Page 52 of Be With Me
“There has to be some treatment, Mom. There’s been so much research on how the cells multiply and—”
“Debra, I’ve made my mind up. I listened to the specialists. I did my reading… used the tablet you and Rafe gave me last year for something more than talking to my grandsons. I would love to see them grow into the marvelous men they will become but God has other plans for me. You were the blessing that your father and I never expected when we’d tried for years with no success. The strength that I’ve seen from you in the past years amazes me. I’ll join your father and be another guardian angel watching over you.”
Debbie felt the tears slowly crossing her cheeks and closed her eyes. Somehow she would get through losing her mother; she’d figure out what to tell the boys when they couldn’t call Nonna. Taking a deep breath, Debbie nodded then opened her eyes.
“Okay, Mom. I can’t force you into treatment. Let’s make the plans to move you here so we can take care of you.” She would be there, taking care of her mother until the end.
Her mom chuckled and patted Debbie’s hand. “Nice try, sunshine. There is no possible way that you could take care of me with those scamps that are my grandsons. No, I’ll be staying at home and will go peacefully in my own bed.”
“Mom, you can’t stay by yourself,” Debbie argued, looking to Luny who just shook his head. She could tell he’d do whatever she needed him to do.
“Tommy’s new wife is a nurse. They’re going to move into the house and help me. He’s been working with Barry, the man that’s been renting out the farmland for the past five years. Tommy wants to take over the lease. I offered to leave the land to him when I passed. He refused but told me to tell you that he’ll be waiting when you’re ready to sell. He’ll look over the property and keep it in shape so if you don’t accept his offer, it’ll be in good condition.”
Debbie smiled. “Like I wouldn’t sell it to Tommy. How’s he going to work with Uncle Buddy during the summers if he’s farming?”
“Buddy’s decided it’s time to retire from the circuit. Said he’s getting too old for the crap.” Her mom didn’t sound like she believed that but wasn’t going to argue with her brother in law.
The front door slammed open and the twins ran into the living room covered in mud.
“Mama, we—” Cal said.
“founded puddles!” Cam exclaimed as Danny and Kevin came in, covered in just as much mud as her sons. Debbie, Luny and her mother started laughing. Guess serious talk time was over. Debbie had some sons in need of early baths.
“Tub time,” she told the twins who ran to the bathroom arguing about which ducks to play with. The joys of being two.
