The Visit
Posted on : 30-08-2012 | By : Love Story Writer ... | In : First Love, Romance Love Story
Tags: marty, monica
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THE VISIT
By
P. J. Margaret Kane
Dedicated to Ron H.
Monica Atkins woke to a beautiful sunny Monday morning, or had she been up all night to see the sun rise? As she looked out over the city from her 20th floor downtown condominium so many thoughts were going through her head. As Sales Director for a boutique hotel she wondered how she was going to tell Doug Evans, the General Manager, that she needed time off with very important meetings starting with a dinner tonight and going through Thursday afternoon. She knew her assistant, Toni Clark, was up to the task of making sure everything went smoothly but would Doug understand? He knew about Toni’s personal life and the responsibilities she had not only for her two children but her mother as well.
Monica could not fully comprehend the questions the telephone call from Betty Richmond had raised. Betty is the wife of Marty Richmond and she told Monica that Marty was very ill and had asked to see her. He had been in a nursing home for two years and knew his health was declining when he asked Betty to contact Monica. Betty was reluctant to make the call but knew in her heart it was the right thing to do if it would bring some peace to Marty.
Monica and Marty had been high school sweethearts. They started dating when Monica was a freshman and Marty a junior. They had been going steady only a few months when Monica’s family relocated. They wrote regularly but concluded that a long distance romance did not make sense and both started dating other people. Monica never finished college but married George Mitchell who still had two years remaining before graduating with his degree from the School of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois. Marty was definitely in their marriage and Monica wrote and called Marty during the time George was in school. Marty told her he would not see her unless it was with her husband. He still had feelings for her and was sad that she was unhappy. In fact, he even commented in one of his letters that “he wished she was happy for our happiness – yours and mine.”
After George graduated they moved to Chicago where George accepted a position as a furniture designer and decorator for a design studio. At the same time, Monica was offered a job in the Sales Department of a large hotel. It was here that she felt she found her niche and decided to pursue a career in the hotel industry. George was successful but Monica was not happy in the marriage and after seven years asked for a divorce. While waiting for the divorce to be final, Monica moved in with her sister. A couple of months later, she called Marty and they agreed to meet in Wisconsin. It was then that he told her he had made a commitment to marry another woman and that woman was Betty. There were still those special feelings between them but they did not talk about them.
Several years later, Monica went on to marry Dan Atkins but Marty stayed faithful to Betty even though they were not in love and never had been. Some would have called it settling but Marty wanted a family and devoted himself to his children, if not to Betty. He loved his children and would have done anything for them, even if it meant dying. He made sure his children, Jack and Mary, received good educations and they both graduated from distinguished universities. They were both married and had successful careers; Jack a software engineer in San Francisco and Mary a high school science teacher in Denver. Monica wondered if Marty felt he had accomplished what he set out to do; seeing his children happy and successful and, therefore, was giving up his fight to live.
As Monica dresses for work, she looks in the mirror and notices the dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. Betty had shared so much on the phone last night about Marty’s health and his work as Vice President of Engineering for an electronics company. Betty said he was forced into early retirement because of his health and emotional well-being. Monica wonders, “What did she mean by his emotional well-being?” The man she described was not the same Marty that Monica knew and she struggled to meld the two together. Before they hung up Betty said she would e-mail detailed information about visiting and explain more about Marty’s condition. Betty had only mentioned that, among other physical problems, he had Parkinson’s and the beginning signs of dementia.
Monica would describe her marriage to Dan as trying at times but they did have one child, a son they named Marc. Dan had deep emotional problems and had trouble keeping a job even though he was a great salesman. Monica felt it was his lack of confidence combined with his melancholy personality which made him a dreamer and not a doer. He also suffered from depression which would overtake him at times and it was during one of these periods that he had an accident on his way home from a trip to the West Coast. When the State Troopers came to the house, Monica knew something had happened to Dan. They explained that they found Dan dead in his car. He had driven into a ditch; there were no skid marks on the highway and no involvement of another vehicle. They said the insurance company would have to investigate to make sure it wasn’t a suicide attempt. Monica was never sure what had happened but three months later the insurance company paid the claim on Dan’s life insurance. Marc was just 5 at the time and grew up knowing it was just him and his mom. Monica decided to start over and made plans to move to Minneapolis where she had contacts at several hotels and was assured of a job in one of the smaller trendy hotels.
Two weeks before they were scheduled to move, Marty called. He and Betty had been living in Chicago and he told her they were moving to Michigan and wanted to invite her and Marc over for dinner. At that time, they had their first child, Jack who was 3. Monica was still confused over the death of Dan and the upcoming move but she accepted. Afterwards she wished she had invited them to her place because then she might have been able to deal with the situation and make more sense of it. She was not totally “in the moment” during their dinner but noticed that Betty was rather frumpy looking and not at all neat. Jack could have been better dressed and Monica noticed that his shoes were not polished and the contrast between Jack and Marc was quite compelling. The dinner, Chinese take-out, went well and she did remember Marty trying to relate to her but she was too overwhelmed by the circumstances to be receptive. He took time to show her photos and smiled as they sat together on the sofa. When they drove Monica and Marc home, Marty carried Marc up to her apartment, kissed her on the cheek and told her he would always care.
Marc had a good life; he enjoyed the outdoors and played both basketball and hockey in high school. During the summer months he taught swimming to disabled children or worked as a lifeguard. He was a star pupil and elected to attend a Christian college in Florida, as he always joked, “I needed a change of climate.” He loved Florida and after graduating with a degree in business, joined a bank in their Executive Training Program. He was successful and worked his way up to Senior Vice President. After the banking crisis, he decided he needed to do something he had a passion for and that was cooking. He attended a culinary school in Florida but felt if he wanted to take his career seriously he would need to study in Europe. He chose a Le Cordon Bleu in Paris where he met Jessica Barrett, whom he married shortly after graduation. They have since opened a small but chic restaurant. Monica realized she would have to call Marc and let him know what was happening with Marty. She smiled to herself as she thought about him with his above average height and green eyes, both of which he inherited from Dan.
Monica would share the Marty story with whomever would listen and kept a memory box containing a high school yearbook from the year they were in school, a few pictures and the letters Marty had written to her while she was married to George. They had sporadic contact, mostly on her part to keep him up to date on her life and how Marc was doing. On his part, he never responded after he married. Betty told her on the phone last night that Marty always got a smile on his face whenever a letter from Monica arrived, especially last year when he was in the nursing home. In her last letter she had shared her faith in Jesus and hoped she would be able to pray with him when she visited. She wasn’t sure where he stood on religious issues but was concerned for his soul especially with him being so ill. She prayed he would be open to receiving Christ into his life and have assurance of eternal life.
Well, the reminiscing would have to stop for now as she would be late for work and had a lot to do before leaving for Michigan to visit Marty. She had become fast friends with the new Assistant Catering Manager, Sheila Gray. Sheila was a very outgoing person, garrulous, which worked in her favor as she showed clients the hotel facilities. She especially liked planning wedding receptions and showing off the unique ballroom with its lighted dance floor. She loved to see the expression on the faces of the engaged couple and their families when she switched on the lights and the ballroom became magical. It was a sure deal maker and Sheila would land another client. It was after an impromptu karaoke party that Sheila had organized for the staff when one of the doormen sang a Jo Stafford classic, You Belong to Me, a song that reminded Monica of Marty. After they left the party Monica told Sheila about Marty.
After taking one last look in the hall mirror, Monica walks out the door. She is wearing one of her favorite dark gray suits with a light blue silk blouse that shows off her blue eyes. Still trim and fit, weighing 115 pounds and walking as her choice of exercise, she thinks to herself, “Not bad for a 64-year old.” As she leaves her building she says hello to the doorman on duty and steps out to a gorgeous September morning and walks the five blocks to the hotel.
The feeling of excitement as she enters the hotel never ceases to bring a smile to her face. With the beautiful lobby and its exquisite furnishings and chandeliers; all the activity of people checking in, checking out, on their way to meetings, reading the paper, or just sitting in groups chatting. The hotel had a committed staff and the doorman, Bill Olson, was an excellent example. Since he is the first person people see upon arrival, he makes sure everyone feels special and welcomed. He greets her as he does every day, “Good morning Ms. Atkins have a great day.” She nods as she heads to the coffee shop to pick up coffee and a couple of scones for her and Toni. She knows Toni has probably been at her desk for at least half an hour before Monica arrives. Monica sent an e-mail to Toni from her Blackberry earlier that morning about setting up a meeting with Doug and that she would need to be out of the office for the remainder of the week. They also needed to discuss the logistics about the upcoming meetings with a very good but demanding client in addition to other events that were booked.
Toni looks up from her computer as Monica enters the office, “Good morning, Monica, I was able to get you on Doug’s calendar for 10 o’clock this morning but he only has 15 minutes. By the way, what is happening that you need to take the rest of the week off? I don’t remember you saying anything last week.” “No, Toni, this is something that just came up. I brought us some coffee and scones so come in and we’ll discuss the meetings this week and why I need to be off.” Just then Sheila pops her head into Monica’s office and asks about her weekend. Monica tells her to come in, “You should probably hear this too.” Monica begins to tell them about her call from Betty Richmond and how Marty was very sick and wanted to see her. Sheila wanted to know if that was a good idea but Monica assured her she had to respect his wishes and wanted to be able to see and talk with him before he died. She told them she would fly to Detroit, rent a car and drive the 40 miles to Watercrest where Marty had been in a nursing home for the past two years. She also mentioned Betty would be e-mailing her additional details later that day.
Sheila volunteered to help Toni while Monica was away and suggested maybe they could bring in the girl who helped out in the Catering Department last month, Sandra Morrow. Monica said, “If Doug agrees, give Toni her number and we can work out the details. Someone to answer phones and take some of Toni’s work off her plate would be appreciated. Well, it’s time for my meeting with Doug so wish me luck.” With that Monica walks down the hall to Doug’s office.
Monica greets Doug’s Executive Assistant, Paty Major, who tells her to go right in he’s expecting you. “Good morning, Doug thanks for squeezing me into your schedule. I wanted you to know I need the rest of the week off to visit a friend in Michigan who is dying.” Monica did not mention who the person was or the relationship and he didn’t ask. Doug shook his head, “Monica, I know you would not take time off unless it was important and certainly you have enough vacation time accrued. Do you think Toni can handle all the meetings scheduled this week?” “We talked this morning and she assured me she was up for the task. Sheila offered to help and suggested we hire the temp they used last month if that’s okay with you.” Doug replied, “Tell Toni to go ahead and call Sandra Morrow. Will you be available via phone or e-mail?” Monica told Doug that she instructed Toni to call her if it was absolutely necessary. Basically she would be pretty much unavailable but would try to call in daily to see if there was anything that needed her attention. Doug was okay with all Monica had shared. She thanked him and as she left his office saw the Pastry Chef coming in with a tray of delicious looking new pastries she had created. She could almost envy Doug and his position, having the final say on everything that happened in the hotel, including trying new creations from the kitchen.
She returned to her office to a stack of phone calls she needed to return. She told Toni she would need her to make travel arrangements to Detroit, rent a car, book a motel in Watercrest and find some information about the town. Monica looks at what Toni printed out on Watercrest; it looks like a quaint little town with lots of small shops and restaurants. She notices that the motel is only three miles from the nursing home. The housing market seems to be thriving with homes priced from $75,000 to $1 million. Good schools and quite a few churches. They have several hiking trails and the one in their historic district, plus others along the riverfront, are of interest to Monica. If she has time, she will try to take in some of the sights and definitely wants to do some hiking. Toni also included information on the nursing home, Watercrest Manor. From the pictures, it looks like a luxurious, upscale retirement community. Betty told her Marty had a private room and usually took his meals in his room, as he no longer wanted to socialize with the other residents.
At 3:30 p.m. Monica leaves the hotel to go home and get ready for her trip. She’s anxious to see if Betty’s e-mailed with the details of her visit with Marty has arrived. She would call Marc and let him know her plans for the remainder of the week. Other than the deep love she held for Marty over the years her love for Marc was equally rewarding and fulfilling. She used to wonder if Marc would ever know how much she loved him.
As soon as she enters her condo she undresses and gets into comfortable sweats and turns on the computer. She sees the e-mail from Betty has arrived. She opens it up and begins to read what will be a most disturbing message, one that speaks of someone she did not know and again wonders what she will encounter when she sees Marty face-to-face. She prints it out and puts it aside to re-read after dinner. Should she even go or just hold on to her memories of a wonderful, loving, caring man? She wonders why Betty had shared so much personal information regarding their life together. Was she jealous? Did she resent Monica?
At 5 p.m. Monica gets up from her computer and goes into the kitchen to broil a ground turkey patty, cook the last of the fresh string beans and make a salad. She pours a glass of sweet tea and sets the table on her patio where she takes most of her meals in the summer months and into the fall as weather permits.
After dinner she contacts Marc on Skype to let him know her plans. He wishes her well and tells her to call if she needs moral support. They close as they always do by telling each other “I love you.” She didn’t tell him about the e-mail from Betty and sits down in her den to re-read it and try to sort out what was shared. The e-mail was four pages and it seemed Betty poured her heart and anger out to Monica. How could Monica start to see what kind of man Marty had become? She re-read some of the most disconcerting terms that Betty used to described him: Not demonstrative, suicidal, secretive, depressed, felt obligated to find fault, emotionally unstable, rude and sarcastic. She said he never told her he loved her and that she could tell that something about her offended him. She thought he felt responsible for her and that it was his duty to marry her even if he didn’t love her. She assumed Marty stayed with her because of his high morals and because that’s what he said he would do. She said she knew I was special to him and wanted to know why he married her if he was in love with me. Monica knew the circumstances of their marriage that Betty was pregnant by another man and Marty told her she could not keep the child but he made a commitment to marry her.
Monica got out her memory box to find the Marty she knew in his pictures and the letters he had written. How she wished she had all his letters but only had the few from the time she was married to George. She remembered how she had written asking him if she could come to him and his reply after she wrote again was so like him; the gentleman and honorable man that he was. He wrote back, “I didn’t answer your last letter because I was afraid to. You see Monica, I’ve never found anyone to replace you and if I answered it I would have asked you to come to me. I’m glad we didn’t because it would have ruined the wonderful memory of the few, perfect, precious weeks we had together and soiled the love and respect we had (have?) for each other. There was, is, and I’m afraid, always will be only you. So don’t think all regrets were by you. At least you have George, I have no one. Don’t answer this letter or something foolish is sure to develop. Moral integrity has never been one of my salient features, so no temptations.” He signed that letter, “My eternal love.”
Monica continued to read the letters and was touched by Marty’s comments, “Also Monica although we were never together much everything we had was good and right. All the respect, love, and admiration we’ve held for each other shouldn’t be lost in an irresponsible moment.”
Monica wondered why he could not apply the advice he once gave her regarding her relationship with George to his own marriage. He said something she thought was so profound, “Remember you’re not perfect and neither is George but you wouldn’t want him to be. It’s the imperfections in all of us that give us our individuality, so don’t build a dream world and try to force it on the people close to you. Laugh off the little troubles and concentrate on things that first brought you together.” This letter he signed, Respectfully, Norman Vincent Richmond.
Again in another letter he wrote, “Seriously what could be so awful that you would want to see me. You realize that would be extremely unwise and entirely out of the question. I will never see you unless it is with your husband. Please don’t think me unkind but you know the reason as well as I. You know I would do anything else for you but never will I see you alone again.” He added the phone number where Monica could reach him that weekend.
The most beautiful thing he wrote was, “As God is my witness you are the finest thing that ever happened to me. You were the only girl I ever loved and I’ve never met another you.” Another piece from one of Marty’s letters was, “I still think that because it’s been so long since we’ve known each other and then so little that you tend to minimize my faults and magnify my virtues.” Will seeing him make these statements true or just words? She honestly believed that the special admiration they held for each other would surface; at least she hoped it would when they met again for the last time.
Monica didn’t realize how late it was when she put away the letters, the few pictures she had of Marty and the yearbook. She thought she would take these with her and maybe share them with Marty. She wondered if he had any of the letters she wrote him.
After getting ready for bed she sat down and opened her Bible for her evening reading, hoping the Lord would speak to her as to what she should share with Marty and how she should pray for him. She only knew she wanted to share the love of God with him and that no matter what had happened in his life he could find peace in knowing where he was going to spend eternity. It was after Midnight when she turned the lights out and got into bed.
When Monica woke on Tuesday morning she was thankful Toni had booked her on a late afternoon flight to Detroit. She had several items to take care of before packing and leaving for the airport. She had to call Barbara Collins, the leader of the Ladies Bible Study she attended every Wednesday evening, to let her know she would be out of town for a few days to visit a friend who was very ill. She explained she was flying to Detroit and wanted Barbara to let the ladies know and to pray for her while she was gone. “Are you available for breakfast on Saturday?” she asked Barbara. “I think I can do that, how about 9 o’clock at the usual place? Okay if I invite some of the other ladies to join us?” “Of course,” Monica replied “the more the merrier, plus, I might want some help sorting out a few things after I return.”
The day flew by as she straightened up the condo and got her things together to pack. After reading about Watercrest, she decided to take her hiking boots, some dressy slacks, a few heavy sweaters, a blazer, jeans and a few turtleneck sweaters. She also packed a skirt and top that looked especially good on her in case she wanted to wear something dressier than the slacks or jeans. She knew she was over packing, but then she always did. She liked to have choices when she travelled and not have wished she had brought something else. She decided to wear jeans with a black pullover and boots for the flight. Before long it was time for the car service to pick her up and take her to the airport.
It was pleasant to be travelling on a Tuesday when the airport was relatively empty. She checked her luggage at curbside but carried the bag containing the letters, pictures and yearbook plus the e-mail from Betty with her. Even though it was a short flight, Toni had upgraded her to First Class using the frequent flyer points she had accumulated on her rewards card. The trip to Marc each year certainly helped to add points to her account. She was relieved when her flight was announced and she boarded and settled into her seat. Should she re-read Betty’s e-mail or would it be too upsetting? She decided to just relax and enjoy the flight.
Upon her arrival in Detroit she collects her bag and heads to the rental car counter to pick up her car. Toni again did the right thing and she had a new car with low mileage in a nice blue color. She would have to thank her again for planning so carefully and perhaps she will find something to take back to her from Watercrest and also something for Sheila and Sandra for all their help. She enters the address of the motel into the GPS and heads out of the airport. The 40-mile ride was through beautiful suburbs and as she got further out, she was in some smaller towns that looked like Main Street, USA. She wondered if Watercrest would be as lovely as it was on their Website. Before she knew it she’s informed by the GPS that her destination is 500 feet on the right. For a small town the motel looked new and the landscaping was impeccable. She checks in and goes to her room to unpack. One thing she wanted to do while it was still light was walk around the town and check out some of the smaller shops and restaurants just blocks from the motel. She would have dinner at the motel Tuesday night but maybe explore another option tomorrow. She also wanted to drive by the nursing home to see how it looked compared to the Website. It looked even better with immaculate grounds, soft lights outside with seating areas, including a gazebo right on the lake. She had forgotten it was situated on a lake. She returned to the motel and had a light dinner of a baked chicken breast, mixed vegetables, salad and a cup of hot tea.
She returned to her room and sat on the bed. For some reason during dinner she thought about George and how she had worked to support them while he completed his undergraduate degree. She remembered thinking at the time that she could have been doing that for Marty at MIT. He never said he wanted to attend MIT but she knew he did, but instead he attended the University of Wisconsin. She would have to ask him if he had wanted to attend MIT or was it that thing between them where she would know what he was thinking. Did he know things about her that she never told him? They never discussed it. Was she ready to admit to Marty why she had married George? She had never told anyone and if she did now was he the one to tell? She wanted to contact Marty before she married George and see if they could pick up where they had left off but the reason why she married George had stopped her. Would Marty have understood and loved her enough knowing she was no longer a virgin? She wanted to be perfect for him but instead felt soiled and used.
She was exhausted and after watching the local news … all good for this idyllic town, she cleaned her face and got into her nightgown. She read her Bible and prayed for what was facing her tomorrow. She was very nervous but like she usually did, hit the pillow and was sound asleep.
She was so happy that Betty had given her two days to visit with Marty. She wasn’t sure they would need that much time or if they would run out of things to say or would they fall into their comfortable state of just being together. She knew that Jack and Mary would be arriving on Friday and staying for a week.
She woke up Wednesday morning to another spectacular fall day. As she looked out the window she noticed the trees blowing in the mild wind. She looked up at the sky and saw that today it was the color of Marty’s eyes. She thought that was a good sign. She dressed in a pair of navy slacks and a pale blue cashmere sweater set. She couldn’t believe how nervous she was as she applied her make-up. She wanted to look flawless for Marty and noticed that her hand was shaking as she put on her lipstick. She went down to the lobby to pick up breakfast to bring back to her room. After breakfast she set her coffee cup on the end table and sat down to read her Bible and pray once again for her visit.
Betty told her to arrive about 10 o’clock after Marty had breakfast and the staff had time to get him ready. She drove over and arrived at 9:45. The facility looked more beautiful in the daylight than it did the previous evening. The sun reflected off the lake as she took a deep breath and got out of the car. She enters the building with butterflies in her stomach and can’t believe how nervous she is. She likens it to a first date, a meeting with a very important person, or a job interview.
She stops at the reception desk and signs in. She is told that Mr. Richmond is in Room 119. She thinks, January 19, his birthday. She walks down the long hallway to his room and can feel her entire body shaking. Again she wonders what she will find behind Room 119. She knocks before entering and hears Marty’s voice, “Please come in.” The “please” in his voice almost sounding like a desperate plea. She slowly opens the door and is struck by the elegance of the room and its furnishings. It was like walking into someone’s den or sitting room except, of course, for the hospital bed. The sun is shining through the windows giving an inviting glow to the room. She notices the book shelves and knew Marty had always been a voracious reader. She sees a black prayer book on his night stand and wonders if it’s the one she sent him when he was in the Navy. She was surprised how much she observed in such a short span of time but having been in the hotel business for so long she was accustomed to taking in a room and its setting with a quick glance.
Only a few seconds pass before she focuses on Marty. He is sitting in a wheelchair dressed in light wool charcoal gray pants with a blue and white stripped long sleeve shirt and a pair of black loafers. His full head of hair is totally white and to her surprise he is wearing sunglasses. She hadn’t remembered Betty saying anything about Marty having eye problems or did the sunlight bother him.
Marty spoke and she was brought back to reality. “Hello, Monica. Thanks for coming. There are so many things I want to discuss with you. How have you been? How’s Marc?” He reached his hand out to her and as soon as they touch she felt that special connection. He smiled and his whole face lit up and he looked as handsome as she remembered.
His hand shook a little from the Parkinson’s and she could tell he was embarrassed. She asked him about the sunglasses and if there was anything wrong with his eyes. He laughed as he reached up to remove them and said, “Don’t you remember when I only sent you a picture of my eyes?” “Of course I do,” she replied, “in fact I still have that picture.” It was in the memory box and one that she had brought with her. She had just looked at it the night before and on the back he had written: “If all you remember are my eyes, then that’s all I’ll send.” She looked at him after he removed the sunglasses and saw those deep blue eyes and her heart filled with love for him and what they had once meant to each other. She lowered her head to conceal how emotional she was and to hide the tears that were welling up in her eyes. Marty told her to come and sit next to him as he got out of his wheelchair and sat on the sofa. They were quiet for a while but it was not uncomfortable for either of them.
The time was going so quickly and they had not begun to address any issues that they both knew they would have to deal with when there was a knock on the door and Rosemary enters. “Mr. Richmond, I have lunch for you and your guest. May I put it on the table?” Marty replies, “Yes, please set it on the table and Monica can help me back in my wheelchair.” As they make their way to the round table in front of the windows facing the lake, Monica notices pictures of Jack and Mary with their spouses but no picture of Betty. He tells her how proud he is of his children and that he loved them and tried to teach them to be upright, outstanding and loyal citizens. Monica could tell how much he was looking forward to their visit.
Conversation over lunch was polite but not heavy, mostly about her job, some details about Watercrest, how much he enjoyed his life in the town, and telling her some sights she might want to check out before she left. She told him she brought her hiking boots and was going to hike the historical trail at some point during her visit. He told her that after lunch he had therapy and then would need to rest before she came back around 5 o’clock. She didn’t know about the break but was happy she would be back later that afternoon. She asked if she could bring something for dinner and maybe they could eat in the gazebo. He thought that was a wonderful idea but he needed a special diet and would have the staff prepare two meals for them to eat outside if that was okay with her. “Of course” she responded. He took her hand and thanked her again for coming and was looking forward to seeing her later. She leaned down and they kissed each other on the cheek. She felt happier than she had in years.
As Monica walks to her car she notices a number of residents, alone, in groups or with a nurse sitting together or walking around the grounds. She was sure some are family members visiting loved ones. She wonders why Marty doesn’t want to socialize with any of the other residents.
The drive back to the motel is short and she thinks about what to do before returning to the nursing home at 5 o’clock. She decides to change into jeans and a light sweater, put on her hiking boots and hike the historic trail. As she enters her room it is filled with the scent of fresh flowers. The arrangement consists of roses and the white lilies she particularly likes. She drops her purse on the bed and heads to the table where the flowers are and reads the card. “Monica, you don’t know what it means to me to have you here in Watercrest. I look forward to our visit later today. Love, Marty.” How thoughtful of Marty to send her the flowers and note. She would think of something special to bring for their dinner.
She quickly changes clothes and heads down to the lobby to inquire where the trail begins. She finds the spot easily and notes the normal time to complete is 35 minutes. She passed several shops she would check out on her way back. She finished the trail in 30 minutes and heads to an upscale gift shop where she finds lovely handmade bracelets by a local jewelry maker and thinks they would be just right for Toni, Sheila and Sandra. For herself she finds a beautiful sterling silver ring with a white turquoise stone, something she had not seen before. It would be something to remind her of her visit to Watercrest and, of course, her time with Marty. She asked the clerk if there was a lighthouse nearby and was informed there was one about 10 miles out of town. She thought if Marty had therapy and needed a rest tomorrow afternoon she would visit the lighthouse then. She adds a one use camera to her purchases and walks out of the shop.
As she walks back to the motel she passes a wine and cheese shop. Knowing that neither she nor Marty drank alcohol, she hopes she can find some sparkling grape juice and a couple of wine glasses for their dinner. She finds both and continues on her way.
When she returns to the motel she still has almost three hours before returning to visit Marty. She decides to rest and knew what she would wear when she returned to visit Marty; the long full skirt and white top she had packed at the last minute. She would also take a light jacket if it got cool. She undressed, turned down the bed and slid under the sheets. She was surprised when she woke up 30 minutes later feeling refreshed and rested. She went into the bathroom to take off her make-up and shower. Marty had told her how wonderful she looked and commented on her complexion. Should she tell him about the $100 bar of soap that contains gold she orders from France? Or the Botox treatments she had over the past two years? She decided probably not. A girl has to have some secrets after all. She was seriously considering having the Life Style Lift she saw advertised on TV and in magazines. With a few more years to work before retiring, it couldn’t hurt in her business to look younger.
She wasn’t as nervous as she heads back to the nursing home as she had been that morning. As she pulls into a guest parking spot she notices the table in the gazebo covered with a white table cloth and two candles. It was a lovely evening and the setting was so romantic, nothing like the grounds of a nursing home. She takes out the camera and gets a lovely shot of the gazebo with the lake in the background.
She signs in at the reception desk and asks the attractive young woman at the desk if she would give the sparkling grape juice and wine glasses to the staff person who would be serving Marty and her dinner at the gazebo.
As she walks into Marty’s room she finds him sitting in his wheelchair. He’s wearing the same shirt and trousers he had on earlier but has put on a sports jacket. He looks a little tired but very handsome in his attire. “Monica, you look wonderful. Any special occasion?” he jokingly asks with a glimmer in his eyes and a wide grin on his face. She loved his humor. “Yes, as a matter of fact” she retorts, “I’m having dinner with a very handsome man I have admired for 50 years.” Just then a staff member enters the room, “All ready for your dinner, Mr. Richmond? I’ll take you down to the gazebo.” “Thanks Bob,” Marty replies, “I would appreciate that.”
As they sit down Monica notices that their salads are already on the table along with the sparkling grape juice and wine glasses. As Marty pours the juice he smiles, “Did you bring this Monica?” She shakes her head in the affirmative and Marty takes her hand in his and kisses it. “So,” Marty says, “we have 50 years to catch up on?” “Well,” says Monica, “Let me tell you what I did this afternoon.” Marty lets out a bellowing laugh, “Monica, if we start with today, we will never get to the reason we are here.” After an eloquent and lengthy toast by Marty they begin eating their salads in silence, each of them thinking of the hours ahead and who would start the conversation.
After thanking Marty for the beautiful flowers and note, she comments on his toast and told him how she remembered the way he asked her to go steady when she was 14 and he had just turned 17. It was not just, “Will you go steady with me, Monica?” It was a well-planned out speech that she could quote verbatim for years. She was proud to wear his class ring even if it was only for a short time.
Their main course was being served and it looked scrumptious. Monica was very impressed with the nursing home, the attentive staff and particularly how they treated Marty with so much respect and always calling him Mr. Richmond. When Monica commented on it Marty replied, “I started getting sick right after Mary left for college. I planned wisely and knew I did not want to be a burden to Betty. She and the children will be well taken care when I’m no longer here.”
They continued their dinner of salmon, a baked potato and asparagus. Monica noticed there was no desert and wondered if Marty was diabetic and if he actually had dialysis that afternoon. After dinner they enjoyed the gorgeous view and comment on the full moon over the lake. “This has been so special, Marty,” Monica said. “I will never forget this special dinner and being here with you.” “Neither will I” Marty said. Bob returned to push Marty back to his room with Monica right beside him.
Monica felt she should be the first to talk and wanted to know if Marty could answer a question that has plagued her all these years.
After she helped him out of his jacket they sat on the sofa as they had earlier, although a little closer this time. She cleared her throat as she started. “Marty” she began, “What has kept our love alive all these years?” “That is a complex question with an even more complex answer,” Marty replied. “I don’t know where to begin” Monica says, “but I have never felt an emotion so deeply as what I feel for you. You are so special and I have always admired and respected you so. I thought everything about you was perfect.” Marty puts his arm around her and draws her close to him. Their hearts beating against each other, “Like this?” Marty says. “Exactly like this” Monica replies. “I feel it too, Monica but I’m not sure I can explain it. As I once told you everything we had was good and right. We never had an argument or disagreed on anything. We were so young, probably too young to even understand what we had.” Monica replies, “It was so pure, so peaceful and so comforting. I felt I could trust you with my life. Even at that young age I knew contentment.”
“Monica, I always loved you. I married Betty knowing I could never love anyone but you but I wanted a family and you were not available. Betty and I never had what we have and you were always in my heart and overtime Betty and I went our separate ways. When Mary left for college I moved into the spare bedroom where I kept some of my special books, including the prayer book you sent me when I was in the Navy. It’s on the night table, did you notice?” “Yes,” Monica replied, “I wondered if it was the one I sent you.” “So you see Monica I always had a part of you with me.”
Monica knew it was time to share the love of God and God’s plan of salvation with Marty it’s what she had been praying about since she got the call from Betty on Sunday night. She hoped he would be receptive but God is the one who prepares the heart. As in the past, Marty seemed to know what she was thinking and began talking before she could say what was on her heart. “Monica, do you remember the last letter you sent me? It was about how you had become a Christian and the change in your life. You spelled it out very clearly but I didn’t want to hear it so I put your letter aside. Then when I got sick and needed answers I bought a Bible and began reading in the Gospel of John. The price that was paid for my sins, the death of God’s only son, Jesus Christ, overwhelmed me and I gave my heart to the Lord.” “I’m so happy Marty,” Monica replied, “You are now my brother in the Lord and I know I will see you again in heaven. That is the most important news you could share with me.”
It was getting late and Monica had to leave. Before she left they prayed together and it was the most wonderful ending to a delightful evening. They hugged as brother and sister in the Lord and gave each other a kiss on the cheek.
When she returned to her motel room she praised the Lord that He had accomplished what she had prayed the outcome of her visit would be. She called Marc and shared with him the news of Marty’s faith and the two of them rejoiced together as Marc knew what this meant to his mother. Monica was exhausted as she got ready for bed, read her Bible and prayed. Thursday morning Monica woke up feeling especially happy and looking forward to her last day with Marty. What would they talk about today? She put on a pair of jeans and a cream colored top and went down to the lobby for breakfast. After breakfast she returned to her room to find she had a message. It was Betty telling her that Marty had gone into a coma earlier that morning and if she wanted to see him before the family arrived; she should be at the hospital by 9 o’clock. It was 8:45 as she rushed out of the room, got into her car and headed to the hospital. When she arrived she went straight to the ICU where Marty was hooked up to so many machines. She was told she could only stay 5 minutes. She held his hand and told him she loved him and would see him in heaven. She squeezed his hand and he squeezed back. Good bye my dear special friend she whispered as she left the room.
Monica heard the alarm go off but it seemed somewhere in the distance. It was 5:30 on a Tuesday morning. She looks around and realizes she’s in her condo in Minneapolis and not a motel room in Watercrest, Michigan. As reality sets in, she remembers she has a full day ahead of her at the hotel.
She had a dream about Marty again but somehow she knew this one would be the last. All her questions had been answered and she felt in her heart that he really did accept the Lord before he died, just one year ago today.
(Screen) Name: Jennifer
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