Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
There’s so much we’d have to work through, but damn if the thought isn’t the first thing to light me up inside since… well, the last day I was with her, if I’m being honest.
“Do you have any further questions?” Dr. Benson asks.
Chandler and I are on either side of our mother, each of us holding one of her hands, as we sit across from the doctor who just spelled out her treatment plan options and a ton of information that we’re all trying to process.
“So, the PET scan will help determine the best way to approach this?” Mom asks.
“That’s correct.” Dr. Benson nods.
“Okay.” Mom bobs her head. “Let’s do that.”
“Great. We’ll schedule that, and once we have the results, we’ll have a better understanding of what we’re dealing with, and we’ll be able to ensure the cancer hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes.”
“Okay,” Mom says, her voice calm.
“You’re not experiencing any other symptoms, and had your mammogram not detected the lump, you could have gone on longer without knowing. That’s a good sign.” Dr. Benson looks at me and then at Chandler. “Do either of you have questions or concerns? Is there anything that I can explain that you might not be understanding?” she asks, her tone soft.
I clear my throat. “No, ma’am,” I say.
“No,” Chandler says, his voice raspy.
“I’ll have the nurse come in and get you scheduled. In the meantime, if you think of a question, please call the office. My staff will get it to me, and I can get back with you.”
“Thank you, Dr. Benson.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll send Kathy in to get you scheduled.” She stands and walks out of the room.
“Now we know the next steps,” Mom says, looking from me to Chandler.
“How are you feeling about all of this?” Chandler asks her.
Mom doesn’t answer right away, but when she does, she reminds me yet again how strong and resilient she is. "I feel like I'm ready to fight," she says. "I'm not ready to leave this earth. I miss your father every single day, but there’s too much I still want to do. I’m not ready to leave my family, and I’m not going to let this disease take me before it’s my time.”
Leaning over, I press my lips to her cheek. “Whatever you need, it’s yours. Good days, bad days, and all the days in between. Lean on us, let us take care of you for a change.”
“I’m glad you’re home, Copeland. I should feel guilty that my illness is why you’re here, but they say everything happens for a reason, and maybe bringing you home is our reason.”
“Damn, Ma,” Chandler says. “Way to get a guy all emotional.” He wipes at his cheek, which is completely dry.
“Oh, hush, you.” She slaps at his arm, playfully.
“Nowhere I’d rather be,” I assure her. And it’s the truth. I’ve let the pain of losing Ellison keep me in the military, thinking it’s where I needed to be. Now, I see how much I’ve been missing. I would visit at least once per year, but it felt different than this. I felt almost as if I were an outsider looking in on my family. We talked every week, but it’s not the same as being here.
“Knock knock.” The nurse who took Mom’s vitals enters the room. “Let’s get you scheduled for your PET scan, Ms. Mary.” She smiles kindly, and within ten minutes, we’re back in Chandler’s SUV, heading home.
“Are either of you hungry? Need to stop anywhere?” Chandler asks.
“I’m good, but if you boys need to stop, that’s fine with me,” Mom answers.
“Boys?” Chandler teases. “Mom, I’m forty, and that one back there, he’s not far behind me.”
“Hey! I’m only thirty-five, old man,” I tease. Chandler’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror, and he smirks.
“Let’s not talk about how old either of you is. I’m sixty-three. It’s as if you were both babies last week,” she says. I can hear the nostalgia as well as the humor in her tone.
“Macie mentioned having dinner tonight. The kids would love to see you,” Chandler offers.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I made plans with my quilting club. Alice is having a new grandbaby, and we're working on a piece for her daughter.”
“Alice? From Magnolia Manor?”
“That’s her.”
“She made my breakfast.”
“She moved to town about two years after you enlisted. Her husband’s job was transferred to Franklin, and they didn’t want to live in the city, so they settled in the area. She’s been working at the Manor ever since,” Mom explains.
Chandler chuckles. “Gotta love a small town.”
“Yeah,” I agree. I guess I forgot how everyone knows everyone, and they’re usually all up in your business. I can’t stop my grin as I think about it. It’s damn good to be home.
Seven
Ellison
* * *
It’s been two weeks since Copeland arrived back in town, and I’ve managed to avoid him, aside from the first few days he was here. I might have involved my sisters to help me find out where he is so that I can sneak in and out of my office without being noticed.