off!~ She replies: ~My Harry, my sweet sweet Harry! Always trying to make me Happy! Only thing is about that Harry. I’m already Happy just being with you! Of course it’s alright!~ Let’s go home, I’m tired Harry!~ I call the waiter, pay the tab & tip 30%. I escort my wife to the car & we head home, go inside & go to bed. I love this Woman. Goodnight!

Tuesday

It’s 5:30am & I pick George up for work & we stop at Cafe Mocha for Coffee & Doughnuts. We’re on our way & reach the Marina by 6:00am.Tours not scheduled until 8:00am so we can relax & drink our coffee & eat our doughnuts.Talk about our kids awhile! Ahh, it’s 7:30pm, I say: ~Time we get on it George! The Clients will be here soon! Scuba Diving Pennekamp State Park near the Christ of The Abyss. Diving around the old wrecks.
Be back around 6:00pm. We get done with the precheck just as the clients arrive! I greet them & welcome them aboard. A Father Ron Vincent Sr, & Son Ron Jr.! I give the order: ~Take her out George!~ He replies ~aye aye Captain! Takes the helm & steady as she goes at 2 knots gradually increasing to 5 knots. I explain: ~We’re only a few miles from the park so no need to rush. Just sit back & enjoy the ride! Can I get you to gentleman a cold drink or water?~ They both decline for now & enjoy the trip out. We make the trip in an hour. They break out their gear, do their safety checks, walk down the ladder to the platform & dive! They come up periodically throughout the day.
It’s 12:30:pm & I ask George if he’s got lunch & he replies: ~aye Harry, Me Lucy maked me a Hardy meal fer me takin! Ah dat Lucy, she be lovin me she be! Me be a lucky man Captain, aye a lucky man!~ I’ve got a bag lunch Mary put one together here for me. Couple Roast beef & Cheese Sandwiches. Chips. Couple Oranges. Apple pie. Two hard boiled eggs. Woman knows what I like. We have plenty of iced down Sodas & water. About two more hours & we’ll be ready to head into shore!
4:00pm both men are out of the water & we’re on our way back in. We’re about an hour out so we’ll take it slow & easy, no rush! I offer the men some water & they are quite thirsty as I thought they might be! They dry off & change into street clothes on the way back to shore! We’re pulling into Pier 17 right at 5:23pm. Mr Vincent Pays me 500.00 for the day & thanks us for a great time. He salutes George as if he recognizes him & George salutes back! We tie the “Willow” up, wash her. Check the tanks, oil & put her to bed for the night! We load up in the Beamer & head towards George’s house! I ask George: ~What exactly did you do in the Navy old Buddy? Seems like you have a lot of respect around here!~ He replies: ~ Ahh Harry, dat be somethin Me not be talkin about me brudder! Dat be given me pain terribly!~ I drop George off at 6:45pm & head home. I’m starved. I’m thinking that after dinner I’m going to do a little research on George’s Naval Service. Just because I think he deserves allot more respect than he gets. I get home at 7:00pm & my wife is waiting dinner for me. I kiss her & say: ~Darling, I love you. Sorry I’m late. But it’s been a long day!~ She replies: ~I understand my Harry, Ribeye steak & Baked Potatoes w/fixings. Cold beer.~ Perfect dinner after a long day on the water! My wife is the perfect wife!
Man, that was delicious & I’m full. I’m going to go in the Library & research on the computer!

US Naval Archives

George Christopher Richards
MCPO United States Navy
#6713211417
Classified
980301-011012

The President of The United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross to Master Chief Petty Officer George Christopher Richards of The Naval Special Warfare Development Group
For the service forth in the following;

While acting in support of the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines Regimental Combat Team

Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on 11 October 2001

For distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety, and under heavy fire from an Enemy Taliban Machine gun position, rushed and eliminated the target, killing all 4 enemy combatants, thereby saving the lives of his team. MCPO Richards reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest tradition of The United States Naval Service!

George W Bush

President

Now I understand! He’s a hero. George is a bonafide hero a S.E.A.L.! I’m not even going to mention I was nosy. He’s probably got PTSD. Not something to play with! I’ll leave well enough alone! My wife walks into the Library & says:

~My Harry, what are you doing in here all by yourself, why don’t you come keep a lonely girl company? I’ve missed you so much today!~ I reply: ~Oh nothing important my Darling! Lonely? I’ve missed you too! I can barely stand being away from you.~ She looks at me, smiles, takes me by the hand, guides me up the stairs with that sexy look in her eyes & well let’s just say: We make up for lost time! Goodnight!

4:30am & I pick George up & we stop at the Mocha Cafe for our Daily shot of Coffee & doughnuts. I’ve decided to fill a thermos this morning. Just some days I need that extra boost of caffeine! We’re on the move. I ask George: ~Long night?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, me couldn’t sleep las night fer me life me Brudder! Dat der coffee, she be magic ya know, fix me right up!~ He laughs under his breath. I reply: ~I know exactly what you mean George, I have the same problem sometimes! I have an extra thermos full if you need some this morning my Brother!~ He looks at me, smiles & replies: ~Me be thankin ya fer it Harry, ya be a Good man ya be!~ We get to the Marina by 5:15am, plenty of time to drink our coffee, eat our doughnuts & wake up all the way. I really enjoy George’s company. We have time to sit & talk a while. The clients won’t be here until 7:00am It’s 6:30am & we do our once over the boat & ready her for the trip. Today’s tour is to Key West, about 3 hours each way. Clients are here, John & Michelle Roberts! Daphne St James & her Boyfriend Rick Crimshaw. They want to go out to & see the Whales & Dolphins. I welcome them aboard. I give the order: Take her out!~ George He replies: ~aye aye Captain~ He takes the helm & steady as she goes at 2 knots, gradually increasing to 5 knots cruising speed. This will assure we arrive approximately by 9:30am. We don’t want to be on the water after dark! We’ve arrived & it’s 9:38am. We drop anchor & kick back. Before anyone can say a word, a Northern Right Whale is sighted off the Bow, it’s a female, pregnant probably! Look, there’s another, & a couple Bottlenose Dolphins to the port. These animals never seize to amaze me. Their Beautiful. Julia loved watching them! She always said they were the true Mermaids of the Sea! Their everywhere out here. It’s been about three hours & it’s time to head for shore. I give the order: ~Take her home George!~ He replies: aye aye Captain!~ He takes the helm increasing a steady as she goes cruising speed of 5 knots. We’ll make it to shore about 5:15pm give or take! We’re pulling into the Marina. George says: ~slowing to 2 knots Captain.~ I reply: ~Steady as she goes?!~ It’s 5:23pm & were pulling aside Pier 17. George is good at what he does! The clients disembark & Mr Roberts pays me $350.00 & I give him my card & thank him. We give the “Willow” the once over, clean & put her to bed for the night. I give George instructions for tomorrow: ~George, here’s the keys to the boat, I’ve got a kid by the name of Nicholas going to meet you here at 6:30am for safety checks. You’re the Captain, he knows that! But George, you handle the Boat, make any decisions that has to be made & collect the money. You’re the only one I trust. The kid is to do all the work, Okay?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, Me understand Ya, Me won’t let ya down me Brother!~ I reply: ~I have no doubt George, that’s why you’re in charge, I wouldn’t want anyone else! Thanks George!~ We get in my Beamer & head home. I drop George off it’s 6:30pm. Now to my house. Ahh, home sweet home. There’s my Mary. I see her through the kitchen window, as beautiful as ever. It’s 6:50pm & I’m walking into my house. I kiss my wife & say: ~ Darling, you’re absolutely ravishing tonight.~ I embrace her, kiss her & say: ~I love you with my life, you know, don’t you?~ She replies: ~'O my Harry, what’s gotten into you? Of course I know that. You show me every day we’re together. You’re my everything Harry. I love you Harry, you’re the only man I’ve ever loved Harry! From that first Christmas Morning I met you, I was in love with you Harry. I was drawn to you Harry! It was like an Angel telling me that we were meant for each other. I trusted you right away Harry, I seen how good of a man & Father you were. I can’t explain it Harry, but I was in love with you! Now sit down Harry. I have your dinner ready! I’ve made you Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Country gravy, Southern style cream peas, Green salad & Sweet tea. For dessert Hot Apple pie with vanilla Ice cream. Eat up my Harry..~ I reply: ~Wow, you’ve really outdone yourself Darling, it all looks so delicious. Thank you my love! I want you to know this! That first Christmas morning we met……I had the same feeling come over me. It was like an Angel touched me! I love you Darling, & I have never had second thoughts!~ She smiles & kisses me & says: ~I’ll always be grateful to that Angel. Now eat, before it gets cold. That’s my Mama’s recipe!~ It’s delicious, I mean delicious. If you’ve ever eaten Chicken Fried Steak in a restaurant, this is 100% more delicious. The gravy is creamy & peppery, the potatoes have a garlic taste to them & the peas, I’ve never had this way before, delicious, absolutely delicious. I say: ~My Darling, you ever thought of opening a restaurant?~ She replies: ~No my Harry, I’m perfectly happy as a Mother & wife. All I want to do is take care of you!~ She serves me dessert. This Apple pie is bubbling hot. She scoops a hardy serving of ice cream on top & says: ~There you go Big boy!~ winks at me, driving me crazy, & smiles sexy like & says: ~The real dessert is coming after dinner hahaha!~ I look at her & react: ~Mmmmh, Wowww! Thank you Darling!~ This is the best Apple pie I’ve ever eaten. She’s really gone all out tonight. Man I love this Woman. I’m done & I’ve eaten every bite. I get up & clear the table. I’m not one to leave everything for my wife to do. I just don’t think that way, nor did we raise our son that
way! I help her with the dishes, we sit in the living room, listen to some Old School & cuddle a while. It’s 9:45pm & we go upstairs take a shower together, mess around a bit, go to bed & need I say more? Goodnight!

Thursday morning, April 25th

Today is the big day. We’re going to find out the gender of the Baby. Mary’s Doctor’s appointment is at 9:30am & were up & ready. She can’t eat or drink anything nor has she had anything since after midnight, per order of the Doctor. She has other tests besides the ultrasound! Oooh I’m so excited! I’m drinking coffee right now to calm my nerves. I know my wife would love to have some but she can’t, & she’s trying to cut back on it anyways! There she is, coming down the stairs, looking radiant as ever: ~How are you feeling my Darling?~ She replies: ~Oh Harry, excuse me my love, I’m feeling a little queasy. Morning sickness my Harry. Quite normal! Oooh, that’s better, comes & goes. I’m getting use to it!~ I reply: ~Is there anything I can do for you to help you get through it Darling?~ She says: ~No Harry, this is something we women just have to go through! It’s quite okay, really it is Harry!~ I kiss my lovely wife, it’s 8:30am & escort her to the car. We head to Doctor Kleinpeter’s office on the Overseas Hwy. He comes highly recommended. We need to be there for check in by 9:15am. Aah, there it is, I pull into the Driveway, park the car & escort my wife proudly into the Dr’s office. It’s really quite crowded in here. Must be a great Doctor. Sure allot of pregnant women in here, wow. Oh well, at least our appointment is in fifteen minutes. Oh I see, there’s four more Doctors in here, thank God, what a relief! I say: ~Come on Darling, you sit down & I’ll check you in. She sits down, I take her paperwork & identification up to the window & they check her in. They call her name, hand her a cup & show her the women’s room. She comes out & they take her back to the Doctor directly!………. Sure seems like she’s been in there a while. The nurse comes out & asks me: ~Me Newport, would you like to come back to the room with your wife?~ I excitentely replied: ~Yes, of course I would, thank you!~ I followed her back & Mary was laying on a table with her belly exposed. I said: ~How are you doing Darling?~ She replies~ Just fine my Harry. Ohh, that’s cold!~ As the nurse spreads a cold gel on her belly before taking the Ultrasound. This is repeated several times. Mary’s face gleems brighter each time as she watches the monitor. We can even hear a Heartbeat. This early in the pregnancy. God truly does perform miracles, doesn’t He? It’s confirmed, a Boy, my Mary is having a Baby Boy! She has the biggest smile on her face, but I have to admit, I’m overcome with joy myself. I kiss my wife & again tell her I love her. The Doctor tells Mary she can get dressed & says: ~Congratulations, I’ll see you two in my office after you’re dressed Mary!~ She replies: ~Yes Doctor!~ She gets dressed & we sit & wait for the nurse to take us to the Doctor’s office. The Nurse knocks & opens the door. She takes us across the hall to the Doctor’s office, knocks & he says: ~ Come~ Nurse opens the door, we enter & sit down. The door closes & the Doctor say: ~How you to doing, get you some to drink Mrs Newport, some Apple juice, maybe some some crackers to go with it? I know you have to be hungry!~ She replies: ~Yes, thank you Doctor, I am!~ He calls the nurse in & has her bring Mary some Juice & Crackers! Water for me! He explains to us that everything looks good & he give her some vitamins & explains that she needs to take them. They’re going to constipate her at first but it’s normal. He told her to eat, that she’s going to gain weight, that it’s normal, but to exercise. He suggested a Maternity workout program for her & that she should walk. Cut back on the coffee. A little wine won’t hurt once in a while but alcohol in general should be avoided! If she she’s feels like something wrong, play it safe. He gave her his card & told her to not hesitate to call him look at any hour day or night! He also gave me his card and said: ~That goes for you too young man, you’re in on this too!~ I reply: ~Thank Doctor!~ We walk out the Door, I go to the Window, I pay for the visit & I proudly escort my wife out to the car arm in arm! I take her to Lunch at Mrs Mac’s Kitchen. She said: ~My Harry, I’m hungry, but just something light please?~This place has great food, but healthy & light. We park & go inside. The Waitress takes our order: Mary orders Conch Chowder, Baked fish. Key lime pie & Sweet tea. I ordered a Cheeseburger, Fries & Sweet tea. I enjoy spending time out with my wife. I ask my wife: ~Darling, what do you say, after we eat we go hunting for Baby furniture, maybe some clothes too now that we know it’s a Boy?~ She replies: ~Thank you my Harry, that is a lovely idea.~ We eat our meals & let it settle a bit. It’s 2:00pm. I pay the tab, leave a tip & escort my wife to the car. We head to Miami International Mall to Rooms to go. They have a wonderful selection of Baby furniture I’m told! It’s 3:15pm & we’re here. The Mall is packed. I got lucky, they have Maternity parking spaces near the entrance. What a wonderful idea. I didn’t know they did that! We park & I help my wife out of the car. We walk through the Mall looking for Rooms to go! All the time Window Shopping as we go. She see some Baby rattles & little things that catches her eyes. Oh there’s the store! Wow, look at all those little Cribs, Bassinets, curtains & other baby stuff! She is looking carefully for the perfect set! Ahh she’s got it! Baby Cache Overland Point Blue in color. 4 piece nursery set. $1200.00. She bought blue curtains, blue Baby towels & washcloths. & Newborn Pampers, enough to last three months. She bought nursing pads. She said: ~Harry, Our son is going to want for nothing! Now let’s go home & call my John Ross & give him the news he’s been waiting for!~ I replied: Yes my Darling, let me first make arrangements to have these things delivered?~ I give my address to the clerk & assure her of the time & date to have it delivered. I picked up the bags my wife purchased on the way into this store & escort her out to the car. I say: ~Darling, did you enjoy yourself?~ She replies: ~ 'O yes my Harry, I did, I really did. Do you like it Harry? The Nursery set Harry?~ I reply: ~I do Darling, very much! I’ve always thought you have exquisite taste! Darling, I’ll get with George & we’ll get started on that nursery this weekend if you’d like?~ She replies: ~Really Harry, that would be marvelous. Thank you Harry, I love you ever so much!~ We’re just getting home at 8:00pm. Been a long day. I help my wife out of the car & escort her into the house. I sit her down at the table & say: ~Darling, I know you’re hungry, what can I get you?~ She replies: ~'O Harry, I want Pancakes & eggs!~ I look at her, raise my eyebrow & say: ~Okay my Darling, you’re every wish is my Command!~ I am now making her Pancakes. Pregnant women crave things, & we men must satisfy those cravings. I am only happy to satisfy my wife’s every craving! I place a plate with a stack of Aunt Jemima’s Pancakes. I warm her some blackberry syrup up & she’s in Heaven. I ask her: ~Darling, can I get you anything else? ~She replies: ~My eggs~ I forgot her eggs! I cook two eggs Sunny side up, place them on a saucer & : ~Your eggs Madam!~ I serve her a glass of juice & she has a good meal. I fix me a ham sandwich, that’s all I want for tonight. I bring her the phone. She’s got to call JR before lights out. I say: ~The phone my Darling, Getting late & you have to call JR.~ She replies: Thank you Harry, Oh I’m so full, those pancakes were so good. Who taught you to make pancakes?~ I reply: ~My Aunt, Aunt Jemima!~ She looks at me & says: ~You’re so silly!~ She calls JR & gives him the news. He’s ecstatic about it. He’s always wanted a little Brother, now his wish is coming true. I’m finished cleaning up in the kitchen. My wife has already gone upstairs. I lock up & follow her lead. I open the door & she’s waiting for me. She says: ~Harry, you haven’t fed me dessert yet!~ Well, excuse me while I take care of dessert! Goodnight!

TGIF
It’s been a long week, can’t wait for this day to be over. I want to get started on that Nursery for the Baby. Got to get with George, I’m sure he’ll have a ball helping me with it. It’s 5:30am & I’ve arrived at George’s, I give him a call & let him know I’m here. He comes right out. He gets in the car & hands me a check for yesterday’s Tour’s tally. I say: ~Thanks George, but I could have waited a while. I wasn’t in no kind of hurry. I trust you. Come on, Let’s go get our Caffeine boost!~ He replies:~aye, Me can use it Captain. Ya find out what ya be havin did ya Harry~ I reply: ~Sure did George, a Boy, we’re going to have a Baby Boy. George, I want to get started on remodeling a room to be used as a nursery. Can you help me old boy?~ He replies: ~aye, me be a might honored me would Mate.~ I say: ~Ok George, first thing in the morning I’ll pick you up & we’ll go get the materials we need & get started right away. Should be finished by the end of the day. We’ll eat at my place tomorrow, is that alright!~ He replies: ~Be sonundin might good Harry!~ There’s the Cafe, I stop get our coffee & doughnuts & we head for the Marina! It’s 6:15am & we’re sitting in front of the “Willow” drinking our coffee & eating our doughnuts. I tell George: ~Clients are just a couple Newly Weds that want to experience what it’s like to go out on the water. Paying us $375.00 to find out. We’re taking them out for two hours & back. They’ll be here here at 8:00am.
7:40am we do our precheck. The clients, Jerry & Angela Williams are here. I welcome them aboard, we congratulate them & have them don life jackets. I give the order: ~Take her out George~ He replies: ~aye aye Captain!~ He takes the helm steady as she goes at 2 knots. We’ll not take it over this speed as they’ve never been on a boat before & we want it to be pleasurable for them. I ask them: ~How are you two doing, can I get you something to drink. I have soft drinks & water!~ Mr Williams just stood & stared & replies: ~Water!~ Mrs Williams looked as if she was actually enjoying herself & replies: ~Please, Sprite, Thank you!~ They seem to be getting along well now. Even Mr Williams. He’s drinking Coke now & smiling. It’s 12:30pm & time to head back. I give the order: ~Take her home George, & take your time!~ He replies aye aye Captain. Steady as she goes at 1 knot. We get back to the Marina at 2:45pm. Mr & Mrs Williams Thanks us for a most wonderful experience. They tell George that he sure knows how to drive a boat! I thank them & give them my card. He pays me & give us each a $100.00 tip. I look at George and say: ~How about that?~ He just shakes his head, looks at the bill & smiles! We tie the"Willow" up, clean & put her to bed for the weekend. We head for home. I remind George I’ll be picking him up about 8:00am. I head home! I always feel good when I get home, it’s 4:00pm. I walk in & my beautiful Mary is fixing me dinner. Chicken & Dumplings. I like Chicken & Dumplings. I kiss her & tell her I love her. say: ~Darling, I’m going upstairs & clean up! I’ll be back down in a jiffy. She replies: ~Okay Harry, Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.~ I go upstairs & wash up. Man I needed that! I come back down & Mary’s got dinner on the table. I tell her: ~Darling, you never seize to amaze me! You always seem to put a delicious meal on the table every night! I find myself the luckiest man on Earth~ We eat & I help clear the table. I volunteer to do the dishes & my wife rejects it’s but says: ~'O my Harry, I do appreciate it, but you worked hard today! But here, I’ll wash & you can dry!~ I reply: ~I accept my Darling with pleasure!~ We do the dishes, go upstairs & make an early night of it. Maybe not that early. Goodnight!

Saturday, April 27
Delivery day
Remodeling for the Nursery

6:00am & I’m drinking coffee & waking up. Got to go pick up George & go by Home Depot for some supplies. Minor remodeling will accomplish what we need. We have the room, just want to make it into a Nursery. I’m going to put a Baby washing area in the room next to the Nursery so not to have to go to far. The Nursery of course will be next to our room with a double door opening. Ok, I’m on my way to get George. I’m excited about working on this project. A Baby, we’re going to have a baby. Oh, almost passed George’s. Let me call him, oh, there he comes: ~Hey George, how you feeling this morning?~ He replies: ~Gran, Me be feelin jus gran Harry! How ya be me Brother?~ I reply: ~Im feeling real good George! Can’t wait to get started, really quite excited about it to tell the truth!~ He replies: ~Me knows Harry, haha, ya face be shown it like da sun!~ I reply: ~I’m happy George, really happy~ Here we are, Home Depot! We go inside. We pick up the supplies we need & head home. We figure it’s going to take us a good seven hours between us to get the job done. We head home with Home Depot delivery following behind. We’re home. It’s 10:30am. Rooms to go has already delivered the Baby furniture.
We get started right off. If we work only taking thirty minutes for lunch, we can finish this job by 7:30pm. Mary & Lucy has promise us a Dinner of Delights. Kellyanne is making Dessert. She has requested to be an alternative God Mother & we have agreed! We’ve been working now more than two hours & we’re more thirsty than hungry but the ladies insist we stop & eat. They bring us Sweet tea & Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Chips & some whole Dill Pickles. This is Florida & we do love our pickles! We stay on schedule & get back to work right away.
Been a good six hours now & it’s looking really good in here. All we have left is to put up the Double doors & paint the room. Haha, 7:15pm & we’re ahead of schedule. The Nursery is finished.

“Mary’s Inspection”

I say: ~Come on George, Let’s go get Mary & Lucy! I want my Mary to see this so I can see her face. She’ll be so happy!~ He replies: ~aye
Harry, dat she be! Dis be pretty nice Harry, I be thankin ya fer lettin me be part of it!~ I say: ~No George, I couldn’t have done it without you! You are my very best friend & I’ll always be there for you! He’s got tears in his eyes again. This is a strong man, but a man with a heart! He replies: ~Me be thankin ya me Brudder with all me heart!! We went downstairs & I take Mary by the hand & tell her: ~Darling, come upstairs, I want you to see something!~ Lucy & Kellyanne followed. We get upstairs & I say: ~Now close your eyes my love! (I open the door, guide her in) now open your eyes!~ She reacts: ~Ohhhh Ohhhhhh 'O my Harry, Oh & you too George! It’s sohhh beautiful! Look Lucy, have you ever? Oh Harry, you’ve made me so happy! Now, you two boys have got to be starving! Your dinner is hot & waiting for you. Oh Harry, I just love you so much, thank you! George; Thank you too, you’re a real friend!~ We all go downstairs & we sit down at the table for dinner. We have Pork Roast, Baked Potatoes, Green Bean Salad, Corn on the Cob, Peach Cobbler, Sweet Tea, or Beer. The Ladies really went out. Kellyann made the Peach Cobbler! I say: ~Everything Looks so delicious! You all went way out! I can’t wait to dig in!~ George says: ~aye, me too, Let’s be eatin!~ He smiles, winks at Lucy! Lucy says:
~George, prayers!~ He replies: ~Oh, ya, Me be fergetin!~ I say prayers & we eat some really fantastic, fit for Royalty food! I say: Kellyanne:
This your Mom’s Peach Cobbler recipe? It’s the best I’ve ever tasted. I can say that because Mary’s never made me any. She’s famous for Blueberry pie.~ She replies: ~No sir, My Granny taught me to make that! She use to say: -dat ders Texas peach Cobbler Kellyanne- & Don’t ya be fergetin! & I haven’t. I’m glad you liked it Sir!~ I replied: ~I did, very much! Thank you!~ We eat up. We offer to help with the dishes but the women folk won’t hear of it! They insist that we did such a fine job on the Nursery that we deserve to sit this one out!

We go to the Library. I ask George: ~Want a Warm Brandy & a Havana? ~He looks at me with such surprise & replies in a Whisper: ~Ya be havin Cubans?~ He shakes his head yes & smiles like a child! I go to the safe & pull out a box of Havana hand wrapped Cuban Cigars. I take two out & put the box back in the safe! I pour us a Brandy Glass each & warm it to room temperature in the palm of my hand as heat tends to destroy the flavor of good Brandy! I handed George a Cigar & cutter, then the Brandy. Next I cut the end off my Havana & put it in my mouth. I lit George’s Cigar then mine & toasted our friendship & our wives, children & the new baby to come! George says: ~Dis be really good Harry! Really good!~ I reply: ~I know George, I save this just for my special friends & guess what?~ He reacts with a huh & a raised eyebrow!~ I say: ~You’re the only one I’ve ever offered one to!~ He raises both eyebrows, smiles, says: ~Really!~ We both hug like brothers & give it a hardy laugh! George is really like a Brother to me. I have two, I love dearly, wouldn’t trade for the world, but God has Blessed me with another! The ladies finish up in the kitchen, they’re tired & Lucy says: ~George, I’ve been on my feet all day, do you mind if we go home. It’s 10:30pm? I want to go to Church in the Morning!~ He replies: ~No Me little Honeybun! He looks at me & says: -Excuse me Harry why me be taken me little wife home- He says to Lucy: Der der me love, let’s go!~ I look at my cigar & wonder if it may have had an effect on him. I never seen George act like that. I would almost say he was acting frisky. Oh well as the French say c'est la vie. My wife looks tired too. I kiss her, just pick her up & carry her upstairs. We shower, go to bed & just fall asleep in each other’s arms. Thank you God for everything. Amen

Sunday morning

7:00am & we’re sitting at the table eating breakfast & drinking coffee. We’ve got to finish getting ready for Church. We’re meeting George & Lucy there at 8:45 am so we can congregate a little before services begin. Awh my wife’s look beautiful this morning. She’s wearing all white. She looks like an Angel. It’s 8:05am, I escort my wife to the car & help her in, close the door. I get in & we head to the Church. Takes about twenty minutes to get there so I have plenty of time. We’re here, it’s 8:40am. George is just pulling up behind me. It’s funny how the two of us seen to time things so closely. I park & open the door for Mary & we walk up to the door & shake the Pastor’s hand. He says: ~Good morning Harry, Mary! This is the Day that our Lord has made! God Bless you. Good morning George, Lucy, Kellyanne! This is the Day that our Lord has made! God Bless you!~We all go inside & meet up in the foyer & congregate. This is the time we see people that sometimes we don’t see for months at a time. There the bell, Church is about to begin. Music is playing,………….! It’s 12:30pm & Church is over. I’m taking my beautiful wife to lunch. I ask Mary: ~Would you like George & Lucy to join us or just the two of this time?~ She replies: ~Oh no Harry, that’s fine! I enjoy their company! Invite them.~ I say: ~Hey George, Coming to lunch with us?~ No Harry, Me be thankin ya though! Its me Lucy & me’s Anniversary Harry!~ I think to myself, that’s why he was acting so funny last night. I reply: ~George, I didn’t know, why didn’t you tell me? I would have done something for you!~ He replies: Me don’t want nay a fuss Harry. Me be owen ya Harry. Ya me Brudder, Me Love ya Harry! Thank ya Harry.~ I take my wife to lunch at the Buzzard’s Roost Steak House. I tip the Valet & we go inside. We’re seated right away as I’ve called ahead Mary’s drinking Lemonade & I’m having Sweet tea. She’s decided on a seafood platter, I’m going to settle on the Cowboys Steak, Fries & Salad. I say: ~We’ve got to get them an Anniversary gift at least. I know George’s a proud man. He doesn’t want anything that he didn’t earn. But I got to figure out what we can give them that he wouldn’t think is Charity!~ She replies: ~You leave that to me Harry! I’ll talk to Lucy tomorrow! We’ll figure something out!~ I reply: ~I don’t even know why I worry about things Darling? You always have a solution! Thank you Darling.~ We finish up lunch, have some more Lemonade & Tea & give our meal a chance to settle. It’s 3:00pm, I pay the tab, tip the waiter & escort my wife out the door. I give the Valet my ticket & he retrieves my car, opens the door for Mary. I tip him , close the door, get in & we’re on our way home. We get home about 4:30pm. I ask: ~ Mary, what would you like to do my Darling?~ She replies: ~‘O Harry, I’m tired my love! I just need to take a nap, you don’t mind Darling, do you?~ I reply: ~No Darling, you go rest, I’ll find something to keep me occupied!~ So she goes upstairs and naps! I go in the library & research my Grandparents. I want to know more about them & just how much our Grandfathers knew one another. Man, where has the time gone, it’s 7:00pm. Wow, if it weren’t for George’s Grandfather, I wouldn’t even be here. He saved my Grandfather’s life. He was his best friend. He wanted to make him a partner, but he wasn’t interested. He was his friend & wanted to just go on as that. The records show my Grandfather deposited a $15,000.00 Savings Bond in the name of Rory Gallagher Richards with the Wells Fargo Bank & Company, Houston Texas dated Monday, November 23, 1931. It says here that it would compound interest for as long as it was not touched. Furthermore; it would pass to next of kin upon death. Wells Fargo has been looking for the the legal next of kin of record! It still sits in the bank today. I don’t think George knows about.That money is rightfully his. It’s his inheritance. Not Charity. He doesn’t have to feel guilty about taking it! That’s eighty-one years of interest. That’s a fortune. $1,500,000.00. I hear movement in the kitchen. I go & see she is preparing a meal for us. I’m hungry & didn’t even realize it. What would I do without her! I kiss her & say: ~Did you sleep well Darling?~ She replies: ~Yes my Harry, I did! I’ve been up an hour or so! I didn’t want to disturb you, you looked so intense in what you were doing! I’ve made us a quick something to eat! Chicken Salad Sandwiches & Tomato soup. It’s good for the Soul Harry, & quite I haven’t had tomato soup since I was Sixteen.~ I reply: ~Sounds delicious Darling! Mary, I found something interesting. About mine & George’s Grandfather!~ She replies: ~Really Harry, now what would that be!~ I reply: ~Darling, They were best friends, not only that, he saved my Grandfather’s life & he wanted to make George’s Grandfather a partner but he refused the offer. Joe, my Grandfather deposited $15,000.00 as a retirement fund for George’s Grandfather, in 1931, with the Wells Fargo Bank, Houston. It’s been accumulating interest for eighty-one years for a total of $1,500,000.00 Darling, that’s George’s inheritance! George needs that money, how can I get him to find about it without me letting him know I’ve been nosy?~ She replies: ~'O my Dear sweet Harry! Just let the Bank know anonymously where to find George & the rest will fall into place! Eighty-one years, I’ve never heard of such a thing!~ I reply: ~Of course, why didn’t I think of that? You’re a lifesaver my Darling! My Father, I’ll have him call the Bank in the morning & arrange it!~ I call my Father & explain what I’ve found out. He vaguely remembers my Grandfather mentioning his friend saving his life. He didn’t know about the money. He said he’ll be happy to help & keep it to himself! He’ll call the offices of Heavenly Crude Oil, in the morning & have my brothers contact the bank & instruct them to keep it anonymous! He congratulated us on the baby & conveyed their love to both of us! I said to Mary: ~Darling, everything’s set, keep your fingers crossed! I hope all works out for George & Lucy. Those two & Kellyanne, the they deserve so much!~ I finish up my soup & sandwich & pick up the table. There’s just a couple dishes so I wash them. It’s 9:30pm. We go in the Living room, listen to music & cuddle a while. it’s 10:30pm, we go upstairs, shower & well, Goodnight!

Monday, April 29

5:00am & I’m on my way to pick George up. It’s 5:15am & George is on his steps waiting on me. I greet him: ~Good morning George, how are you feeling this morning morning?~ He replies: ~Mornin Harry, couldn’t be better! Be a Beautiful mornin, don’t ya say?~ I reply: ~Quite Beautiful George, God is good!~ We head to the cafe for our coffee & doughnuts! 5:40am we’re here. I run in pick up a thermos plus two cups of coffee, sugar, cream & a dozen doughnuts. We’re on our way to the Marina. We here. It’s 6:15pm, we’ve time to relax, drink our coffee & enjoy our doughnuts, so we kick back & do just that! It’s 7:30am & it won’t be long before our clients will be here! Today we’re traveling out to Pennekamp State Park to watch the wild Dolphins! Should be a decent day. A young couple just married & on their Honeymoon! We get started on the Safety checks. 7:55am & Greg & Judy Mitchell arrive right on on time! I welcome them aboard & have them don life jackets. I give the order: ~ Take her out George~ He replies: ~Steady as she goes at 2 knots gradually increasing to a cruising speed of 5 knots. It’s a comfortable speed & accomplish what the clients pay for without being on the water after dark! We’ve made the park by 10:00am & the Dolphins are playing like a bunch of children showing off as if paid performers! Quite amusing & at the same time absolutely Beautiful! Everytime I see these lovely creatures, I can’t help but to think back to Julia. She loved Dolphins. That’s where our son gets it from. He loves them as much as she did. The Mitchells are loving every minute of this tour! Two of the Dolphins have taken a liking to them & have come port side trying to communicate with them. They allow them to touch their snouts. Now they’re up on their tails riding the water backwards & singing the Dolphin song for them. The Mitchells are getting what they’re paying for today, & enjoying every moment of it. This is why I do what I do! It’s 3:30pm & I let them know we need to head in in a half hour. I offer them something to drink & they both ask for Coke. It’s 4:00pm & I give the order: ~Take her in George~ He replies: ~aye aye Captain, steady as she goes at 5 knots. It’s a nice ride in & it’s 6:05pm, we’re pulling into Pier 17. The Mitchells disembark, pay me & thank me for the best time they’ve ever had. I hand them my card & offer them a discount the next time around. They thank George for a most enjoyable ride & he tips his hat to them. We tie the “Willow” up check her out, clean her up & put he to bed for the night! It’s 6:35pm & we’re on our way home. I drop George off it’s 7:15pm: ~See you later George, long day, but a great day! Thanks my Brother!~ He replies: ~aye Harry Taday was a good day. Goodnight me Brother. Be seein ya in da mornin!~ I head home thinking about whether or not the bank has sent notification to George or not. I’m really quite nervous about it. All I want is the best for my friend and his family! Ahh, home sweet home, My Mary, she’s in the kitchen making sure I have dinner waiting. I have to get her some help. That’s my next project! I walk in & Mary meets me at the door with: ~ I’ve missed you so much My Harry, how was your day?~ Kisses me with those sweet warm lips that stops me in my tracks! & I reply: ~It went quite well today Darling, really! We took a couple newly weds out to see the Dolphins and they had the best time of their lives. It was gratifying to know they enjoyed the tour! But I missed you terribly! My Cell rings & George’s calling: ~Hello~ He replies: ~Harry, me’s rich, me don’t know what to do! Help me Harry please? Me scared me Brother!~ I reply: ~Take it easy George, relax & just tell me what happened!~ Harry, me get dis telegram! It be sayin I be gettin $1,500,000.00. Harry, me just want to be normal. Me Grandpa’s money Harry. Now it’s mine!~ I reply: ~George, you can have the money & still be normal! Aren’t we friend’s? I’m normal! I do dishes. I go to work, I don’t have too, I have plenty of money George. My Grandfather left us pretty much to live on. I chose to make my own! Now I will help you George! First you pay off your bills & anything you owe. Maybe buy something nice for Lucy & Kellyanne. Does Lucy know yet?~ He replies: ~No Harry, me Lucy, she neva be openen me mails.~ I reply: ~You need to tell her George, she’s your wife! Anyways, I will get you an investment Banker to help you invest your money to grow it for the future. One day your little girl is going to grow up George. You have to think about College & that is expensive.~ He replies: ~aye, me Grandpa, I be thankin him ya? & Harry, I be thankin ya fer bein me Brother!~ I reply: ~No sweat George! I’m always here for you my Brother! Now get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow. Well take Wednesday off & take care of business! Ok?~ He replies: ~aye, Me be thankin ya, God be Blessin ya me Brother. Me be sayin Goodnight!~ I reply: ~Goodnight George! I explain to my wife the Telegram George got. She says: ~It’ll be fine Darling, you’ll see!~ We sit down to eat a delicious Chicken Pot Pie. All I can say is, when I married Mary, God granted me an Angel of a wife, & a great cook too! It’s a 9:00pm & we’re finishing up dishes. We’ve decided to hit the sack early. I have to admit I’m beat. We go upstairs and take our shower, go to bed & well, maybe we’re not all that tired! Goodnight!

Tuesday, April 30

5:00am I’m drinking coffee at my kitchen table. I’ve already called George & notified him that the clients for today had a family emergency & cancelled. I’ve agreed to refund their deposit since it was a Death in the family. So I told George we can handle his financial situation today! He’s quite relieved in fact & I get to eat breakfast with my wife! Our next Doctor’s appointment is in two weeks. I’m going to make some Blueberry Pancakes w/hot Syrup, Sausage & eggs, apple juice she says is best for the baby! She says she wants to cut back on the coffee! I love to surprise my wife! It always puts a smile on her face & that puts one on mine! I hear my wife coming down the stairs as I place the last cake on the stack. She turns to me & says: ~'O Harry, I love you. Thank you Harry. Harry, what are you doing home? You’re supposed to be at work!~ I reply: ~We Darling, they cancelled, & I decided to let you sleep & surprise you with breakfast. I’m going to help George take care of business today!~ She replies: ~Oh, Okay Harry, you’re the best Harry. Oh Harry, you made me Pancakes, but where’s my- ( I interrupt: ~Your eggs my Love~) she continues-Oh there they are~ She smiles at me & gives me that hypnotic wink of hers. I say: ~ Sausage my Darling & here’s your Apple juice! Can I get you anything else my Queen? Your every wish is but my command!~ She replies: ~Thank you my Good Knight, that will be all!~ She smiles, winks & says: ~Harry, come here!~ (Pauses) wraps her arms around me & says: ~I love you Harry!~ I reply: I love you more than my very life my love & I would gladly give it up for you today!~ She replies: ~I know Harry, I’ve always known that, & I would do the same for you my love!~ I let my wife eat her food while it’s hot & she can enjoy it. I call my investment officer at Merrill Lynch. Joe Barker is a hell of a guy & he’ll do his best to set George up for stocks & gains to make his money grow for his family’s future! I made an appointment with Joe at 10:00am for us to go in to see him! I call George & let him know to be ready! Now I can spend an hour or so with the woman I love with all my heart! It’s 8:30am & I head for George’s house to pick him up for our appointment with Merrill Lynch. It’s 8:50am & there’s George waiting for me on his doorstep. He comes down & gets into the car & I ask: ~ How you doing this fine morning George?~ He looks at me as if he was shocked & couldn’t speak! I say: ~ George, I thought we talked about this already old boy, everything is going to be just fine!~ He replies: ~aye Harry, but day not be what worry me!~ (He pauses) Looks at me & says: ~Harry, me Lucy, she be havin a baby!~ I reply: George, well that’s wonderful, when did you find out?~ He replies: ~Me Lucy, she be known fer now 7 ½ weeks she say! She want not to be botherin me with it she say!~ I reply: ~Nothing to worry about. You have it covered. You can afford it now! Remember. It’s ok George. You’re not rich, but you have enough money to live very well & invest the rest so the little one & Kellyanne will have a future! Lucy will have everything you ever wanted to give her to George, now stop worrying. Oh & Congratulations, we need to celebrate later! Hey, the babies should be due around the same time George, wow, ain’t that something! Has she been to a Doctor yet George?~ He replies: ~Nay, she be sayin we not be havin the money Harry, Me feel maybe Me not good husband!~ I reply: George, Lucy knows better than that! She loves you, she just didn’t want to worry you! Let’s just make sure she gets an appointment & get’s taken care of!~ We’re arriving at Joe’s office at Merrill Lynch, it’s 9:55am. I park & we go inside. I tell the receptionist that we’re here to see Joe & we have a seat. He almost immediately opens the door & introduces himself to George. He shakes our hands & we go into his office! It’s 12:30pm & we’ve had a lesson in investing where I’ve even learned some new things! He has set George at ease & George has agreed to have him handle his investments. He will take $100,000.00 & put in the Bank for spending money, but for things he needs! Bills, the new baby, Doctor, new Nursery & something nice for Lucy & Kellyanne. He will remain working so he keeps his normalcy as it’s not as much money as it would seem & you could blow it quite easily! Let it grow is the way to go! Now he will go home & tell Lucy what he has decided & surprise her by taking her to Dinner. I will speak to Mary about helping her make an appointment with her Doctor. It’s 1:00pm & we’re leaving. I ask: ~George, feel better now?~ He replies: ~aye George, that Me do! Me be takin me Lucy & Kellyanne to Dinner tonight! Me be thankin ya me Brudder fer everythin!~ I reply: ~No thanks necessary George! You need to take tomorrow off?~ He replies: ~Nay, Me be good, Me want to work. When me Lucy, she be going to the Doctor, Me take off ya?~ I reply: ~No problem Buddy, you got it!~ It’s 1:40pm, I’m dropping George off & heading for Home. Ahh, it’s 2:00pm & home sweet home! Funny how even after a number of years together, I find myself still excited to be home knowing my wife is inside! I find myself loving her each day more than I did the day before & thank God each day for bringing her into mine & my son’s life! Our lives are better because of her. She is my “Earth Angel”! I go inside & she meets me at the door, wraps her arms around me & kisses me! I swear I’m still intoxicated after she does that, & I never get tired of it. She asks: ~How’d it go Harry?~ I reply: ~It went quite well my Darling! Darling, Lucy’s pregnant!~ She replies: ~What, really? How many weeks, does she know?~ I reply: ~7 ½ weeks my love, & she hasn’t seen a Doctor yet. Could you help her out my Darling?~ She replies: ~Of course I’ll help her! She needs to see a Doctor as soon as possible. That’s very important! I’ll get with her in the morning & we’ll make an appointment with Dr Kleinpeter.~ I reply: ~Darling, thank you. Darling, do you realize that you two are about the same amount of time along?~ She replies: ~That’s so true Harry! We can both have our babies in Madison County! How absolutely marvelous! Isn’t it Darling?~ I reply: ~Yes my Love, quite so!~ She asks: ~'O Harry, you must be hungry?~ I reply: ~Yes Darling, I am, I’d forgotten I was actually (laughs) but yes I am!~ She replies: ~Let me get you something to eat!~ She’s fixing me Tuna fish sandwiches, chips & a Dill pickle! She says: ~There you go my Harry, that should hold you over for a couple hours until dinner!~ I reply: ~Thank you Darling, I love Tuna!~ She replies: ~I know my love, that’s why I made it!~ She knows me so well! I’m done eating & I pick up my plate & clean it so my wife doesn’t have to! I ask: ~Mary, would you like to attend the Cinema tonight?~ She replies: ~'O Harry, that sounds wonderful! Of course, I’ve been wanting to go to the movies for a while! What shall we see?~ I reply: ~Avengers End Game, Best of Enemies & Amazing Grace!~ She replies: Best of Enemies sounds interesting! 'O Harry, let go see that!~ I reply: ~Sounds like a winner my love, Best of Enemies it is!~ Showtime at the B&B is at 7:25pm my love! How’s that sound?~ She replies: ~Perfect Harry! Thank you! I shall be ready! Oh & Harry, I love you!~ I reply: ~I love you with my life Darling, always!!!~ She kisses me with the sweetest & always moist lips. I stagger a bit as if I was intoxicated! The only way I can explain is that I’m spellbound by every kiss & love it! It’s 6:50pm & we don’t want to stand in line nor look for a parking spot, so we’re on our way. Mary is quite excited about going to the cinema. She’s wearing a pantsuit & is as beautiful as always. She’s radiant! God has truly Blessed me! If not for my wife, I would be an angry Man avoided by everyone! I had lost my will & frankly wanted to die when I lost Julia, my son is the reason I held on. But Mary brought me back from Hell! Showed me I could love again. I thank God everyday for her! We arrive at 7:10pm & I park. I escort my wife to the ticket window & purchase two tickets for The Best of Enemies! Mary remarks: ~'O Harry, I feel like a Teenager, almost giddy. We need to go to the Movies much more often, yea Harry? I reply: ~Yes my Darling, I assure you, we will come more often!~ We walk inside & take a seat right in the center of the theater. The Commercials are playing now. I can remember when my Mother would take me to the Cinema, Commercials were almost non-existent. Maybe for the snack bar & upcoming features. But we had cartoons. I remember we seen two movies, not one. But that’s back in the Good Old Days like everything else! I take this time to get my wife some popcorn, a soda & some BomBoms. Ah, the movie is beginning. I put my arm around my wife & we settle back to watch the movie! It’s 10:00pm & we’re walking out of the Cinema. Mary remarks: ~'O Harry, everyone needs to see this movie. There’s just to much discrimination going on. Why can’t people just live together as God meant them to? I can’t stand the thought of one treating others like they did in the movie! Harry, I’m hungry for pancakes, IHOP pancakes Harry!~ I reply: ~You’re every wish is my command my Darling!~ We are driving to IHOP! We park & go inside. They seat us at a booth! We look at the menu & order drinks! Sweet tea for the both of us. My wife orders the Grand Slam! She’s definitely showing the signs of pregnancy! I like Steak & eggs. We finish eating, it 11:45pm. She’s getting tired & I need to take my wife home. We’re on our way. We arrive home 12:15am & she’s so tired, I help her to the door & up the stairs. She disrobes & just lays down. I cover her, take my shower & join her in bed. Wrap myself around her, whisper in her ear ~I love you~ kiss her & fall asleep embraced in love!

Wednesday, May 1,

5:00am I’m drinking coffee at the Breakfast table. My Beautiful wife is sleeping. She needs to rest, she constantly going. Everyone depends on her, to include me. I’m going to make a call to the Agency today & get her some help while she’s pregnant! She deserves a break! 5:30am & I’m on my way to pick George up for work! 5:45am & I arrive at his house, as usual; George is waiting on the steps. I tell you, that man is as dependable. He gets in the Beamer & we head for the Cafe to pick up coffee & doughnuts. Today should be an easy day! We’re taking a group of Models & their photographer out for a Photoshoot! We’re going out just off shore for a couple hours. They will be including shots of the “Willow”, the girls in & out of the water & shots of George Driving the boat. I hear they’ll have a fan blowing towards him to make it look like we’re at high speed, when in reality, we’ll be anchored! They’re hoping for some shots with friendly Dolphins, or Flipper as their manager put it! We get to the Marina & Pier 17 & it’s 6:15am. I tell George the plan for the day: ~George, we have time to get our Caffeine boost & eat some doughnuts without rushing to much! We have to make our precheck early & start prepping the old lady for today! We will be working with Models. We’re only going out a couple miles & drop anchor! They will be photographing the girls in & out of the water, as well as; taking shots of the boat & You George as the one responsible for steering & keeping her steady! You my Brother are the heart of the Boat! We’ll be anchored, but you’ll be acting with a fan blowing wind through your hair like the great Skipper Ahab! They’re paying 1,500.00 for this trip. It’s a good take for a days work!~ He replies: ~aye Harry, ya be the Captain! Me not let ya down Captain!~ we kick & enjoy our coffee & doughnuts & talk about how much we love our wives! George is a proud man but he has a heart of gold! He loves his family deeply & is beginning to really look forward to the both of their new child!

It’s 7:00am , we make our safety check & prep the Boat for her photoshoot tour. She’s spotless as we make sure that we clean any missed spots off of her. We clean the windshield & the cabin windows. Put a shine on the brass & we’re ready to go! It’s 8:15am & the photography crew is here & loading their equipment on the boat! It’s 8:30am & the manager is pulling up with four models & we welcome them aboard. I’m told it will be about a six hour shoot & I have no problem with that. We have plenty of sodas & water. I do see that they are bringing alcohol on my boat but I’m told it’s for the shoot. The girls don’t drink until they are off the clock! I have the photographer, his two helpers, the manager & the girls Don Life jackets. It’s only a short trip, a couple miles. I give the order: ~Take her out George!~ He takes the helm & replies: ~aye aye Captain, steady as she goes at 2 knots gradually increasing speed to 4 knots. It will take us approximately thirty minutes to travel 2 nautical miles! 9:15am we reach the location & drop anchor. The immediately get to work. They want to catch every best position of the sun they can. The first shots are taken on the boat as if they’re sunbathing, rubbing lotion on each other, acting as if they’re partying & a shot with Skipper Ahab himself, George! George is nervous as hell, but gets through it alright. Next the girls get in the water & start playing around like little girls. They are taking a lot of pictures. Wow are they in luck! I see Dolphins, the seem to be curious. One of the girls see them & is afraid & yells Shark! I immediately try to calm them down! I say: ~Ladies, no, calm down! They’re just Dolphins! They’re curious, & if you’re lucky they will try to interact with you!~ The manager tells them: ~Keep playing, they’re moving in this direction!~ One come ups a nudges Tina, the brunette! I say: ~He likes you, he wants you to pet his snout!~ She cautiously does, then becomes more comfortable with. She made a friend! The manager asks the photographer: ~You getting this? This is great! Perfect!~ Two more Dolphins come in & beg for affection! The girls are eating this up! They’ve never had an experience like this before. It’s 5:00pm & we’re losing sun! I explain to the manager that it’s time we get to shore! He said: ~Okay Captain, this shoot was probably one of if not the best I’ve had in years! You’ll be getting much more business from us!~ I reply: ~I thank you Mr Jordan! You’ve been a pleasure to work with! The girls are out of the water & it’s 5:15pm. We should make shore by 6:00pm. The all don their life jackets & I give the order: ~Take her in George!~ He takes the helm and replies: ~aye aye Captain, steady as she goes at 4 knots!~ I offer all of them soft drinks or water. To my great surprise, they all request water, except for Mr Jordan, he asks for Coke! We enter the harbor & slow to 2 knots & reach Pier 17 at 6:05pm. They disembark. Mr Jordan hands me a check for $1,500.00 & says it was well worth it. He walked up to George & said: ~Sir; I want to thank you for being a good sport & all. If you ever think about modeling, let me know!~ He hand him a $500.00 tip a d shakes his hand. I give Mr Jordan my card & we shake hands. He hopes in the Limousine with the girls as they’re all hanging out the sunroof and windows yelling goodbyes to us! I say to George: ~How’d you like to have a day like that everyday George?~ He clears his voice, shakes his head and says: ~Nice tip Harry! It be a good day Harry ya! Me ready to go home!~ We clean the “Willow” up & put her to bed for a couple days! Nothing scheduled for tomorrow! I say: ~George, you’re off tomorrow, We haven’t got anything scheduled! Mary called my Cell & said she mad you two an appointment with Dr Kleinpeter. You okay with that?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, Me be thankin ya & Ya Mary. She be an Angel ya Mary be! Me Lucy, she be thinkin da world fer her!~ I reply: ~No problem George, you want us to go with you?~ He replies: ~Nay, Me be thankin ya fer da offer Harry, but Me want to do dis wit me Lucy alone!~ I reply: ~I understand but the offer remains open. The appointment is at 10:45am!~ It’s 6:45pm & I drop George off at his house! I’m on the way home to my sweet Mary! I arrive home, it’s 7:00pm. I walk in the house & I’m met at the door with the sweetest kiss & the warmest hug. This woman for the last ten years has never one day failed to meet me at the door nor has she ever forgotten to tell me she loves me! She says: ~How was your day my Harry?~ I reply: ~We had a $1,500.00 day my love. All we had to do is go out two miles & drop anchor!~ She replies: ~'O Harry, you are such a businessman! Now sit down & eat! I’ve made Crawfish & Cornbread stuffed Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Green beans & Tossed Salad! Want a cold beer my Love?~ I reply: ~You know Darling, I think I’d just as well have a Sweet tea! What’s for dessert love? She replies: ~'O Harry, need you ask? Here’s your tea my Harry!~ She winks at me & gives me that sexy smile! No I don’t need to ask! I know exactly what dessert is, & I can’t wait! This is delicious. I don’t think anyone could stand neck & neck with Mary when it comes to cooking Southern style! My wife is a real Southern Bell! Let me sat this, you can’t get no more Southern than Raleigh, North Carolina. Any of you ever watched Andy Griffith? I rest my case! I’m done eating, but my wife is still eating! I clear my plate & ask her: ~Can I get you something love?~ She replies: ~No Darling, sit down while I eat! I’ll get the dishes!~ I reply: ~I’ll sit with you love, but I’ll get the dishes. After you eat, you go upstairs & get ready to feed me dessert!~ She replies: ~Ahh Harry, Okay, I’m done Harry! I’ll be waiting for you Big boy!~ There’s that wink again, as she walks by me & rubs my face with her soft hand! I’m cleaning the dishes at record speed. It’s 9:00pm & I’m running up these stairs! I jump in the shower wash up, dry off, brush my teeth & jump in bed with my Goddess of Love! & To all a Goodnight!

Thursday, May 2

It’s 8:00am & I slept in because of nothing being scheduled today! I’m going to cook my wife Breakfast. Then after, I’m going to talk to her about getting her some help around the house until after the baby!
I’m pulling the waffle iron down. I want to make her some Belgium Waffles covered with fresh strawberries & whipped cream. It’s 8:45am & my wife has come down the stairs. She sits down to wake up & notices the waffles! She says: ~'O Harry, Belgium Waffles! I love you Harry, you’re just too good to me!~ She looks around & before she could say anything: ~You’re eggs my Darling!~ She looks up at me, smiles, looks at her food & digs in. She definitely has a pregnant woman’s appetite! God I love to see her smile! I tell her: Darling: ~I want to call the Agency today & hire someone to help you around the house until after the Baby is born or as long after you may need her!~ She replies: ~Thank you Harry, sometimes I get tired. But I need to get out, walk & exercise. That would free me up. Then when it gets where I start slowing down, she’ll be here too!~ I reply: ~Then it’s settled!~ I’m call the Agency & they tell me they’ll be sending a woman by the name of Yolanda over at 10:00am to be interviewed! I tell Mary: Darling, there’s going to be a Yolanda coming here at 10:00am for you to interview!~ She replies: ~Thank you my Harry! I’m sure she’ll be fine! That Agency is Accredited AAA & there’s never been a problem!~ I reply: ~I will leave it up to you my Darling!~ I can’t help but to wonder how George & Lucy’s doing right now! Poor George, he’s getting hit with everything at one time! But he’s a great guy & I feel lucky to know him!
It’s 10:00am & the woman from the Agency is here! I open the door & she says: ~Good morning Sir; my name is Yolanda Rodriguez & I’m from the “Wellington Agency”!~ I reply: ~Glad to meet you Yolanda, I’ll call Mrs Newport for you. Please, have a seat? Would you like something to drink?~ She replies: ~No
Sir, but thank you for the offer!~ I go into the kitchen & let my wife know Yolanda’s here & she goes right into the living room, introduces herself & begins the interview! I leave them to their business & go into the Library. I’ve got some Tax returns to go over! 11:00am, Mary comes I to the Library and say: ~Harry, I hired her! She’s perfect & she starts on Monday!~ I reply: ~That’s wonderful Darling, simply wonderful!~ She smiles loudly, kisses me & winks before turning around & going back in the kitchen! I think she’s preparing lunch! 11:15am George calls & says: ~Harry, Me & me Lucy, we be done wit da Doctor! Harry, a girl, anudder girl me Lucy be havin!~ I reply: ~Well that’s wonderful George, when is the Baby due? He replies: ~December 7th Harry! Harry, dat der nurse, she take a picture of me new baby girl! She be beautiful Harry, but like a mouse!~ I reply: I’m happy for you George! You know, that’s only two day from our baby!~ He replies: ~Well dat be somethin Harry!~ I reply: ~Yes indeed! Well George, I’ll let you get back to your wife & congratulations my Brother!~ We hang up! I go into the kitchen & say to my wife: ~Mary, George & Lucy are having a girl & the due date is December 7th!~ She smiles & replies: ~Well, isn’t that something! You know George, the more I think about it; our son Brought us together! Now through Kellyanne, he brought George & his family together with us! God really does work in mysterious ways!~ I reply: ~Yes he does indeed my Darling!~ I really hadn’t thought about it, but that is the way things came about! God is Good… We are truly Blessed!

Skipping ahead seven months

Sunday November 24, 2019
“John Ross comes home for the Holidays”

It’s 4:30am & I’m finishing up my cup of coffee & Mary is asleep as she’s getting close to the Delivery date & I want her to rest. I’m sure she’ll be up before I get back from the Airport with JR! His flight is scheduled to arrive at 6:00am & I’m being cautious as to have plenty of time to park & meet him at the gate! We don’t miss Church, so we’ll attend evening service tonight! It’s 4:45am & I’m on my way to Miami International to pick up JR. Mary is so excited & as for Kellyann, I’ve asked George to bring her to the house later! JR wanted to surprise her, so we didn’t mention him coming home yet! It’s 5:30am & I’ve arrived at the airport. I park in the Garage & walk across to the terminal to the arrival gate! I go to the coffee shop & purchase a Cinnamon Bun & a cup of coffee, sit down & wait for the flight to land! Ahh, his flight is landing! It 6:15am & late. But no matter, it’s here, safe & that’s what counts! The airport is just starting to get crowded Thanksgiving holiday & all! It’s 6:40am & JR is just getting through Security! I tell: ~JR!!!!~ He sees me & walks towards in my direction. First words out of his mouth: ~Dad, how Kellyann, God I miss her! Oh you to Dad, how have you & mom been, Is she showing big now?~ I reply: ~We’ve been fine & yeaaa! She showing real big son! Did Kellyanne tell you she’s got a baby sister coming around the same time as you new baby
brother?~ He replies: ~Yea, that’s something, isn’t Dad! Weird but I like it. They can be best friends! Let’s go home Dad, I really want to to see Mom. I miss her so much! Sometimes when I was down & stuck on something I thought I couldn’t do; Mom encouraged me & told me I can do anything if I put my mind to it! Just like when I was a kid! She called me allot Dad!~ I reply: ~She’s that way son. Always has been. She loves you more than anything! Let’s go, she’s probably awake & cooking us breakfast as we speak!~ We pick his bags out from the Baggage Carousel, left the terminal & walked across to the garage where my Beamer was parked! It’s 7:55am & we’re headed for home! We’re pulling into our Driveway & it’s 9:00am. JR darts for the house! He really missed his Mother! I get the bags & carry them into the house! I open the door & the two of them are hugging each other like it’s been years! My wife is crying she’s so happy to see her little man! I walk by them with the bags & carry them upstairs to JR’s room! I smell food & I welcome it, I’m starving! She’s got Bacon, sausage, Biscuits, white gravy, eggs & grape jelly on the table. Grape is JR’s favorite! We have Orange juice, milk, coffee & apple juice for Mary. My wife says: ~You boys dig in now, while it’s hot!~ Nobody has to tell me twice, I’m hungry! I’m finished eating, & I get up, pick up the table & clean everything up. That gives time for Mary to catch up with JR! Afterall, at 12:30pm, Kellyanne will be here & they’re going to be spending an awful lot of time together! I’m done with the dishes, those two are still at it, so I go into the library & read up on seaman regulations! They’re constantly changing! Wow, two hours & my eyes are killing me, I need a break! Doorbell is ringing, it 12:25pm. It’s George, Lucy & Kellyanne! I invite them in & before I can say anything, Kellyanne sees JR. She yells out in Joy: ~John Ross! ‘O John Ross, I didn’t even know you were going to be here! When did you get in?~ He replies: ~I wanted to surprise you! I got in early this morning! I’ve missed you so much Kellyanne!~ She replies:
~John Ross, I’ve missed you terribly! I’m so happy you’re home! How long are are you home for John Ross?~ He replies: ~ I have to leave on January 2, 2020. I’m here until after the Holidays!~ The go into the other room so they can talk! Man, I can’t tell who’s belly is bigger! Oh well, next month the new ones will be filling everybody’s hearts with joy!

Skipping ahead to November 27

It’s 7:00am & Mary, myself, JR, George, Lucy & Kellyanne are getting ready to board a flight to Valdosta Regional Airport Headed to spend the Holidays with my parents! Mary’s Parents & Julia’s Mother will also be joining us at the Mansion! We’ve checked our luggage & it’s 7:30am. Our flight leaves at 8:00am & we’re going through Security now! It’s 7:55am & we’re boarding the plane! The trip is expected to be smooth & take approximately 4 hours with 1 stop. We should be landing at about 12:00pm! I will be happy to see my parents & JR certainly will enjoy seeing all of his Grandparents in one place. This will probably be the last time he’ll see his Grandma Rachael! She’s been in poor health lately. I’m glad she’ll have time with JR! It’s 12:05pm & we’re landing. We disembark the plane & run through Security. It’s 12:45pm & we’re heading towards the Baggage Carousel! The ladies are seated so not to put strain on them. They are just about a week from due date! My Father has sent a Limousine service to pick us up because of the amount of people! I spot the Chofer holding a sign with our name on it! I signal him to come & give us a hand! We get a Baggage cart & load the luggage onto it & head for the door. The Car is parked at the loading zone. We help the ladies in the we get in. The Chofer loads the luggage in the trunk! We’re on our way to Madison County, just across the State line. About 30-35 minutes from here to the Mansion! It’s 1:30am & we’re pulling onto the Grounds of Newport Mansion! George says: ~Dang Harry, dis place be beautiful! I ain’t neva seen a place be like dis!~ I reply: ~It’s just a place to live George! Too big for me!~ My Parents are both outside waiting for us as we pull up! My Mother is quite famous for her Sweet tea & Lemonade! My Grandma Nippy’s recipe! She welcome everyone. She kisses me on the cheek & my wife & says: ~We’ve missed you!~ She shakes the hands of George & Lucy & says: ~You’re most welcome here, consider yourselves part of the family. My name is Candace, you may call me Candy!~ She looks at Kellyann & says: ~Now, who do we have here child? Such a Beautiful young Lady!~ She replies: ~My name is Kellyanne Mam, Pleased to meet you! Mother replies: ~ So polite! Well then Kellyann, you can call me Grandma if you wish. ~Now everyone, this is Charles, my husband Harry’s Father!~ She turns to JR & says: ~Now John Ross, come here my boy & let you Grandma give you some love!~ He walks over to Mother & holds out his arms & my Mother gives her Grandson a hug to remember! She says: 'O John Ross, I’ve missed you so much! I’m so proud of you & I’m so glad you could make it & spend the Holidays with us! Rachael, will be flying in tonight, Will & Laura are driving & should be here soon! Our family keeps growing! Now for you two expecting Mothers, arrangements have been made with Madison County Memorial Hospital! I have a Dr Jameson on call in case of an emergency! I believe your Doctor is Kleinpeter? Dr Jameson says that he knows him!
Dr Jameson has with your permission agreed to take over while you’re here? Both Mary & Lucy simultaneously say: ~Of course, & thanks Mom, Mary adds!~ Mother calls for Huntington: ~Huntington, please show our guest to their rooms!~ He replies: ~Yes Mam, (looks at us) right this way please?~ George asks: ~Harry, a Butler, well day beat all! Dis place be Beautiful Harry!~ Mother says loudly: ~We’ve had a late lunch prepared for you, if you’re hungry!~ I reply: ~Yes, thank you Mother, I’m quite hungry!~ George adds: ~Me too, me belly be achin, really achin! Me be thirsty too! Harry, Rich people drink beer?~ I reply: Yes George, my Father was born in Texas. He enjoys a cold Bud once in a while! But he quite likes his Brandy!~ He replies: ~Me too!~ I leave my wife upstairs to change & come down to say a real hello to my Father: ~Hello Father, I’ve missed you!~ He turns to me & says: ~Son, I’ve missed you too! I’m so happy you came to spend the Holidays with us!~ He hugs me & says: ~ I love you Son!~ I’ve always been close to my Father! He’s a Good man & has always done his very best for his family! I ask: ~Father, will my Sister & Brothers be joining us?~ He replies: ~Jaime had to make a choice! She’s spending Thanksgiving with Bill’s parents! They’ll be joining us for Christmas! You’re Brothers have to work through Thanksgiving because of some bureaucratic meddling! They’ll be joining us this weekend!~ Everyone is coming downstairs, let’s go into the Drawing room, Huntington will be serving a late lunch! Just some horderves & little stuff like that to hold you over until dinner.~ We all enter the Drawing room & Father asks: ~Drinks anyone?~ George is ready: ~Bud please?~ Father replies: ~Of course George, Would you be a Seaman by any chance my good man?~ aye, Me would Sir!~ Both our wives reply: ~Sprite if you don’t mind?~ The kids have already got Coke! I request: ~Scotch on the Rocks~ In comes Huntington: ~Horderves!~ He’s serving us one by one! Shrimp, Caviar, Olives, Rolled Ham, & other various treats! Kids ask him if he’d just make the a couple sandwiches & he happily agreed! We sat, enjoyed each other’s company toasted the expecting Mother’s & my Parents as well as Mary’s & of course Rachael! It’s nice being around family & friends. I’m really glad we made this trip!
4:00pm & Mary’s parents just arrived from Raleigh, NC. They’ve got to be tired, that’s at least a 11 hour trip; allowing stopping to rest & eat! Straight through, mmmmh, I’d say 8 ½ hours! Either way, it’s hard on them at their age! Mary & Mother & myself meet them at the car, & I get their luggage out of the trunk! Laura looks at her daughter & begins to cry out of happiness! She places her hand on Mary’s belly, giggles & says: ~I can feel the little guy kicking in their!~ Mother walks up to Laura & says:
~Welcome my Dear Friend, we’re so glad you could join us for the Holidays!~ She replies: 'O Candice, we appreciate you guys so much. I wouldn’t miss it for the world, & besides; my Baby is having a Baby! Now where is John Ross?~ I reply: ~He’s somewhere around here with Kellyanne!~ She replies: ~Kellyanne? Our Little man is not so little anymore, is he?~I reply: ~No Laura, he’s in love!~ She remarks: ~Well, that sounds serious!~ I say: ~Yes, it is!~ Mary hugs her Father & kisses his cheek, hugs him again & says: ~'O Daddy, I’ve missed you so much! How have you & Mom been doing? Have you stayed well?~ He replies:~Yes my Dear, We’ve been well! I get quite bored with myself since I retired from the University, but it’s worth it to spend more time with your Mother! We’ve missed you too!~ Candace he says: ~Where’s Charles?~ She replies: ~Charles has gone to the Airport! Rachael’s flight is scheduled to arrive at 5:00pm from Dallas! They’ll be pulling in before you know it! Let’s go inside?~ We all go into the Mansion & Mother calls for Huntington: ~Huntington, please show my Dear friends to their room?~ He replies: ~Yes mam~ She adds: ~Will, Laura, We’ll let you freshen up! We can talk after!~ Huntington grabs their bags & shows them to their room! It’s 6:00pm & Father’s arrived with Rachael! Mother & I meet them at the car. I open the rear passenger door & help Rachael out. I hug her & say: ~Mom, I’m so glad you could make it! The Holidays wouldn’t be the same without you!~ She replies: ~I almost didn’t come Harry, I was hurting, but I want to see you & my Grandson one more time before I join my Baby & Jimmy in Heaven! Where is that boy?~ I reply: ~I’ll find him for you Mom! He’s around here somewhere, he doesn’t know you’re here yet!~ Mother asks: ~How was your trip Rachael? How are you feeling?~ She replies: ~The trip was fine Candy, I’m just a little tired! How are you doing?~ Mother replies: ~I’m doing pretty good for an old Lady! Come inside & rest, I’ll have Huntington take your bags to your room!~ They go inside & I’m in search of my son! There they are, on the swing! I call out: ~JR! Your Grandma Marcantel is here! Go see her!~ He replies: ~Grammy’s here, come on Kellyanne, you’ll just love her!~ He takes Kellyanne by the hand & heads for the house to see his Grandmother! She has pancreatic cancer & it’s spread beyond control! There’s no more they can do! This is the last time he’ll see her! She’s all that’s left of Julia besides my son! I go back to the house & go inside! Everyone is sitting in the Drawing room talking & getting to know each other! I ask George: ~How’s it going Buddy, enjoying yourself?~ He replies: ~aye Harry, ya be havin a huge family ya be Harry! Me like very allot!~ It’s 7:00pm & Huntington announces: ~Dinner is being served in the Dinning room!~ We all go towards the Dining & are seated! George’s eyes have doubled in size! I haven’t seen this table filled in years, since my Wedding! The food looks Delicious. Tomorrow is the Big one, Thanksgiving! Mother goes all out! We finish dinner & retire to the Drawing room. It’s 9:00pm & my Father offers drinks. The kids are drinking soft drinks. The ladies all, except for Mother, request just water. Rebecca needs to take her meds. The remaining four of us have Brandy! We sit & visit & we are truly family! It’s 10:00pm & we’re all tired! Rachael calls me over & whispers to me: ~Harry, please take me to see my Julia in the morning?~ I reply: ~Of course I will Mom! First thing…. We say Goodnight & retire to our rooms respectfully! My poor Mary, her legs are swelled up, so I run her a warm bath. I wash her back for her, I love pampering my wife! I take a shower & we both get into bed. I rub her legs for her to make them feel better! We lay down & I put my arm around her, resting my hand on her belly! I can feel the baby moving around inside of her, God is Good! Goodnight all!

Thursday, November 28
Thanksgiving Morning
Julia’s Grave

It’s early, 6:00am, & My son & I are up drinking coffee! The others are still sleeping. I promised Rachael that I would take her over to the East side of the property to see Julia’s grave! JR wanted to come along to see his Mother’s grave & asked if he could come along! It’s 7:00am & Rebecca has come down stairs. I ask: ~Coffee mom?~ She replies: ~No, but thank you Harry! Coffee doesn’t agree with me anymore. Maybe some juice diluted with water?~I reply: ~Sure mom, Apple juice okay?~ She replies: ~That will be fine Harry, Thanks!~ She takes out this pharmacy of medication out & begins to take them a few at a time! She asks: ~Harry, can I have a piece of toast, no butter? Just to settle my stomach!~ I reply: ~Sure mom, I’ll fix it for you now!~ I give a plate with toast & she nibbles on it until it’s gone!

It’s 8:00am & I borrowed my Father’s car! We’re enroute to the East side of the property where our Family Cemetery’s located! It’s about a twenty minute drive. It’s 8:25 & we’ve arrived at the cemetery. I help Rachael out of the car & the three of us walk over to Julia’s grave. Rachael puts her hand on the Gravestone & talks to her daughter with tears in her eyes: ~I’ll be with you & your Daddy soon Baby! We all miss you so much! John Ross is here! He misses you too Julia! But he’s doing fine! You’d be so proud of him, he’s grown into a fine young man!~ She closed eyes and said a prayer. JR took hold of her hand & prayed with her. He said: ~I love you Mom, I’ve never forgotten how you use to hold me! I never will Mom, I promise!~ I too had my own private talk with Julia, I shall keep to myself! Rachael asks: ~Harry, what a beautiful Headstone! I’ve never quite seen one like this before!~ I reply: ~Julia always loved the Dolphins! I only thought it right to have them watch over her!~ She replies:
Thank you Harry for that! She always thought they were the true Mermaids of the Sea! She had a whole shelf full as a little girl!~ I place an array of Julia’s favorite flowers on her grave! I say: ~Mom, you know we all love you. You know JR & I love you. My Parents love you! Mom, we’d like to move Dad from Shreveport & lay him to rest beside Julia with your permission! Mom, we’ve a spot here for you too! She’s got tears in her eyes & replies: ~Harry, we have nobody in Shreveport! Yes, of course you have my permission! Harry, our Julia loved you very much! God Bless you Harry!~ We get back in the car & ride back to the Mansion! Throughout the day we all had time to catch up. Later that evening……

Thanksgiving Dinner
6:00pm
Huntington rings a bell: Dinner is being served! May I offer my Heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Mother announces: ~Today is Thanksgiving Huntington, & you are considered part of this family. You’ll be eating with us tonight Huntington!~ He replies: ~Yes Mam, thank you mam!~ I’ve never seen Huntington smile before, but he’s smiling now!
The twelve of us all go to the Dining room & are seated as such: Mother & Father at each end. Rachael is seated on Mother’s right & Huntington on her left. Kellyanne is seated next to Rachael & JR next to Huntington. Lucy is seated next to Kellyanne & her George next to JR. Mary’s Mother is seated next to Lucy & he Father is seated next to George. Mary is seated on my Father’s left & I on his right! My Father says Grace over the Thanksgiving Feast. Amen. The table is set in a Formal matter & with a Feast fit for Royalty, everything anyone could imagine. My Mother always does it right! We eat drink & be Thankful for the food, love of Family & all God has provided us! God is Truly Good! God Bless us all! We’re finished with dinner & all retire to the Drawing room for Drinks & conversation! Mother decides that it’s time that we put some Christmas music on! Tomorrow she will be putting up a tree! She has a 21ft Douglas Fur being trucked in from Atlanta in the morning. We’re singing Christmas Carols, we’ve only 27 days till Christmas! It’s 11:30pm. Rachael looks tired. She needs to rest, I help her upstairs to her room! She’s in pain & I ask: ~Mom, is there anything I can do?~ She replies: ~No Harry, It’ll pass! I just need to rest! Thank you Harry, for everything! I reply: ~Goodnight Mom, Sleep well!~ I go back downstairs & join the rest of the Family! It’s 1:00am & we decide to end the night & retire to our rooms.

Mary’s Water Breaks!

We say our Goodnights & go upstairs. While in the bathroom, Mary calls me in: ~Harry, it’s time,my water broke!~ I reply ~Darling, it’s too early!~ I’m quite anxious by now! She has a bag ready & I proceed to take her downstairs, only stopping to knock on Mother’s door to let her know & Mary’s parents, who’s wanting to accompany us. They’ll drive since their car is here! Mother’s calling Dr Jameson to meet us at Memorial! We make Madison County Hospital & its 2:15am. Professor Covington drops us off at the Emergency entrance & I grab a wheelchair & wheel Mary in. I’m going out of my mind & Mary is cool, calm & collective. We get her admitted & Dr Jameson arrives. He examines her & says: ~How are you doing young lady?~ Mary replies: ~I’m having a Baby!~ He turns to me & asks: ~Your the Father, Are you going to be in there with her~ I reply I can be there too?~ He replies ~Yes, of course, better hurry & get ready! She’s almost fully dilated, it won’t be long! He tells the nurse to have me wash my hands, get me a gown & mask. He has Mary get in a gown & lay on a gurney. The wheel her I to the delivery room & I follow. They transfer her to a Delivery table. The Dr asks: ~Want an epidural?~ She replies: No Doctor, I want this to be natural!~ The nurse says: ~She’s fully dilated Doctor~ He replies: ~Good, I want you to breathe!~ I’m watching this as he reaches between her legs, gently grasp this little head coming out of my wife!

Friday November 29, 2019
Time of Birth: 4:11am
Harry Jr. 7 lbs 13oz
He’s crying as he comes out. I always thought they had to swat the rear end. I’m evidently wrong! He hands him to the nurse who places him on my wife’s belly as he cuts the umbilical cord & cleans the fluids out of his mouth & nose! They wrap him in a blanket & hand him to me, while they clean Mary up! He’s perfect & healthy & his Mother his okay too. God is Good, thank you Lord!
They’re done cleaning her up, I kiss her & say:
~I love you Mrs Newport, he’s perfect. ~ She replies: ~'O my Harry, I love!~ They hand her the baby & she’s as proud as she can be! She crying & says: Harry: ~His name is Harold Joseph Jr.!~ She named him after me!
They tell they’re taking her to the room & will let me know when I & the Grandparents can come in! I go to the visiting room & give Mary’s parents the news. They are ecstatic that they have a new Grandson. It’s 5:30am & I call my Mother. I spoke to JR & told him he has a new baby Brother. Everyone is excited to hear the news & are making ready to come to the Hospital. It’s 8:00am, my parents, JR & Kellyanne arrive to visit Marry! The Baby is in the Nursery for now & can be viewed through a window. George & Lucy will visit later when I come back to the Hospital! Rebecca is not feeling well & is resting in her room. Mother has hired a nurse to stay with us as long as Rachael needs her! It’s 10:00am & I kiss my wife, tell her I love her & I need to go get a couple hours rest & check on Rachael! We’ll ride home with my parents & I’ll return this afternoon. We head home & Mary’s parents will follow so she can get her rest. We get home, it’s 10:50am. I go upstairs to check on Rachael & find she’s in pain. I ring for the nurse & she explains that she just gave her a shot of Morphine & anymore would be dangerous! She get some cool towels so to bring her temperature under control. I ask: ~Mom, how are you doing?~ She replies: ~It’ll pass son, thank you~ She told me to get the envelope out of the Nightstand next to the bed: ~Harry, that letter gives you my Power of Attorney to handle any & all my business if necessary! I’m leaving the house to John Ross! It’s his Mother’s Childhood home! Please see that it’s taken care of?~ I reply: ~Mom, you’re not going anywhere!~ She replies: ~Sure Harry, please do as I ask?~ I reply: ~I will Mom!~ The Morphine’s doing its job & she falls asleep! She’s a good woman & when she’s gone, JR’s only link to Julia will be too! He loves his Grammy & she loves him! Cancer took Julia, her Father & now it’s taking Rachael!

The Christmas tree’s Delivered

It’s 11:35am & The delivery truck is here from Atlanta with the Christmas tree. Beautiful tree Mother has them bring it into the house & set it up in the Grand Foyer. She loves to go big! I’m going to lay down for a couple hours so I can get back to the Hospital! It’s 2:30pm & I’m headed back to the Hospital, George & Lucy are accompanying me! Lucy’s looking pretty tired & I hope she’s okay! George is getting excited about having another child! It’s 3:00pm & we arrive at the Hospital! We park, go inside & we pass Mary’s parents on the way out! Laura says: ~The Baby is perfect Harry!~ Professor Covington adds: ~Yes he is, congratulations my boy! We’re going back to the house. See you there!~ I reply: Thanks, I just want you to know, I’m really glad you could be here! Talk to you when we get back!~ We go up to Mary’s room, she’s breastfeeding the baby! George is immediately embarrassed so she covers he breast & he relaxes! Lucy say: ~How are you feeling Mary?~ She replies~ Alls well Lucy, the baby’s healthy & is a perfect little guy! He looks like Harry~ She smiles & winks at me! I’m so happy they’re both okay! Mary asks Lucy: ~How are you Lucy?~ She replies: ~Oh, I’m Ooooo, ahh, I’m doing, ohhhhh, George: I think it’s time~ as she holds her belly… George replies: ~Time for what me luv? Oh, Oh Nay, now?~ He runs out in the hall yelling for a nurse. Lucy calmly walks out & sits in a wheelchair. Mary says: ~Go with them Harry, until he settles down! I’ll be fine, not going anywhere!~ I tell George to settle down, & I ask the nurse to call Dr Jameson! Lucy’s water just broke & now George is frantic: ~Calm down George, everything is fine. That’s supposed to happen! Weren’t you there when she had Kellyanne?~ He replies: ~Me wasn’t here Harry, Navy, on a Ship!~ I reply: ~Okay old man, everything’s good!~ He settling down, Doctor’s here & he takes her into the exam room! Been fifteen minutes & the Doctor comes out & asks George: ~It’s time Mr Richards, coming?~ I say: ~Go with the nurse George! She’ll show you where to wash your hands!~ He replies: ~Fer what? I reply: ~So you can be in there with her!~ He replies: ~Me, in der, me can be wit me Lucy? Ohhh, Okay, Me be seein ya Harry!~ He looks awfully nervous, I sincerely hope he doesn’t faint! I tell him to let me know when the baby comes. I go back to my wife’s room, she’s holding the baby! She hands the little guy to me. He’s grabs my pinky finger. His grip is strong. Just like when JR was born! I’m holding a miracle in my arms, a new life. I’m worried about Rachael too, I don’t think she’s got long. She says she’s ready, she wants to be with Julia & The Rev!…….

Friday, November 29, 2019
Time of Birth: 7:03pm
Anabel 6 lbs 2 oz

It’s 7:15pm & George comes into the room: ~Me little girl be born at 7:03pm. She be Beautiful Harry, but Me need a beer!~ I ask: ~What’s her name George?~ He replies: ~Anabel Josephine Richards, after me Mum!~ I reply: ~That’s a Beautiful name George, is she in the Nursery?~ He nods his head Yes, & we go to see the Annabelle! She’s really quite a beautiful baby. George says: ~She got me mum’s eyes~ I reply: ~She’s Beautiful George, Congratulations old man!~ He replies: ~Well then, Me be thankful to God, & Harry, ifin ya not be mindin, Me & me Lucy be wantin fer ya & ya Mary to be da Godmuder & Fadder, dat is, ifin ya not be mindin?~ I reply: ~George, we'll be honored!~ Next he takes me to see Lucy, she had a rough time of it. She went natural too, but was in labor four hours! She’s doing well now! George says: ~Me neva see nuttin like it Harry! Dat der Doctor reach down der & he pull me little girl out! Harry, she be so little, when I be holdin her, be like a bird! Awhh Me be Lovin her Harry & me Lucy too!~ I reply: ~I know old man! You call Kellyanne yet & tell her she’s got a new Baby sister?~ He replies: ~Nay, Me ferget Harry! Me do now!~ I tell him I’m going back to Mary’s room, there’s only twenty minutes of visiting time left. Both our wives need to get their rest. Mary & Harry Jr are scheduled to be released tomorrow. I’m back in Mary’s room. The nurse just gave me a ten minute heads up! I say: ~Darling, you sure gave us a Beautiful baby. I love you with all my life!~ I kiss & hold her in my arms for a minute. It’s 9:00pm straight up & the nurse reaffirms it by telling me, Visiting hours are over. I say thanks, kiss my wife & tell her I will be here at 8:00am to sign her & the baby out! I meet George out in the hall, head downstairs & to Father’s car! We head back to the Mansion. It’s 10:00pm & we arrive, followed by my sister Jamie & her husband Bill Langley. They drove in from Little Rock! We step out of the car & greet them. I introduce George & fill them in with the news. Been a busy last couple of days. Jamie asks: ~How is Mary & the baby?~ I reply: ~They’re doing well & Jamie, Little Harry is absolutely perfect!~ She hugs me & kisses me on the cheek: ~I’m glad Harry, you two deserve all the happiness in the world!~ Then she turns to George & says: ~How are your wife & baby doing?~ He replies: ~Good, me be thankin ya fer askin~ We go I to the house & our parents are waiting for me. They didn’t know that Jamie & Bill were coming in tonight? Mother sees Jamie, & is surprised: ~Jaime, I wasn’t aware you were coming in tonight! She hugs & kisses her hello, hugs Bob, he’s a man of few words! Jaime sees Father, & like a little girl, runs into his arms: ~Daddy, 'O I’ve missed you Daddy! How have you been?~ He replies: ~Quite well Jaime! I’ve missed you too! I wish we could see more of you!~ They hug & my sister is reluctant to release him. She’s always been a “Daddy’s Little Girl”. Mother calls for Huntington: ~Huntington, please show my Daughter & Son in-law to their room?~ He replies ~Yes Mam! He takes their bags & shows them to the room! Mother says: ~Tomorrow’s the first day of December Son! Everyone will be here, the girls will be home from the hospital & we’re going to decorate the tree!~ I reply: ~Yes Mother, I’m bringing Mary & the Baby home tomorrow morning. Lucy & their little one should be getting the next day! Right George?~ George replies: ~Right, Sunday!~ Mother replies: ~Good then, this is so wonderful, I just love Christmas time! God has graced us once again with two new lives, what can be better than that?, Goodnight you two! We tell my mother Goodnight & she goes upstairs! My Father says: ~You both look like you can use a drink! I reply reply: ~Scotch please Father?~ George replies: ~Me too, please, Me be thankin ya fer it Sir!~ My Father says: ~Very well~ He pours us both a Scotch on the rocks. We toast each other, drink our drinks & say Goodnight! Its been a long couple of days but we’re Blessed! t’s 7:00am! George, JR & I are enroute to the Hospital. George will stay & visit Lucy & little Anabel. We’ll take Marry & our little boy home after she’s discharged! Richard & Lewis will be arriving later this afternoon from Dallas. It’s 7:45am & we’re on our way up to the rooms where our wives are staying. 7:55am JR & myself are entering Mary’s room. Mary is sitting on the side of her bed. Harry Jr is in a plastic see through Infant bed next to her. They’re waiting for Dr Jameson to release them so she can be discharged! 8:05am & Dr Jameson is checking the baby out once more. He says: ~The little guy doing fine! Everything’s looking good. How are feeling Mrs Newport?~ She replies: ~I’m feeling great, I’m ready to go home Doctor.~ He replies: ~I would say you are! If you need anything, just call me, night or day! Good luck & Merry Christmas to you!~ The nurse hands her a clipboard & Mary happily signs it. The nurse rolls a wheelchair in, says: ~Hospital policy my Dear, we have to wheel you out to the door!~ We get to the exit, I pull the car around, JR insists on helping his Mother into the car! He’s crazy about having a little brother, he’s always since he was a young child himself, wanted a little brother. His wish has been fulfilled! We’re on our way back to the Mansion. It’s 9:15am & we’re pulling onto the Grounds of Newport Mansion, Mother is waiting for us on the porch! We pull up, JR jumps out of the car, opens the rear passenger door, takes the baby from Mary. I help her out of the car, she’s doing great, but let’s face it, she just had a baby. She’s still moving slow! Mother immediately takes the baby from JR & she says: ~Another addition to our family. How handsome he is Mary! How are you feeling Dear? She replies: ~I’m fine Mom, thanks for asking! Just a little slow right now!~ Mother replies: ~That’s to be expected Dear! I’m so happy you both are okay! God has truly Blessed this family when you came into Mary, & now with Harry Jr, come inside Dear & sit down.~ We all go I to the house & Mother tells Huntington to bring some Sweet tea. She asks: ~Mary, is tea alright with you?~ She replies: ~Yes, I would love a glass, thank you Mom!~ She says: ~Your parents will return in a little while Mary! They insisted on going to town to pick something up for the Baby! Rachael is feeling a bit better this morning! The nurse says she wants to see the baby, & nothing is going to prevent her from it!~ The nurse helps Rachael to the Drawing room! Rachael says: ~Hello Mary, Harry, John Ross! Where is he, the little Angel?~ JR says: ~Here Grammy, I have him!~ He takes the baby to her & says: ~His name is Harry, like my Dad!~ She replies: ~You happy John Ross, a little Brother, ‘O he’s beautiful Mary! I’m so happy for you!~ Kellyanne walks in and says: ~Ohhh, can I hold him, please?~ JR hands her the baby, saying: ~Like this Kellyanne!~ He’s showing her how to support his head, I really didn’t know who taught him! I see he’s already protective of him! I’m glad he loves the baby! I ask Mother: ~Where’s Father? She replies: ~He & our Driver has taken the Limo to the Airport to pick up your Brothers!~ Jamie comes in: Oh my Goodness, is that Little Harry? Hi Mary, he’s so Beautiful! May I hold him?~ She takes the baby from Kellyanne gently! She’s got tears running down her face. My sister hasn’t been able to conceive! She wants a child of her own so terribly bad! I feel sorry for her…… It’s 12:30pm & Father walks in with my Brothers, Richard & Lewis! I greet them with a Handshake & a hug. Father says: ~Where is my new Grandson?~ He sees Jaime holding him & says: ~Now there, who do we have here? Look at his little hands! They’re balled up in a fist! That’s a sign of a fighter! A Newport if I ever seen one! Mary, how are doing? You did a fine job little girl! You made us proud!~ Mary replies: ~Thank you Dad, he is something, isn’t he?~ He replies: ~Yes indeed, he is something!~ My brothers are fighting over who’s going to take him Fishing & Hunting first! Huntington takes their bags upstairs while Father fixes them a drink: ~Anyone else would like something to drink?~ We’re drinking Sweet tea so we good! George calls my Cell: ~Harry, the Doctor, he say me Lucy & Little Annabel, Me can bring dem home dis day! 6:00pm Harry!~ I reply: ~ Wonderful George, I’ll see you then!~ We hang up & I pass the news on! Kellyanne’s eyes get big! She remarks: ~Tonight, I can’t wait, 'O I’m so happy, I have a baby sister!~ Mary’s parents walk in her her say: ~Mary, my sweet child, where’s our Grandchild? 'O look at him Will. Isn’t he just Beautiful?~ He replies: ~Yes Dear, he’s a very good looking boy. Strong, kind of looks like me, don’t you think?~ She replies: ~He looks like his Father silly~ Father ask them if they’d like a drink. They both ask: ~Coke please? Laura says: ~Mary, look what we got for Little Harry! Aren’t these just darling?~She’s bought a Blue set of baby clothes, rattles & other assorted baby needs! They’re really happy about the baby! The baby is now laying in a Bassinet next to where Mary’s sitting! Laura reaches down & picks the baby up! Oh my Goodness, he’s Beautiful Mary! You two made an old lady happy! It’s 5:00pm & I have to go pick George, Lucy & Annabel up from the Hospital. I ask Kellyanne if she wants to come along & she decides she does! We’re enroute! We have arrived at the hospital & it’s 5:45pm. We go up to Lucy’s room! She’s ready to leave as soon as the nurse brings her some formula ordered by the Doctor. She’s having some difficulty Breastfeeding, little Annabel isn’t latching on! The nurse is here with the formula & a wheelchair. Lucy gets in the wheelchair & the nurse wheels her down to the exit. George helps Lucy into the backseat of the car with Kellyanne & the Baby. George rides shotgun! We’re enroute to the Mansion. 6:55pm we’re pulling onto the grounds of Newport Mansion. My parents & JR meet us at the car. George helps Lucy out, JR helps Kellyanne out with the little Annabel in her arms. Her big sister has already grown attached to her! Mother greets Lucy & says: ~Welcome Lucy, How you feeling Dear! How the baby, Anabel, right?~ She replies: ~Yes Mam Mrs Newport, & we’re both doing fine thank you!~ Mother replies: ~I’m so happy to hear that, come inside my Dear, you need to sit down & rest!~ We all go inside & we now have two stars in the house! Mother has a Bassinet already set up next to little Harry for her! Lucy places Annabel in it & everyone is here. One big Happy family. Mother announces: ~Tomorrow we shall decorate the tree!

“Rachael’s Gift To John Ross”

Rachael calls JR over: ~John Ross, I have something for you!~ She hands him a box. He opens it, a Christmas Ornament. He remarks: ~It’s beautiful Grammy!~ She replies: ~It was your Mother’s when she was young! It’s got her name on it~ It’s eight dolphins pulling Santa’s Sailboat pass a full moon! Her name is Boldly printed on it. Rachael adds: ~It’s hung on our tree every year since she was six years old. I thought you could carry on the tradition! ~ I see JR starting to tear up, as he thanks his Grandmother & hugs her: ~I promise Grammy, thank you!~ It’s 7:45,pm & Huntington rings the bell & announces: ~Dinner is being served in the Dining room!~ We’re all hungry except for Rachael. Her stomach is unsettled, so she excuses herself & the nurse helps her up the stairs! Mother has Beef Broth, crackers & Apple juice prepared for her & will have it brought to her room! The rest of us go into the Dining room & are seated at the table. My parents at each end, the rest of us are pretty much pairing up with our mates. This meal is not formal, though some may think so! It’s a dinner of Aged beef, Roasted baby potatoes, Broccoli & cheese, Green Garden salad, Onion Soup Crackers & Fresh yeast rolls! Drinks of choice are served. We have Baked Alaska for dessert! I’ve forgotten my Mother’s choice of menus, she’s a classy woman! 9:00pm we finish up dinner & retire to the Drawing room! Father serves Drinks. Mary & Lucy request Sprite, Laura a Glass of Red wine, as does Mother. The kids are off visiting each other. The Babies are both asleep in the Bassinets. We five men have a Cognac. It’s nice for family to be able to congregate after dinner! I only wish Rachael was able to enjoy herself! I’m not sure she’s going to make to Christmas, we can only pray! It’s 10:00pm, Mary & Lucy pick up the babies, say Goodnight. George & myself excuse ourselves so we can join our wives! We miss them & want to spend time with them! Personally, I miss sleeping with Mary, without her, it’s hard to even close my eyes! I take the baby from my wife’s arms & carry him, while helping her up the stairs! We get to our room & she’s beat. She takes a shower the I take mine as to be able to keep a close eye on little Harry! Mary feeds the him & we go to bed!

Sunday, December 01, 2019

It’s 7:00am we’re all up getting ready to attend Church as a Family! Rachael insists on attending, though not feeling well! She says: ~I don’t miss Church. Please help me?~ We load up her wheelchair into the trunk of the Limousine. The nurse will accompany us. It’s 9:00am & the sixteen of us load up into the Limo, Father’s & my Sister’s cars, forming a small caravan & go to Church! 10:16am we arrive at Church & are greeted by the Pastor. He is happy to see the whole family attending. He informs the Door Keepers to assure an easy in & out for Rachael! 12:30pm, Services are over & we’re enroute home to Newport Mansion! We’re pulling into the grounds of the Mansion. We pull the wheelchair out of the trunk of the Limo & help Rachael out. The nurse wheels her into the house! She wants to stay downstairs & visit. The nurse administers her a shot to help her with pain! It’s 12:00pm & Huntington announces: ~Lunch is will be served in Dining room!~ We enter the Dining room & be seated! Split pea soup & a variety of Finger sandwiches are served! After lunch, we all go out to the Garden & sip on Mother’s Sweet tea! The nurse wheels Rachael so she can have some fresh air! She asks for water only. She’s getting worse & I’m truly worried for her! I’ve made arrangements to have the Reverend moved from Shreveport to our Family cemetery to be intermed next to his daughter! I pray Rachael will make it to the New Year……

The Tree

It’s 3:00pm & Mother announces: ~Everyone, it’s time to decorate the Christmas tree! Come on, everyone to the Grand Foyer!~ Everybody gets in on the decorations, each have a personal Ornaments. JR will place his, as well as: Julia’s on the tree! Mother has created an ornament each for little Harry & Annabel.

Little Harry
“Baby’s First Christmas Rocking horse Ornament”

Little Annabel
“Baby’s First Christmas Basket Ornament”

Mother has a large array of other ornaments, including belonging to my Grandparents! There’s Gold, Silver, Blue, Green & Red tinsel. She has lights & Candy Canes too! Little Angel’s & Tree Candles! The tree is Beautiful & fits nicely in the Grand Foyer! Now that it’s finished, we place gifts under the Tree for the final touch! It’s now 6:30pm, giving us enough time to wash up before dinner! 7:00pm Huntington rings the bell & announces:~Dinner is being served in the Dining room!~ Rebecca wants to eat with us tonight. Cook has prepared Chicken broth, crackers & Jello for her! The main menu consists of: Clam Chowder, Salad, Veal, Lobster, Caviar, Truffles, Choice of Drinks. Dutch Chocolate Cake & Strawberries for dessert. A typical Sunday meal for my Parents….. It’s 8:45pm & we’ve finished Dinner. The ladies retire to the Drawing room. Father asks us men to follow him to the Library. He pulls out a Bottle of his very best Cognac & a Box of Havana Cigars! He says: ~Men, two new lives have Blessed us with theirs! Tradition calls for a Good Cigar & a Great Cognac!~ He passes a cigar each to my Brothers, Will, Robert, George & myself! He then takes one for himself! We each cut the tips off & Father lights them. He pours each of us a Cognac & we raise our glasses, toasting our Newborn Children! After, we join the women in the Drawing room for conversation! Huntington serves Coffee & diluted juice for Rachael! Rachael apologizes & excuses herself, retiring for the night! The nurse will see her to her room & administer her medication so she can sleep! It’s 10:00pm & I my wife say our Goodnights & take Little Harry to our room. Mary feeds the baby once again as I shower! Afterwards, I take the baby & hold him for a while! I feel as if he’s already grown since we left the hospital! Mary comes out of the bathroom & puts the baby in the Bassinet next to the bed. He’s really a good baby, as he doesn’t cry very much. He goes right to sleep… Mary & I climb into bed & she falls asleep in my arms! I love my wife, Goodnight!

December 02, 2019
3:15am
Grammy says Goodbye!

Knock at my room door: ~Mr Newport, Sir!~ it’s Rachael’s nurse at the door: ~Mr Newport, you’re needed Sir!~ I reply: ~Coming, I’ll be right there!~ She didn’t wake the baby or my wife, thank the Lord! I put my robe on & open the door & ask: ~What’s wrong?~ She replies: Sir, she’s slipping fast, Mrs Marcantel! She hasn’t long & she’s asking for you, I’ve already called the Doctor!~ I reply: ~Of course, let’s go!~ I knock on JR’s door as I pass & tell him to come to his Grandmother’s room!
I enter the room, she’s looking bad, can hardly hold on as her breathing is shallow! I let her know I’m there: ~Mom, I’m here!~ I take hold of her hand! She replies in a low & almost diminished voice: ~Harry, my Jimmy’s calling me, I can hear him! My baby is with him! Harry, where is John Ross? Is he here?~ John Ross answers: ~I’m here Grammy, I love you Grammy, please don’t leave me?~ He’s got tears in his eyes & is hurting! She says: ~John Ross, I see your Mother, she’s with your Grandpa! Harry, remember what I asked? I love~ She takes her last breath & is gone! John Ross kisses his Grandmother on the forehead, lays his head on her chest & begins to cry! He’s lost his Mother, Grandfather & now his Grandmother to Cancer! The Doctor is here, he checks for a heartbeat, then calls it. Time of Death: 3:45am! He calls the Mortuary to pick up Rachael! Mother comes into the room: ~I’m so sorry, I just learned! She walks over & touches Rachael’s hand & says: ~Farewell my friend!~ She says to JR: ~Son, she loved you deeply, you were all we ever talked about on the phone! She looked so forward to seeing you before the end! She was proud of you! She’s not in pain any longer!~ She leaves us alone & wake’s everyone to give them the news! It’s 7:00am & the Mortuary’s here! She’ll be buried here, next to Julia. Everyone’s in shock! We knew she didn’t have long, but this was too soon!

Skipping forward:

Saturday, December 07, 2019
Rachael’s Funeral

It’s 6:00am & everyone is getting to attend the funeral of Julia’s Mother. The viewing of the body is at Madison First Baptist Church, from 8:00am to 9:00am. Burial will be at the Newport Family Cemetery at 10:00am! It’s now 7:00am & we’re all enroute to the Church! I’ve notified her Church in Shreveport & a number of their Parishioners have flown in to attend to include her Pastor who will officiate! Its 7:55am & we’re arriving at the Church! Reverend Johnson of The Madison First Baptist Church & Reverend Toussaint, Rachael’s Pastor greets us at the doors. The Church is packed with friends of the Marcantels & people from Madison that knew her! She was truly loved! It’s 9:00am & we’re loading up in vehicles forming the Funeral Procession! 9:35am we’re enroute to the Cemetery where Rachael will be intermed next to her daughter, JR’s Mother & my first Love! We are arriving, it’s 9:55am. Myself, Father, Bill, the Professor & my two Brothers are Pallbearers. We remove Rachael’s Casket from the Hearse & walk it to the Gravesite. We place her Casket on the lowering device & are seated! JR’s trying to hold back the tears, he loved his Grammy deeply! Kellyanne is trying to console him! That girl loves my son! Reverend Toussaint says a Prayer: ~Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself, the soul of our dear Sister Rachael Jane Marcantel, departed, we therefore commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure & certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto His glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby He is able to subdue all things to Himself, Amen! A single Carnation from atop her Casket, is passed to each member of our Family. JR touches the Casket & says: ~Goodbye Grammy, say hello to Grandpa & Mommy! I love you Grammy!~ They lower the Casket into the ground & the funeral is over. We all depart the Cemetery, leaving a loved one in the Hands of God!
It’s 12:15pm & we’ve all returned to the Mansion! Everyone is in a somber mood, Rachael was a part of us all! She left an impression on each & everyone she met. Huntington announces: ~Lunch is being served in the Dining room!~ We go into the Dining room & are seated. Mother announces:~The menu today is Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. It’s Rachael’s own recipe & she made me promise to serve it, if & when she was laid to rest!~ She raises her glass in Toast: ~Here’s to you old friend, may you look down on us & smile!~ We all raise our glasses & to Rachael!

Monday December 09, 2019
5:30am

I’m getting ready to fly to Shreveport & escort Julia’s Father’s remains back to Madison, for burial in our Family Cemetery! He’ll be buried next to his wife & daughter! My flight leaves at 7:15am. I’ll return tomorrow evening! It’s now 6:00am & I kiss my wife Goodbye & Father is driving me to the Airport. We arrive at 6:35am, I’m only taking one carry on bag! I tell my Father: ~I’ll see you tomorrow night, thanks for the ride!~ He replies: ~Until tomorrow, be careful son, we love you!~ I go through Security & straight to the departure gate, they’re already loading the plane! We take off on time & will arrive in Dallas at 11:30am. I will rent a car for the final nearly three hours to Shreveport. 11:40am my flight is landing ten minutes late! I rent a car from Hertz & enroute to Shreveport where I have a room reserved at The Remington Suites! The Reverend’s remains have already been recovered & waiting at the Coroner’s office. I’ll sign for them & have them delivered to the Airport tonight! They have to arrive there before morning to assure they’re on my Flight. I leave at 2:00pm & am scheduled to arrive at Valdosta Regional at 6:30pm. I call Mary to let her know I’ve arrived safely! It’s 12:30pm & I’m enroute to Shreveport. It’s 4:30pm, I arrive at the City of Shreveport Coroner’s office, I’ve called the Mortuary in advance to meet me there! I sign for the body & give instructions for the Driver to deliver the Casket to Delta Airlines Freight! It’s 6:00pm & I’m signing into the Remington. I have dinner delivered to my room. I take a shower, have a scotch from the Wet Bar & call my wife to say Goodnight! I’m going to sleep!

Tuesday

6:00am I’m awake & shaving, washing my face & Brushing my teeth. 6:30am I’m going downstairs to the Restaurant to eat Breakfast. I’m ready to the road! 7:30am I’m checking out. 8:00am I’m enroute to the Airport. I arrive at 12:00pm, turn my rental in Check in. I’m going to the Coffee Bar & wait! 12:45pm I’m going through Security to the gate where I’ll wait for Boarding. 1:30pm I’m boarding my flight. We take off on time, scheduled to arrive at Valdosta Regional at 4:30pm. I called Father to assure he’s there when I arrive……

It’s 4:25pm & landing on time. I go through Security & meet Father at the loading zone. I’ve arranged for Burns Funeral Home to pick up the Casket with Julia’s Father’s remains. He’ll be buried next to Rachael in our Family Cemetery tomorrow! We’re enroute back to Newport Mansion. I can’t wait to see Mary & my sons. It’s 5:30pm & we’re pulling onto the grounds of the Mansion. We go inside & I immediately find my wife & kiss her. I say: ~Darling, you’re my life & I’m so happy to be able to tell you that! I love you Mary Grace Newport, with all that I am & all that I’ll ever be! You are what makes my life worthwhile & I thank God for you every moment of my life! She replies: ~Harry, what’s gotten into you? I love you too my Harry! I’ve always loved you Harry, from the very beginning! You are & will be the only man I’ll ever love!~ I sit down & Father pours me a drink! It was a trip of sadness, but also of reuniting three special people of my past to rest in peace together! I can pretty much take care of Rachael’s affairs from home. The House will stay in the family for JR, as that was her wish! Mother asks: ~Are you hungry son? Dinner will be ready soon!~ I reply: ~I am Mother, famished! I’ll be glad to sit down with family & eat. Hotel food sometimes just doesn’t hit the spot!~ Mary remarks: ~My poor Harry, you look tired as well my Love!~ I reply: ~Quite so Darling, with all that’s on mind; I didn’t hardly sleep a wink!~ It’s 6:30pm & Huntington rings: ~Dinner is being served in the Dining room!~ We go to the Dining room, be seated. Dinner I great: Roast Ham, Corn, Sweet potatoes, Slaw & for dessert; Peach Cobbler! 7:30pm, we finish eating & retire to the Drawing room to have a Drink. I inform everyone that the Reverend will be buried next to Rachael & Julia tomorrow morning at 10:00am. It’s 9:00pm & I’m extremely tired. Mary takes my hand & says: ~Let’s go to bed my Harry, you’re beat!~ We excuse ourselves, pick up the baby & retire for the night.

Wednesday December 11, 2019
The Reburial of Julia’s Father

10:00am we’re at the Family Cemetery, & the Hearse carrying Reverend Marcantel arrives. My Father, Brothers, myself, George & Bill act as Pallbearers & removed the Casket containing Julia’s Father’s remains. We carry him to the gravesite & place the Casket on the lowering device. We all pray silently & the Casket is lowered into the ground! It’s 11:15am & we leave the Cemetery enroute back to the Mansion.11:30am we arrive & all go inside & into the Drawing room to talk. It’ll be Christmas soon & we need to get in the mood! Mother turns on Christmas music & demands that we cheer up! 12:00pm Huntington rings: ~Lunch is being served in the Dining room!~ We go into the Dining room & be seated. We’re having Moroccan salmon and foie gras stuffed pastry. It’s really quite delicious…. It’s 1:30pm, we finish lunch & retire to the Drawing room to listen to Christmas music. Tomorrow George & myself will take our wives & babies in for a Doctor’s appointment.

Thursday
8:00am

George, myself are drinking regular coffee & our wives are drinking Decaf in the Drawing room. Mary will Breastfeed little Harry before we leave. Lucy is already feeding Anabel formula! Both babies are eating & sleep well. Our appointments with Dr Jameson are starting at 10:00am. I’m borrowing Father’s car for the day. We’ll eat lunch in town & do a little shopping while we’re out! It’s 9:00am & we’re enroute to town for the appointments! George is playing with Annabel. He’s a happy Father. It’s 8:45am & we’re at Dr Jameson’s office. We go in & check in! 10:05am, the nurse escorts Lucy, George & Annabel to the back! 10:40am George, Lucy & Anabel come out, George remarks: ~Me wife & little baby, they be good da Doctor he say!~ The nurse escorts us back to the exam room. She weighs little Harry, lays him on the table & measures him. She then measures his head, looks in his eyes & ears. She hands him to me, smiles & leaves the room. Dr Jameson knocks on the door & opens it. Never understood why they always knock on the door, not like we’re going to get caught doing something! He enters, asks how we’re doing & asks Mary to sit on the exam table. He does a quick exam & asks: Have you been having any problems?~ She replies: ~No Doctor ~ He says: ~Good, everything is looking good with the baby, he’s right where he should be on growth & weight! You’re doing fine, but if you have any problems at all, you have my number. Day or night!~ She replies: ~Yes Doctor, thank you so much!~ He gives her some vitamins for her & little Harry! We go out to the window & pay the bill. It’s 11:55am & we’re hungry!

We’ve decided to eat at O'neal’s Country Buffet on Base street. Ribs are sounding really good to me! Cook prepares delicious meals at the Mansion but, sometimes you just want regular food! It’s 12:15pm & we’re walking into O'neal’s. We seat ourselves. The waitress asks us what we want to drink & we reply: ~Ice tea all around! We go to the Buffet & our wives both choose Catfish & George likes Chicken wings & I’m craving those BBQ Ribs! The babies are sleeping, though it’s quite loud in here. Country music’s playing. The food is delicious! It’s 1:45pm, we finish eating & go shopping at Southern Grace Gifts. We arrive at 2:20pm. It’s 3:00pm & the wives want to visit Madison Antiques. It’s now 4:15pm & we’re enroute back to Newport Mansion. Mary & Lucy both are tired, & carrying newborns around takes its toll! It’s 5:00pm & we’re pulling onto the grounds of the Mansion. I pull up to the front, we help our wives out of the car with the babies & go inside! It was a good day, Mary, Lucy & both babies are doing well! JR asks: ~Mom, how’d things go? You & little Harry ok?~ She replies: ~We’re fine John Ross, everything is good! Baby’s healthy & I’m healthy! No worries my John Ross!~ Kellyanne asks: ~Mama, you & Annabel ok too? ~Lucy replies: ~Yes sweetheart, we’re fine!~ Both kids are relieved! They’re showing such grownup aptitudes! The wives both want to go to the rooms & freshen up. George & I help them with the babies. We come back downstairs! I ask George: ~Well Old man, how about a cold one?~ He replies: ~aye, Me be thankin ya Harry! Harry, ya be me best friend!~ I reply: ~George, thank you, you’re my best friend too, even more, you’re family!~ I’ve never had a friend like George! He’s been there every time I’ve needed him since the day we met! We have a Bud & just relax. 6:30pm Mary & Lucy join us. Mother & the Mary’s parents are spending time with little Harry & Annabel. Father is out & about. 7:00pm, Father walks in just as Huntington rings: ~Dinner is being served in the Dining room!~ We go to the Dining room & are seated. Menu consists of: Stuffed lamb breast with lemon, ricotta, & oregano variety of cheese, Selection of Bread & Cracker, Jams, chutneys, spicy mustards, caramelized onions, candied nuts & pistachios, Rich flourless chocolate cake with a glass of sweet port wine, Small pieces of chocolate & Brandy. Father says Prayers: My God in Heaven. Please Bless this meal & Bless our Family with Your Grace. We thank You my God for all that you’ve provided & for the Miracle of those two tiny new lives that You so Graciously Blessed us with. Thank You my God, in the Name of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen! 8:30pm we finish dinner & retire to the Drawing room for Coffee & Brandy! Sodas for the kids & Juice for Mary & Lucy. The Doctor recommended that Lucy attempt to Breastfeed again, so she too has decided to refrain from alcohol! The room is filled with Christmas Music! Mother says: ~Family, it’s time to realize “The Reason for the Season”! We have a lot to be grateful for! It’s time we start acting like it~ She begins to sing along with the music! We too begin to sing & the mood in the room becomes festive! We’ve hired a nurse to help with the babies, as to give a little bit of a break to our wives. Mary has pumped extra Breast Milk into bottles. Lucy has Formula for Anabel until she takes hold! It’s now 12:45am & we’ve been enjoying ourselves so much, that we didn’t realize how late it is! We decide to call it a night & go to our rooms. Mother was right! Tis the Season for Joy! God Bless us everyone! I pick up my son & hold him, & pray a prayer of thanks to God! I turn to Mary, who’s ready to feed him before we sleep & say: ~Darling, thank you for being the best wife a man could ever be Blessed with! I love you Mary Grace Newport! She replies: ~‘O my sweet Harry, no woman could ever hope to be Blessed with a husband as loving, generous, thoughtful & sweet a man as you! My love, you have never disappointed me in anything you’ve ever done. Now we’re Blessed with another child. I feel my life is only getting better. You Harry, are my life!~ She has always made my every day & night! I thank God for allowing her into my life! She feeds little Harry, burps & changes him. Places him in his Bassinet, careful to lay him on his back. He falls asleep immediately. Such a good baby! We climb into bed & she falls asleep in my arms. I’m tired, Goodnight!

Skipping forward:

Sunday December 22
Little Harry’s & Anabel’s Christening

8:00am & the whole Family is enroute to Church. Today we’ll be dedicating little Harry & Anabel to Christianity. It’s 8:45am & we arrive. We enter the Church & the Family are seated. Mary, Myself, Lucy, George & both Babies are escorted to the front of the Church where when called, we’ll bring the Babies forward! 9:00am service begins. After the Choir sings the opening hymns, Pastor Reverend Johnson calls the names of “Harold Joseph Newport Jr.” & Annabel Josephine Richards" to the Altar. Mary holds little Harry in her arms & I stand by her side. The Pastor Asks: ~Who will be the Godparents?~ George & Lucy Step forward! Pastor Johnson recites: ~Harold Joseph Newport Jr., In the Name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit! He then pours water over his forehead three times. He wipes dry little Harry’s forehead. Pastor Johnson says: ~Who will be the Godparents?~ Mary & myself step forward! Pastor Johnson recites: ~Annabel Josephine Richards, In the Name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit! He pours water over her forehead three times. He wipes dry Annabel’s forehead & Congratulates us! He invites the Congregation to take photographs! We’re seated & service It’s 10:30am & service is over. We’re enroute back to Newport Mansion. 10:45am, we’re arrive at the Mansion. We take the babies upstairs. The Family retire to their rooms to get ready for lunch. It’s 12:00pm & Huntington rings: ~Lunch is being served in the Dining room!~ We go into the Dining room & are seated. Linguini, White Winter Truffles, Aged Parmesan is on the menu! The meal is delicious. 1:15pm we finish lunch & retire to the Drawing room for drinks & conversation! 2:15pm My wife & I are having a Date night. We’re going to dinner & a movie! She wants to see “Jumanji, The Next Level”. Showtime is 8:15pm at the Woodard. We go upstairs where she will feed little Harry. We’ll nap a little before leaving!

It’s 5:00pm & we’re enroute to Grumpy’s Diner on Main! There are no Fancy restaurants in Madison, but we do enjoy a good Burger & Grumpy’s has great Burgers! We’ve arrived at the Diner at 5:45pm. We’re seated & read the menu. I order the Steak & Tarter Special Combo with Lemonade. Mary orders the Burger Bowl Combo with Sprite. We finish eating & leave a tip. It’s 7:40pm & we’re enroute to the Woodard so we can get a good seat. It’s 8:00pm & we park, buy the tickets & enter the Cinema. We’re seated in the fourth row from the front. The previews are already showing, so I take time to by Popcorn, BomBoms & Soda! 8:15pm the move starts running. 10:20pm, the movie has ended. It was a great movie, starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, & Karen Guillan. It was funny, exciting, mind boggling, test of skills & scary all in one game! We both enjoyed it! 10:30pm we’re walking out the doors & getting in the car. Enroute to The Waffle House on Bandit st for Coffee. 10:45pm we pull into the Parking lot & enter the restaurant. We wait to be seated just a few minutes. We order coffee, decaf for Mary! We tip the Waitress & leave the restaurant, its Midnight. Were enroute to Newport Mansion. It’s 12:30am & we’ve arrived at the Mansion. We go upstairs & get ready for bed. Mary has that look in her eyes. She winks & smiles, holding the covers up for me. I know what that means & I’m eager. It’s been a while & long enough. Goodnight!

Tuesday, December 24

It’s 8:00am & Huntington rings: ~Breakfast is being served in the Dining room!~ We go into the Dining room & are seated! Menu for the Morning consists of: Waffles with flax & almond butter, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, a fruit salad & protein shake, juice, coffee! 9:30am, we finish eating & retire to the Drawing room to discuss tonight’s festivities! Mother has planned a Christmas party for friends & family! The party will be in the Grand Ballroom! She’s been known to have the most entertaining parties in two hundred miles of Madison.

Christmas Eve

It’s 5:00pm, I’m putting on my Tux, while Mary nurses little Harry! I can’t help but to think about those we’ve lost! But I know God has a plan for all of us. JR has another week before we’ve got to get him back to the Academy. We’re lucky to be able to have him for the Holidays & his Birthday! He’ll be sixteen on New Year’s eve. My God, where’s the time gone! It seems like yesterday I was holding him in my arms. Tomorrow morning is Christmas & the anniversary of the first day I met Mary, the day I began to live again! It’s 6:00pm & we’re in the Drawing room discussing the music for tonight, Mother of course has the last say! We’re expecting Governor Ron DeSantis to attend, as well as other Dignitaries she’s friendly with! Busy day ahead………..

7:00pm

Governor DeSantis arrives & my parents greet him immediately! Other guests are arriving, to include; Mayor Jim Catron & his wife, Chief of Police Reggie Alexander & his wife, & friends of the family totaling over 150 guests! Huntington escorts each of the Guests to the Grand Ballroom where food & drinks are being served. The tables each are marked with the guest’s name on a card. Christmas music is playing. The wait staff are offering hors d’oeuvres & Champagne. The menu consists of: Goose, apple sauce, ham, bread stuffing, crawfish cornbread stuffing, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli, ambrosia, a cranberry mold, goose gravy, a relish tray with green onions, watermelon pickles & olives, Russian caviar, pumpkin, pecan, apple & cherry pies. A crisp white wine, eggnog, syllabub, & sweet potato punch! More Champagne! We have Non-Alcoholic Champagne for Mary, Lucy & the kids!

My wife looks stunning in her new Red Christmas Gown.

George, I’ve never seen him decked out before. He looks like he belongs in that Tux. Lucy’s wearing a Bluish colored Evening Dress, slitted in the arms & down the left leg; also looking quite Beautiful. The kids look like a Prince & his Princess! The whole family, I must say are showing their Best. Mother looks quite pleased with herself! This will be a party to remember, I only wish Rachael could have been here! The babies are upstairs with the nurse. They’re bringing more hors d’oeuvres & Champagne around.

My Father’s dancing with Mother, to Tony Bennett’s Christmas Waltz. It’s my Mother’s favorite. I better get my wife out on the Dance floor, before someone else does, I’m somewhat stingy!

The Governor & his wife Casey seem to be enjoying themselves! They’ve been on the Dance floor over two hours already! The Ballroom is alive tonight & Happiness is it’s heart! My Brothers don’t seem to have a problem finding someone to dance with, I wish they’d settle down & have a Family. Sis & Bill are dancing the night away! Santa is expected to arrive at 12:01am!

12:01 2019 Christmas

The music starts playing: “The Santa Claus Rock” by INFANTIL! Everyone’s rocking with the music as Santa enters the room! The music stops, Santa grabs his Bag & begins to pass gifts out to the Family & friends! He calls out each name, without hesitation or looking at a note. He just hands the gifts out as if he knew what was in them! Everyone seemed surprised but pleased with the gift they received.

I ask JR: What did you get Son?~ He replies: ~The Nutcracker Soldier, I’ve been wanting it ever since I can remember! Only my Mother knew, she promised to get it for me for Christmas, the year she died!~ I ask: ~What’s the card say?~ He replies: ~ From Mommy with Love! Dad, I never told anyone!~ We both left it like that! I received the Gold ring I lost some years ago off my Boat. I had dropped it in the water, never to be seen again; so I thought! It’s inscribed with the words: Dolphins Bring You Luck" dated 2004. These were words Julia said on my Boat when I took her to see the Dolphins, the year we first started dating! She had given it to me for Valentine’s day! The card read: Love never dies Harry, be Happy! anta leaves as fast as he arrived, with a HO HO HO, Merry Christmas to all, & to all a Goodnight! I followed him out, but strangely, he just disappeared, poof he was gone! I really wanted to congratulate him on how good he was & ask him how he knew! Mother says: ~Son, that wasn’t our Santa, your Father was suppose to play the part! We have no idea who he was, where he came from or disappeared too!~ Kind of got everyone thinking……. The last song is playing: “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas” by Bing Crosby! I take Mary out to the floor & dance the last dance with her, cheek to cheek! It’s 2:00am & everyone’s left. I & Mary say Goodnight & we go upstairs & get ready for bed! I didn’t tell Mary about JR’s gift, nor mine; but it was weighing on my mind! Even in Death she was able to keep her promise to our son & assure he got his Christmas present as well as; to send me a message! God is good! Merry Christmas to you all from the Newport Family & Goodnight!

Skipping forward:

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Happy Birthday John Ross/New Years Eve It’s 6:00am & my wife is feeding little Harry. We’re drinking coffee in the room, Decaf for Mary. When finished, we’ll go downstairs for Breakfast. Eggs Benedict, Toast, English Butter, Jelly, fruit, & juice is on the menu this morning. We got to get things together for today. Its JR’s Birthday & we want it to be a special! Mother has planned a big party for him, lots of guest! The cake will be delivered some time today!Kellyanne has asked if I would take her & her Dad to the Mall, so she can buy him something special for JR! Tonight Mother will be putting on her Annual New Year Fireworks display!
7:00am, Huntington rings: ~Breakfast is being served in the Dining room ~ We go downstairs, to the Dining room & are seated! It’s 8:30pm & we’re finished eating. Myself, George & Kellyanne get in Father’s car & proceed to the Valdosta Mall just over the State line. She wants to go to Jared’s. It’s 9:45pm & we’re pulling into the Mall’s parking lot. It opens in fifteen minutes. That’s good, no rush. 10:00am sharp & they open the entrance, we head for Jared’s….. Kellyanne finds a ring she says is perfect! It’s a Black Diamond ring 1/2ct tw 10k Gold running about $1300.00! I have to say she has impeccable taste. Not feminine looking, yet beautiful. JR will love it. She has them inscribe the words: Love is forever! I can’t help to notice how much Kellyanne is like Julia the way she thinks! No wonder JR loves her so much! It’s 12:30pm & we are enroute to Madison. We stop at Dairy Queen for lunch. Its 1:00pm. 1:45pm & were on the way back to the Mansion. 2:10pm we arrive. Mother is outside supervising the setup for the party & Fireworks tonight. I go upstairs & my wife is talking a nap. I kiss her on the forehead, careful not to wake her, check on the baby & go back downstairs to have a beer & help wherever I can! It’s 3:30pm & the cake is delivered. The stage for the Band has just been finished. Mother has hired The Frequency Band for tonight. Mother is a perfectionist, everything must be right. She’s hire fifty extra staff for the Party, she loves JR. He was her first Grandchild! Dinner will be finger sandwiches & hors d’oeuvres, as well as cake & ice cream; served during the party! Dress is casual…….

t’s 5:30pm, the band has arrived & setting up! Though not like when he was a child, this party will still be big…….

6:00pm, the guests are arriving & the band is already playing music. They’re quite good actually, from LA is what I hear!

7:00pm & the party is in full swing. Kids & adults alike are dancing. They’re playing all the latest favorites. Drinks are being served but Alcohol is in one tent under the control of Huntington. Soda & Fruit Punch in another, self serve! There’s Sweet Tea for the asking…..

8:00pm, the band starts playing Happy Birthday to John Ross, & a table is rolled out with a cake! Two candles in the shape of the number sixteen, on top of a Beautiful Black Cake. JR makes a wish, blows out the candles, takes a knife & cuts the first piece.

Kellyanne hands her gift first. The ring & a kiss! She says: ~John Ross, take this ring as a symbol of my everlasting love for you. Happy Birthday John Ross, may you have many more!~ He slipped the ring on his finger & kissed her. He says: ~Kellyanne, I’ll never take it off for as long as I live!~

He begins to open the many gifts from everyone here.
Mary bought him a Beautiful Compass inscribed: “To my son: Wherever your journey in life may take you, I pray you’ll always be safe.

ENJOY THE RIDE & NEVER FORGET YOUR WAY HOME. I’m Always Here For You; Mom”! The compass is made of Gold in a Sailor’s pocket watch casing. Quite elegant, I could see him trying to hold back tears!

I got him a Man’s music box with my recorded words to him: “To my son: SOMETIMES IT’S HARD TO FIND WORDS TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH YOU MEAN TO ME. IF I HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN Loving you & breathing I WOULD USE MY LAST BREATH TO SAY ~I LOVE YOU~ I WILL ALWAYS BE THERE TO LOVE YOU, I WILL ALWAYS BE THERE TO SUPPORT YOU. You will always be my baby boy. ~Love Dad~”

My Parents got him a Pocket watch with the inscription: “To my Grandson: Never forget that I Love you. I hope you believe in yourself as much as I do.

George & Lucy gave him a Gold wristwatch.My Brothers gave him a check for a thousand dollars. My Sister & Bill gave him an authentic Navy 1860 Officers Cutlass with His name on it, inscribed: "With His Swift & Terrible Sword ” It’s 11:00pm. JR received well over two hundred gifts. He will have to leave some of them behind when he returns to the Academy on Thursday!

11:59pm & were getting ready to countdown to the New Year. Were counting down from 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 & the Fireworks display goes off as the band plays “Auld Lang Syne” The new Year’s Anthem! I take my wife in my arms , kiss her, really kiss her & tell her : ~I love you Mary!~ She replies back: ~I love you my Harry!~ Everyone is kissing, singing & wishing all well! It’s now 1:00am & the Fireworks Display is over. The band has played it’s last set & everyone’s leaving! Everything went well & we all had a great time. It’s New Year’s day & JR goes back to school tomorrow. We will be going home too! It’s been a great vacation except for losing Rachael! We say Goodnight & go upstairs. We’re tired, The baby senses we’re here. Mary nurses him before we lay down. She lays little Harry down, we lay down & fall asleep in each other’s arms!Wednesday, January 1, 20206:00am, I’ve decided to let Mary get some rest after a long night. I change little Harry, feed him with stored Breast milk in a bottle, burp & play with him a little while! This brings memories back of when JR was a newborn! He fell asleep in my arms, I lay him on his back in the Bassinet! It 8:00am, I wake Mary up to see if she’s hungry. She wants to sleep another hour,I go downstairs & Brunch is being served. I ask Huntington to assure that Mary has something to eat when she wakes up. I sit down & eat, it’s only myself, my parents & Mary’s parents! Seems like everyone else decided to sleep in….. I say Good morning & they reply almost simultaneously: ~Good morning Harry!~ Mother asks: ~Sleep well son?~ I reply: Yes Mother, I did; Thank you! She says: ~How’s Mary & the Baby, is Harry Jr sleeping through the night?~ I reply: ~Yes Mother, he is & Mary’s sleeping in another hour!~ She replies: ~Good, a new Mother need as much rest as she can get!~ Mary’s Mother adds: ~Yes they do! Harry, you’re a good man, our daughter loves you very much & so do we! We feel Blessed having you part of the Family & you to John Ross!~ I reply: ~She is my Blessing Laura, she & my children are my life. I’m more than proud to be part of the Family & I love you two as well!~

8:30am, JR sits down at the table, followed by Kellyanne! They both say Good morning & sit down at the table. JR remarks: ~I’m starving!~9:15am Breakfast is over. Huntington has told Cook to hold Breakfast for an hour in case the rest of the Family is hungry! I go back upstairs & check on Mary. I find she’s up & the baby seems to be hungry again. She’s nursing him! I call downstairs to the kitchen & have them send Mary’s Breakfast up to the room!…… We’ve got to pack & get ready for our trip home. JR’s flight takes off for Valley International at 5:30am & the rest of us are scheduled to take off for Miami International at 7:15am! My wife finishes nursing little Harry, I take & burp him so she can eat! She says: ~Lord, I can really use a strong cup of regular coffee! But our son is more important! But just as soon as he stops nursing, I’m going to nurse on a whole pot of Community!~ She laughs, but she’s more serious than she let’s on….. I’m having fun with little Harry! He sure does smile allot, but Mary says it’s gas! I think he smiles because he’s a Happy baby! I put our son in his Bassinet because he’s fallen asleep! I sit next to my wife & say: ~Mary Grace Newport, I love you! You married me & gave me life. You took my son as your own & raised him! Now you’ve given me another son! You have been & are my life. I’m truly Blessed! Thank you Mary, I only hope I tell you enough!~ She replies: ~Harry, you tell & show me every day! It fills my heart with joy & happiness everytime I hear your words. I love you Harry, with every essence of my being! I live for you Harry, you’re my heart & soul!~ We embrace & kiss for more than a few minutes! We go ahead & pack up everything we can for now. We have laundry that has to be brought up to the room later!

Were just going to hangout with the Family today, we’re going to miss them all very much! JR & I will visit the Cemetery this afternoon, so he can see Julia’s & his Grandparents graves one more time before he goes back to Texas! He wants to plant flowers on the graves…….. I think he wants to tell Julia thank you for his gift. I know that sounds strange but so do I, there’s no other explanation!We go downstairs & everyone is congregating in the Game room. Mother has declared this day, “Family Day”! She says: ~We see far too little of each other, & I think it nice if we spend the day enjoying each other’s company!~…… She has Finger sandwiches, Olives, Dill pickles, Cheeses, Sweets & Drinks set up on a table. We’ll not have to stop for lunch, yet we can eat as we wish! I & George immediately challenge my Brothers to a game of Eight ball! I’m quite good at this, though it’s been a while….. Father is acting as Barkeep! My Sister & our wives are Bowling on the indoor alley! Mary’s parents & Mother are playing cards! JR & Kellyanne are playing Table Soccer!……… it’s 4:30pm & as promised, I borrow Father’s car: I & JR are enroute to Newport Cemetery to place flowers on Julia’s & her Parent’s graves. We’ll place them on my Grandparents grave as well! It’s 5:30pm & already getting dark. We leave the Cemetery enroute back to the Mansion. It’s 5:55pm & as we’re walking in the doors, Huntington rings: ~Dinner is being served in the Dining room!~ We all have our last Dinner as a Family! It’s 7:30pm & Dinner is over. We retire to the Drawing room & share a little more time together. We plan next Christmas vacation together. It’s 9:00 & we say our Goodbyes to my siblings. Mine & Mary’s Parents will be up to say Goodbye in the morning. The Chauffeur will drive us to the Airport, theirs eight of us with the Babies & Father’s Car won’t have enough room. We say Goodnight & go upstairs so we can be fresh in the morning. Mary nurses little Harry while I take my shower! After; I take, burp & play with him while Mary takes a shower! I see him smiling more & more, warming my heart with everyone! He falls asleep in my arms & I lay him down on his back! I didn’t know that SIDS was a growing threat in the USA & laying a baby on their stomach or side was the leading cause! Mary taught me that! She’s a very cautious Mom & I thank the Good Lord for it! We lay down & I say: ~Mary Grace Newport, I love you!~ She replies: ~Harry Joseph Newport, you are my whole life &I Love you!~ We fall asleep in love!

Thursday January 2, 2020

It’s 2:30am & we get up. Mary nurses the Baby while I wash up, brush my teeth & shave. I call for Huntington: ~Please take our bags down to the Limousine. Mary finishes feeding the little Harry, I take & burp him while my wife washes up & gets dressed. We go downstairs & meet up in the Dining room. Mother has arranged for an early Breakfast so we don’t leave hungry! It’s 3:30am & we say our Goodbyes. Mary & her Mother are crying & Mother is doing her best to hold tears back. They kiss, hug & kiss us all again as we walk out the doors! Father walks us out while the others stand on the stairs! He says: ~Harry, I love you kids, please have a safe trip. John Ross, you too, make sure you make next year son! Bye you all & take care of our Grandkids, I’m talking to you too. You’re family too now! George replies: ~aye Mr Newport Sir!~ I tell my Father,: ~I love you Father, we’ll call you as soon as we land! Bye now!~ It’s 4:00am & were enroute to the Airport. Its 4:35am, we arrive at Valdosta Regional & the Baggage Valet loads our baggage onto a cart. JR checks in & the kids say their final Goodbye. Kellyanne is crying & makes JR promise to write every day! He hugs me & tells me that he loves me. He hugs & kisses Mary Goodbye & tells her he loves her. She’s crying again! He kisses his little Brother & Anabel, he’s only got so long until Boarding, so he has to get through Security! Its 5:30am & his flight takes off on time! JR has one more year until he Graduates in June 2021. He’s already been accepted & will enter Annapolis Naval Academy in January of 2021 He’ll attend four years thereafter; he’ll be Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant & serve a minimum of five years in the Marine corps! That boy has made us proud! It’s 6:15am & we’re allowed to check in. We walk through Security & to the Boarding gate where we’ll wait until allowed to board.. 6:30am & we’re boarding the plane. It’s 7:00am & our flight takes off on time! Its 11:20am & were on approach to Miami. Suddenly; we start climbing & are ordered to stay seated & buckled. We have a landing gear stuck & are circling the Airport! There’s some panic, but all in all; most stay calm! We circle for twenty minutes & it begins to look like we’re going to have to land without the the front Landing gear! Now I begin to worry a little! But I look at Mary & she says: ~It’ll be fine Harry, God has us covered~ Suddenly; the front Landing gear comes down. Relief is felt all over the plane, people begin to cheer & clap! Mary turns to me, smiles & says: ~See Harry God is watching over us!~ I remember calling my wife an Angel sent by God, now I’m sure of it! She didn’t worry at all, she knew we’d be ok! We’re on approach again. We land & it’s 11:50am. Late but safe! God is Great!!!! We get through Security, get our Bags from the Carousel & have our wives & Babies sit down & rest. George & I walk across to the Parking Garage & pick up my car. We drive around to the loading zone & help Mary, Lucy & Kellyanne into the back seat with the Babies. George & I load our bags & we’re enroute home! I’m going to miss everyone but I’m so happy to be home! It’s 1:00pm & we drop George & his Family off, they’re looking tired & happy to be too! Kellyanne is still sad but she’ll get over it! We’re enroute to our house. It’s 1:20pm & Home sweet Home! I help Mary into the house & come back for the bags. Mary takes our son into the Nursery & says: ~My sweet little child, welcome home Baby Harry!~ She lays him down in his crib & sings a Lullaby: The song is called “Sweet Dreams ”. I’ve never heard it but it’s quite beautiful! Mary is a wonderful Mother. I go in the kitchen & prepare lunch, as they don’t serve food on flights anymore! Simple Ham & Cheese, Dill pickles, Lays lightly salted chips, Sweet tea! We sit, eat lunch & talk about all that’s happened. We finish & she says: ~Harry my Love, I’m going to lay down & take a nap; I’m just feeling so tired!~ I reply: ~Darling, sleep well, you need to rest!~ I go into the Library & check my messages. I need to start the “Willow” back up after Vacation! Looks like I have a scheduled trip on Monday, January 6! I give George a heads up, grab a cold one & relax! It’s 4:00pm & I think I’m going to cook dinner for Mary. She’ll be awake soon & hungry, she has enough to do just taking care of the baby! I prepare Baked Chicken, Macaroni & cheese, Garlic Bread & I’ll wait to see what she wants to drink!It’s 5:00pm & Mary comes down. She’s pleasantly surprised. We sit down to dinner & enjoy each other’s company. We finish up & retire to the Living room. We sit on the Loveseat, listen to music & just cuddle. She has Baby monitors set up everywhere in case he wakes up….. He sleeps until 8:00pm, Mary says to me: ~I’ll be back my love, let me nurse him, he’s hungry! She goes up, feeds him & is back in my arms within twenty minutes! I love my wife & enjoy spending time with her. I am a CUDDLER! I love cuddling & showing her how much I love her! It’s 11:00pm & she asks: ~How about a snack?~ I reply: ~Sounds great Darling~ She goes in the kitchen, goes in the pulls out two thinly cut steak out of the freezer & chops them up with onions & Bell peppers. She grabs four eggs & shredded cheese out of the refrigerator. She’s making steak & cheese omelets! That’s my favorite omelet, she knows me so well! We sit down & eat. We finish, I handle the little cleanup there is. She goes up & nurses the Baby. I’m done & I follow her to find her waiting for me, under the covers. She says: ~Come on Big boy, I need you!~ She smiles, winks & exposes her naked body! Goodnight all!

Duke Sherman

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