Travel with the aunts, p.32
Travel with the Aunts, page 32
Rosie straightened slowly, pondering the question. “I feel much better. And you helped us all understand Anna. Is that what you would do? Talk, and listen, and help seniors find relief and release? It would be nice to face . . . well, face our demise with fewer regrets. It would be nice to heal old wounds, maybe even mend rifts in families before it’s too late.”
Rosie’s statements once more brought thoughtful contemplation to the vehicle’s occupants.
Daisy nodded thoughtfully. “That sounds like a very interesting idea.”
“You could set up a practice going to senior living facilities, maybe rotating and visiting one every week or every two weeks.” Josie shook her head contemplating the range of possibilities. “You’d be grief counselor, marriage, end-of-life. I’ve read there are counselors for people who are going blind or deaf, who help people and family members adjust to catastrophic injuries like after a bad accident, or in our case, aging.”
Silence enveloped the car as they all thought about the possibilities.
“You do realize,” Daisy began, “instead of seeing those you counsel grow up . . . you will see them age and die.”
Casting a serious glance at her Aunt Daisy, Allison replied, “Yes, I have thought of that. But aren’t all of us dying?”
Josie snorted. “That’s the way some people look at it. I’m living. I intend to die living.”
Allison remembered Josie saying that same thing the day the three sisters took off with the motorcycle guys. She nodded. “Yes, I remember you saying that before. So, I will be helping people who are living to hopefully enjoy living more. That’s really what it’s all about, no matter what age. Aunt Josie, you said people can talk to their friends rather than a counselor, but loneliness is a major problem among the elderly.”
Josie nodded. “You also pointed out that friends make lousy counselors.” Pursing her lips with a thoughtful frown, Josie added, “Friends can also be the reason we need counselors.”
With a look of surprise, Allison nodded in agreement.
“I think you’re on to something.” Daisy patted Allison’s tense shoulder. “It sounds like you’ve put some thought into this.”
Allison relaxed into a smile of gratitude and relief. “I hope my parents agree.”
No-nonsense Josie snapped. “It’s your decision. You said earlier that you were going to do what’s right for you, not what pleases either of your parents.”
Easier said than done, she thought.
Chapter 28
Arriving in Toledo
As they approached Toledo, Allison felt tension rising in the car. Daisy leaned against the passenger window, fist to her mouth, deep lines of worry at her eyes and mouth.
Rosie clasped her oversized purse in her lap, folding and unfolding the shoulder strap. On the other side of the back seat, Josie sat glaring out the window, legs and arms crossed, foot tapping arrhythmically.
“Aunt Josie?” Allison caught her senior aunt’s eye in her rearview mirror. “You played a game with your dad on trips, naming animals or places you’d been. On our way home from a trip, Mom played what did you like best? So, each of you, what did you like best or remember most vividly on this trip?” She glanced at each aunt. Daisy straightened up, looking relieved and interested. Rosie’s eyes lit up as she murmured a soft “Oooo.” Josie shot her an analyzing glance and smiled.
Daisy answered first. “We did so much, it’s hard to choose.”
Allison nodded. She had them. With a slight, smug smile, she thought, Maybe I will be a good counselor. “Good point. In my family, we often found that it was something someone else chose or something we just did spontaneously that was a favorite because it was something we would have never chosen. Maybe it took us out of our comfort zone. So, each of you chose three places to visit. Name the one of those three that. . . ” She realized that especially in Rosie’s case, liked was not the appropriate word. “. . . impressed you the most. Then name one that impressed you that you did not choose.”
Rosie’s eyes sparkled with fond memories. “There were so many! I so enjoyed the afternoon we took off riding motorcycles.”
Josie hooted. “That was a riot!”
Daisy smiled at Allison. “I know it scared the be-jeepers out of you, but it was a favorite for me, as well.”
Allison rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Okay, you all agree that taking off with a motorcycle gang was your agreed upon highlight. It’s certainly something I will never forget.”
Josie guffawed. Daisy chuckled and patted her arm.
Rosie giggled.
So did Allison. “That’s a tale I’m going to be telling for many years. And it will likely improve with the telling.” She warned with a suggestive eyebrow waggle.
Casting a warm smile at Allison, Daisy started again. “Let’s see, I chose Colonial Williamsburg, The Villages, and Carter’s home in Plains. I’d been to two of them, so I have to say our trip to The Villages to visit Norman and Jean.”
Allison nodded. That’s what she’d expected. “That was quite an eye-opener.”
“That was quite an eye-roller.” Josie amended with an amused snort.
Rosie giggled. “And you thought the thing for golf balls on the golf cart was a urinal.”
Allison shook her head in amusement. “A mistake I’d rather forget.”
“Okay, Josie, your turn while I try to winnow down my choice for my other favorite,” Daisy directed.
Allison recalled that Josie had chosen the cities. She remembered Rosie singing karaoke in Atlantic City and being called a cougar, but Josie hadn’t been there for that.
When she glanced back and saw the wolfish smile emerging on her four-times-married aunt Josie, she knew what was coming.
“That kid, Antoine, in Philadelphia. I still remember the way you lip-locked him, Daisy.”
Allison laughed. “I remember the way his arms stuck straight out, spasming!”
Hand to mouth, eyes sparkling, Rosie giggled.
Allison felt her heart swell. I am so glad we were able to do this for Rosie. For all three of them. I’m so glad Mom got me to do this . . . and that I agreed.
Rosie straightened up, staring ahead out the front window. “I got to see Banker Ponies frisking on the beach and racing at sunrise. I found out that a young lady about whom I’ve worried for years grew up to be a strong, dedicated lady.” Gentle lines appeared between Rosie’s eyes. “And I finally got to say goodbye to Andy with my sisters by my side.”
Allison felt tears gather. A quick glance told her she wasn’t the only one. Daisy reached over in the back seat and took Rosie’s hand.
Clearing her throat, Daisy began on the second half of the challenge. “There are so many to choose from. But I see a pattern in my strongest memories.” She gazed at Allison. “I was very impressed with how you handled being pulled off the boat in Okefenokee. I’ve been impressed with how thoughtful and patient you have been, taking us right up to entryways, pulling the car up close when it was raining, hauling our luggage without complaint. And, finally, how you have gotten us to talk, seriously talk, not just kibitz. In short, the high point for me has been getting to know you, Allison.”
Okay, thought Allison, that not only brought tears, but a quivering chin as well!
Agreement emanated from the rear seat.
Allison was only able to murmur, “Thank you.”
“Well, it’s hard to top that.” Josie finally broke the awkward silence. “So, what did I like best, other than getting to know Allison better. Oh, and learning about Rosie’s past.” She patted her baby sister on the leg. “And finding out that dear Daisy is still a darn good tour guide. Let’s see. Playing poker in Atlantic City, even if I didn’t win big; at least I didn’t lose big. Meeting and smooching Antoine, then let’s see. I guess getting sandblasted while watching horses run and poop on the beach was entertaining. Getting a wet T-shirt contest started at the beer festival. Well, I wish we’d stayed to see the outcome of that. Taking off on motorcycles was a lark, and when we pulled over and hopped out of the car when we saw that jail work crew,” she chortled.
“Allison, I thought you were either going to melt into the seat or gun the engine and leave us behind. Then when Daisy got photos of the guy waggling his . . . his privates at us.” Josie laughed so hard she snorted and started coughing.
Allison shook her head at the mental image. Not one of her fondest remembrances.
“Watching that guy fall overboard and scream about snakes in Okefenokee was definitely a high point. Then your friends in The Villages.” Josie leaned forward to Daisy. “Where did you find those nuts? Finding out about your Andy was quite a shock, little sister. But that singing you did with the van full of church ladies blew me away. I wish we had gotten some photos of them. They were awesome, and so were you.” She patted Rosie’s leg again. More thoughtfully, she added, “I am also glad we visited Corinth. It gave me some small idea of what our great-grandfather went through in the Civil War. I’m glad he made it home in one piece.” She sighed at the memory of the hardships the troops had faced during their stay at Corinth.
“Was there any one thing that stood out?” Daisy asked, turning around so she could see Josie behind her.
Slowly shaking her head, Josie replied, “The whole trip. The whole trip has just been beyond words, better than I could have ever dreamed. And a great part of it is thanks to you, Allison. We would have gone anyway, but you being our designated driver made it so much easier. I don’t think we would have had the energy or ability at our ages to do half of what we did. Thank you. I don’t think you can ever imagine how much this means to us.”
Allison felt her chest tighten and tears gather again. She heard Rosie sniffle and start pawing through her handbag for tissues in the seat behind her.
Rosie honked.
Allison giggled.
“Enough drippy stuff,” No-nonsense Josie ordered. “Your turn, Rosie.”
Daisy interrupted while Rosie finished with her tissue, directing Allison off the interstate and onto a major four-lane into Toledo. Rosie dug in her purse, stalling.
Daisy guided Allison past the university and into a residential area. From there, she had to pay attention to directions, traffic, and pedestrians. Casting a glance back at Rosie, she could hear her humming softly, gazing out the window as she did. Listening carefully, Allison made out the song she’d sung at the Karaoke place in Atlantic City.
Motoring slowly down Daisy’s street, Allison noted that her aunt was leaning forward, nervously watching as they got closer to her house. Soon, they both saw what Daisy had needed to see—Barth’s dark blue Silverado pickup truck parked safely in the driveway. Daisy let out a swooshing sigh and leaned back. Allison pulled the Buick in next to the truck and popped the trunk.
“We’re home!” Josie announced softly.
••••••••••••••
Daisy gathered the items around her seat, seeming in no hurry to rush in to see Barth. Rosie sniffed and fiddled with her purse. Josie huffed and heaved herself out of the car. “It’s over. We’re back in the real world. Face it, head on.” And she headed resolutely for the front door.
Levering herself out, Daisy followed, patting Barth’s truck on the hood as she passed.
Rosie used the door to pull herself upright. Allison hopped out and offered her a hand. Rosie caught her eye. “Do you think he’ll be all right?” she asked softly.
“Barth?” Allison asked. “Yes, I think he will.”
They followed Daisy, Josie holding the door for them. Through the short foyer, Daisy entered the living room. They could hear the local evening news predicting a light rain that evening and another sunny, warm day tomorrow. Allison saw Daisy pause.
“I’m home,” she sang out.
A few steps more and Allison could see Barth, a handsome man, still straight and tall. Light gray hair, slightly curling, drifted lightly just over his ears. Intense gray eyes centered on Daisy then tracked to Josie, then Rosie and Allison, his face fading into confusion.
“You’ve brought company,” he stated.
“You remember my sisters, Josie and Rosie?” Daisy introduced them, putting a hand on each as she said their names. “And this is our grand-niece, Allison,” she finished.
Barth smiled, taking Josie’s hand and bringing it up as though to kiss it. “The oft-married, card-sharp Josie and our sweet voiced younger sister. Welcome. Now you.” He turned to Allison, then looked to Daisy for guidance. “I don’t believe I know you.” His voice was hesitant.
Allison responded before Daisy could. “We’ve never met, Uncle Barth, much to my sorrow. I sincerely hope we can now see more of each other.”
His gray eyes sparkled and a smile tugged as he took Allison’s hand gently in his. He flashed a glance at Josie. “I see you have Josie’s silver tongue. It will be my pleasure getting to know you, grand-niece. . . ”
“Allison,” She filled in for him.
He bowed gallantly over her hand, then turned to Daisy and waved a hand toward the kitchen. “Now I understand why Daryl had me order three pizzas. Ladies, dinner awaits. We have pizza, antipasto salad, and a bottle of wine.”
Allison held back a few steps with Josie. “He seems fine.”
Josie nodded. “But Daisy had to remind him who we were. He covers well, which is why it took too long to figure out what was going wrong.” Josie slowed, putting a hand on Allison’s arm. “It’s not too bad yet, but it will get worse.”
Clustered around the small kitchen table, three pizza boxes lined up on the counter containing something for everyone. Plates were loaded with antipasto, wine glasses were topped off (except no wine for Allison), and dinner stretched to over two hours as the ladies regaled Barth with stories from their trip. He joined in with memories of some of the places they’d visited. Like many with dementia, he remembered things in the past just fine.
Finally, the conversation got around to Barth’s trip. Leaning forward in concern, Barth addressed Daisy. “Daryl said you didn’t get my note. I expected you back from Detroit the day you picked up your sisters, but you didn’t come home. Daryl and I had decided to leave the same morning we thought you were going to leave. But you weren’t home, so I left a note.”
Daisy shook her head sadly. “I’m sorry. I did try to call you from Detroit. I left a message on both phones that we would come in the following evening. When I got here, you and your truck were gone. I didn’t find any note.”
Barth shoved his chair back from the table, pushing himself to his feet. “I left it right under the phone where we always leave notes.” He pointed to the wall phone, under which were a stack of phone books and takeout menus. “It was right here. I wrote it on the note pad in the drawer.” He yanked open the drawer, pulling out and waving a note pad of flowered paper. Then his glance fell on it and his face crumpled. The note he’d left was still on the pad, which he’d put back in the drawer.
Slowly, Barth handed the note to his wife. “I did write it. . . ” then his voice faded to that of a hurt, frightened child, “. . . and then I put it back in the drawer.”
Daisy reached out her arms. Barth moved into her embrace, head sunk on her shoulder.
Looking on in dismay, Allison whispered, “Anyone could make that mistake.”
Heaving on the sobs he tried to control, Barth clutched Daisy. “I’m sorry. I don’t even remember you giving me a cell phone to keep on me. Daryl says I lost it. I don’t even remember having it. I’m sorry!”
They couldn’t hear what Daisy murmured back to him.
Josie motioned for them to quietly leave and give Barth and Daisy privacy. Slipping quietly out of the kitchen, Josie led them to the front door. “Time for a walk,” she whispered, easing open the front door.
Allison looked back to the kitchen doorway, swallowing her own emotions.
They are best friends, and more. That will make this loss all the harder. . . for both of them.
Chapter 29
Over, For Now
Allison kept busy the two days at Daisy’s house. She took after-dinner walks during which the sisters told her their memories of growing up in Toledo. It was nice when Josie joined Rosie and Allison for a walk, since most of Rosie’s memories revolved around her years in Traverse City. Daisy drove them around the neighborhood, convincing Allison that her mother had been right to insist that Allison needed to be their driver on the road trip.
She got to know Barth. She found him to be sweet, and she understood why it had taken Daisy time to realize something was wrong and why Josie had thought his being forgetful was not a matter for concern. They’d be talking, playing a game, and Barth would drift off, staring into space, then hop up and run out to his shop, or grab a pencil and paper and start drawing a plan, oblivious to everyone around him. But on two occasions, he then looked up confused, disoriented. On those occasions, Daisy reached over and took the notebook from him and redirected him to something else, distracting him and redirecting his attention. His friend Daryl came over and regaled them with tales from their trip together. Most of the time, Barth joined in. Other times, it became obvious he had no memory of what Daryl was telling them. Daryl then asked him if he remembered, and named the place. Barth could remember things in the past. He’d then brighten up and tell of something that happened in that place years ago.
Allison felt touched and impressed at how well both Daryl and Daisy guided Barth to save him the pain and embarrassment of not being able to remember.
Allison also spent considerable time on Daisy’s computer. She checked graduate counseling programs at colleges in western New York, northern Ohio, and Michigan. She found that Michigan State had a top-rated adult counseling program. Taking the plunge, she called, got information on transferring to Michigan State for the fall semester, and got the paperwork started. She found herself nearly hyperventilating. She’d done it.
