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!
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.
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~
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.
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!~
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!
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
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.
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!
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
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
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
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