“Why don’t you double-check Dillie’s meds, okay?” He walked Dillie back to her room and followed her in to be sure she got settled. Steve breathed a sigh of relief. He turned to Elpie.
“She really thinks I’m her son?”
“She thinks every man younger than 50 is her son. Her real son died in a car accident some twenty years ago. And her husband died in Vietnam shortly after they got married and their son was born.”
“Oh, I see.”
“We humor her as best we can, but it can get a bit crazy-making when we’re buried under paperwork and she wants to tell us about her son’s latest exploits.” Steve scanned the piles of folders and notes at the nursing station.
“You do have a lot of paperwork. Haven’t you gone paperless yet?” Steve said.
“Oh, boy,” Charlie sighed.
“We did several years ago, but we haven’t really upgraded like we should,” Elpie said.
“Well, I can help you with that.”
“You can?”
“Sure. That’s what I do. I’m in the computer business. I’ll get you set up right.” He pulled a business card out of his pocket and handed it to Elpie.
“Computer Madness. That’s the name of my company.”
“Forgive my son, Elpie,” Charlie said. “He’s a computer geek. He drives me crazy with his bits and bytes.”
“Yeah, so I see,” Elpie said. Phil returned from Dillie’s room.
“Steve here is in the computer business,” Elpie said to Phil. “He’d like to do an audit of our system to see if we could benefit from some upgrades.”
“More like networking, really,” Steve said. I could set you up so that all your computers could talk to each other, and if you are part of a chain of facilities, I can network you all together.”
“With HCFA and OBRA guidelines for outcome-based rehab and restorative care, we have to adapt to the requirements of Rom/passive PRN nursing care and then adapt again whenever HHS, or ‘Hippa’, or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities changes the rules. Can your computers deal with that?” Phil said.
“Absolutely. One of my people can sit down with you and go over all your needs, then design a unique array of hardware and software to suit your requirements.”
“I might just take you up on that,” Phil said.
“Here, keep my card. Call me when you’re ready to talk.” Phil turned to Elpie.
“I’m heading back to my office,” Phil said, and he walked down the hallway and disappeared. When he got back to his desk he punched in the number for the Activity Department Director – Margot Thompson.
“Margot, this is Phil…Yeah, I know, but my flight is not till 1:00…Listen, I know you are having that birthday party for Stan Malinski this morning. I really think you should add one more person as the guest of honor…His name is Lt. Commander Charlie Davis, retired Navy. Flew missions in Vietnam…Well, he’s only been here for six weeks in the rehab wing, but he’s got a helluva story…Shot down, prisoner of war, the whole thing…Didn’t you say you’ve got local TV film crews coming out to cover this event?…Well, Charlie’s story is going to tug at your heart…Just get over to the assisted living nursing station as quick as you can, ‘cause his son wants to take him home right now…Ok, just hurry up.”
Back at the assisted living nursing station, Jessica returned from her hunt for Gayle’s reading glasses.
“Tell me you found her glasses,” Elpie said.
“Yes, they were on her window sill,” Jessica said. “And she took her meds, so you can note that in her file.” Then she spotted Charlie in his wheelchair.
“Charlie – are you still here?” Jessica said with a grin.
“Yes, and we’ve kept them long enough,” Elpie said. Steve, both single and available, took note of Jessica’s good looks.
“Oh, I can spare a minute or two. It’s probably too late now to start a round of golf anyway,” Steve said. “And I never miss an opportunity to hand my card out to an attractive lady.” He stepped up to Jessica and slipped his business card into her hand. “Steve Davis with Computer Madness.”
“Uh, hi, Steve,” Jessica said.
“Jessica, this is Steve, Charlie’s son,” Elpie said. “And, Steve, this is Jessica, one of our CNAs.” Jessica noticed the box in Charlie’s lap.
“Elpie, did you see these pictures Charlie kept in his room?” Jessica said.
“It’s nothing – just a few keepsakes,” Charlie said.
“He’s got some nice family photos,” Jessica said. She lifted one framed picture out and passed it to Elpie.
“See,” Jessica said. Elpie studied the picture with glowing pride.
“Is this your wife? She’s beautiful,” Elpie said.
“Yes. She passed away a few years ago,” Charlie said.
“I’m so sorry,” Elpie said.
“Me, too. But we had a fine life together,” Charlie said.
“She died of cancer,” Steve added. Elpie walked over to check out the rest of Charlie’s photo gallery.
“What else you got in there?” Elpie said.
“Yeah, you should take a look at Charlie standing next to his fighter plane,” Jessica said. Elpie peered in the box and pulled out a shot of Charlie standing next to his A4-C Skyhawk.
“Now, who’s the handsome young soldier?” Elpie said.
“That’s Dad. He was a Navy pilot in Vietnam,” said Steve.
“Were you like a ‘Top Gun’ or something?” Elpie said.
“Oh, hardly,” Charlie said. Steve saw this opportunity to brag about his dad.
“He’s got all kinds of medals at home in the attic somewhere, but he doesn’t talk much about his exploits,” Steve said.
“ ‘Cause I’m not asked much about them,” Charlie said in his own defense.
“What kind of plane is this?” Elpie said, pointing to the picture.
“That was my trusty Skyhawk. Miss that old girl,” Charlie said. “I’m afraid the only flying I’m doing these days is off my ladder. But it’s still pretty thrilling, if I could just stick the landing.”
“How old were you in that picture?” Phil said.
“I was only 24 or so in that photo. Barely a man, but when I was in that plane I thought I could outfly anything.” Elpie noticed a light flashing on the annunciator panel.
“Oh, dear. Mrs. Randolph’s bed light just went off. She’s in room 63. Jessica, why don’t you go check on her.”
“Really?” Jessica said.
“Sure. It’s rarely anything serious. Call me if you need anything,” Elpie said.
“OK. I’ll be right back,” Jessica said. She turned down the hallway to find Room 63.
“So, Charlie, you were saying,” Elpie said.
“Oh, I was just bragging about my flying days,” Charlie said.
“Come on, Dad. Let’s not bore these nurses with war stories. I’ve got early dinner plans with a client and I’ve still got to finish my proposal,” Steve said. Charlie put his hand up.
“Wait a minute. Why don’t you take this box to the car and give me a minute to say goodbye,” Charlie said.
“I thought that’s what we were doing right now,” Steve said. Charlie gave him that fatherly look.
“Son.” Steve got the message.
“Okay. I’ll stop by the front office and drop off some business cards,” Steve said. “But I’ll be right back, so don’t take long,” Steve said. Then he disappeared down the hallway.
“I guess I’m down to an audience of one,” Charlie said.
“I’m a good listener,” Elpie said.
“Ok. So now, where was I?” Charlie said.
“You were getting ready to tell me about your flying days,” Elpie said.
“You want the Readers Digest version?” Charlie asked Elpie.
“I’d rather have the Soap Opera Digest version with all the juicy details.”
Chapter 21
Elpie sat spellbound at the nightmare of Charlie�
��s capture in Cambodia. He mentioned the love of his life that he lost in the ordeal. He pointed out all the little touchpoints he shared in common with his precious Diane, from hot dogs to Diet Pepsi to Sinatra. By the time he finished sharing his heartbreaking story, Elpie sat in a weeping mess with a handful of tissues.
“In real time, Diane and I weren’t together very long, less than a week. But I’ll tell you, under intense conditions, a few short days can feel like a lifetime,” Charlie said.
“Honey, you’re describing my first marriage,” Elpie said, as she dabbed her eyes with her tissue. “That’s just one of the saddest and most romantic stories I’ve ever heard.”
Jessica just returned from her mission of mercy at Mrs. Randolph’s apartment.
“Ugh! You won’t believe what just happened in Mrs. Randolph’s apartment,” Jessica said.
“Is she OK?” Phil asked.
“Yes, but what a mess,” Jessica said.
“Did you clean it up?” Elpie said.
“Yes,” Jessica said.
“Then that’s all we need to know,” Elpie said.
“I’m sorry it took so long. Did I miss anything?” Jessica said.
“Did you miss anything? Just the greatest love story ever,” Elpie said. “Shakespeare couldn’t dream this up. I’ll tell you all about it when you’re old enough.” Then she blew her nose. “If y’all will excuse me, I’m a mess.”
Margot Thompson, the Activity Director for The Sanctuary, rounded the corner. A bundle of ebullience, her infectious positive spirit made her a natural for this job. Elpie finished wiping her nose and came over to make introductions.
“Margot, I want to introduce you to Lt. Commander Charlie Davis,” Elpie said. “Charlie, this is Margot Thompson, our activities director.” Margot stepped up to shake Charlie’s hand.
“Lt. Davis, I’m so glad to meet you,” Margot said.
“So pleased to meet you, too,” Charlie said.
“Charlie, I’m so glad you’re here, because we’re having a birthday party this morning in about an hour for Stan Malinski, sort of a combination birthday party and a thank-you for his military service. But we really need to include you too,” Margot said.
“I wish I could, but my son’s here to take me home, and he’s got me on a tight leash. He’s at the front office right now getting me properly discharged, and then I’m out the door.”
“But you can’t leave! The local news is coming to do a segment on our Vietnam vets. You’ll be on the 6:00 O’clock news. That would send you off with a bang, wouldn’t it?”
“A bang? Now that’s not an expression you want to use around vets! Look, I appreciate your kindness, but I’ve only been here a few weeks, and I certainly don’t deserve any special farewells.”
“Charlie, we want to give you a proper send-off. And there’s more than one lady here that would love any excuse to give a handsome young guy like you a big hug and a kiss.”
“Well, now, that’s almost as inviting as a birthday cake! But my son wants to get going. And if he misses his business appointments, I don’t want to be the one he blames.”
“Okay, but tell your son he’s invited to the party too. And do try to get him to change his mind. We really want to see you at that party this morning.”
“I’ll do my best, Margot.” Margot turned to see Jessica, a new face.
“And who is this?” Margot said.
“This is Jessica Strait. She’s our new CNA,” Elpie said. “Came over from next door and just started yesterday. Jessica, this is Margot, our Activities Director. She’s been here for six years, and if you’re looking for a hundred-and-one games to play in a wheelchair—she’s the one to ask.” Margot gave Jessica a welcome smile.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you! Just think of me as the social director on a Carnival Cruise.
“Carnival Cruise?” Jessica said. “I thought my last job was a ticket to paradise. Turned out to be the Titanic.”
“Oh, dear. What happened?” Margot asked.
“My boss wouldn’t stop hitting on me. I threatened to tell his wife, and the next thing I knew, I was down-sized.”
“That’s disgusting,” Margot said. “Well, you know what they say about men - can’t live with them. Can’t bury them in the backyard without the neighbors noticing.”
“Amen to that,” Jessica said. Margot handed a slip of paper to Elpie.
“Here’s the invitation list. Could you make sure these residents are all in the activity room by 10:00?” Elpie looked at the list.
“Sure thing,” Elpie said.
“We’re going to have television cameras,” Margot added. “It’s really going to be special.”
Steve finished his business with the front office and returned to collect his father.
“Okay. Let’s hit the road, Dad. Ladies, thanks again for everything, but we are out of here.” Steve got behind Charlie’s wheelchair and began to push.
“Hold on a minute. It looks like there might be a slight change of plans,” Charlie said.
“What’s the matter now?”
“Well, I’ve been invited to be part of Stan Malinski’s birthday party.”
“Well, what time’s the party?”
“In about an hour.”
“Dad, that’s really going to mess things up for me. I’ve already missed a golf game where I was hoping to run into a client. And then I’ve got to make a presentation to a potential account at four, followed by dinner with his partner. I still have to finish the report and get it bound. Geez,” Steve said. “That’s why I arranged to pick you up this morning.” Margot overheard the father-son exchange and decided to intervene.
“You’re Charlie’s son?” Margot said.
“Yeah, Steve Davis. And you are?”
“Can you excuse us for a moment, Charlie?” Margot said. Then she led Steve out of earshotfrom Charlie. “I’m Margot Thompson, the activities director here. This party means a lot to your dad. There will be a lot of people there who are expecting him, and he’s kind of a guest of honor.”
“Didn’t Dad just say it was Stan’s party? That would make Stan the guest of honor. Besides, I have business meetings I can’t miss. And I’m already running late. So, unless you want to take my dad home yourself this afternoon, he’s coming with me now.”
“Just listen,” Margot pleaded. “Stan Malinski turns 80 today. He’s a Vietnam vet, and The American Legion is making a big deal out of it. The newspaper is going to be here, and so is TV-6. Now, I understand that your dad is a decorated Vietnam vet, and the local media would like to honor him as well. So, you can take your father home now, and he’ll never know what he missed. Or you can let him stay and enjoy a standing ovation in his honor. You’ve already made it clear what you’d like to do. But what do you think your dad would prefer?”
Steve realized he was out of order.
“Let me make some calls. I’ll see what I can do.”
“You are a dear. Oh, one more thing,” Margot said.
“Now what?”
“Does your father still have his officer’s hat? And maybe his flight jacket or something? He would look so dashing in it when he poses for pictures,” Margot said.
“It’s probably in his attic,” Steve said.
“The party is in an hour. Could you go get them and be back here in time? And maybe any of his medals we could pin on him?”
“Yeah, I suppose I could. Damn, lady! I don’t even know you and you’ve got me running errands for you. You know what? You’re a little scary,” Steve said. Margot nodded.
“I know - I get that a lot.”
“All right, I’ll be back in an hour,” Steve said.
“Thank you, again! You won’t regret this,” Margot said. Steve turned to break the news to his dad.
“Dad, uh, why don’t you just stay for the party. I’ll be back to pick you up later.”
“You’re sure you’re okay with that?” Charlie said.
“Hell, according to
Margot, I’m ecstatic about it.”
“That’s great, son. Then, I’ll see you a little later.” Steve marched down the hallway to the main exit.
“Well, Charlie, where to now?” Margot said.
“Take me back to Stan’s room. Now that I’ve got time, I’m going to one-up his last war story,” Charlie said.
“Then here we go,” Margot said, as she wheeled Charlie down the hall.
“Did I ever tell you the one about the Marine, the sailor, and the pilot all stuck in a lifeboat?” Charlie said.
“No, I haven’t heard that one,” Margot smiled, as they breezed down the hallway. Just then Gayle stepped out of her apartment and walked to the nursing station with her reading glasses in hand.
“I see you got your glasses,” Elpie said.
“Yes, Jessica here found them for me.”
“I was happy to help,” Jessica said. Gayle pulled out a small accordion photo album.
“I thought if you had minute, I might brag on my grandkids a bit.”
“Why don’t you two go back to your apartment where you can have some privacy,” Elpie suggested.
“That’s a good idea,” Gayle said. “I just brewed a fresh pot of tea. I’ll split a danish with you,” she offered to Jessica.
“Why not?” Jessica said with a smile. The two turned and walked arm-in-arm to Gayle’s apartment.
Chapter 22
Phil sat in his office deep in thought. The entire Charlie Davis drama began to consume his imagination. The miracle of Charlie’s escape from Cambodia only to learn that his sweetheart gave up hope and married another man, vexed Phil’s spirit.
“That could happen to me if I hesitate any longer,” Phil thought. “If it hasn’t happened already.” Tina popped her head in his office.
“Have you called Annie?” she said. “She’s been calling all morning.”
“I left her a message. That will have to do for now. I’ve got to help get this birthday party going,” Phil said. “The local media is going to be here any time now, and I’ve got to get them situated.”
In Gayle’s apartment, Jessica munched on a danish as she flipped through Gayle’s photo album.
The Sanctuary II: Lost and Found Page 14