Blossoms of Love

by Juanita Jane Foshee

  I regret to report your son, Paul Franklin Ellman, has been killed in the line of duty. He will be decorated for bravery.

  US Navy

  Mrs. Ellman just sat looking at the telegram. The policeman said, “Mrs. Ellman, the hospital ship he was on was bombed by the enemy. He stay aboard helping get the wounded on rafts. The ship exploded before he could get off. His body will be here in three days with two Navy officers.” The girls all gathered around her. The policeman asked, “Is there anything I can do?” Mrs. Ellman looked up at him, “No. Nothing.” The policeman said to Ellen, “If you need us, don’t fail to call.”

  When he was gone, Mrs. Ellman didn’t say anything else. She didn’t cry, it seemed she was in shock. Barbara suggested, “Maybe we should call Dr. Morris.” Carolyn felt of her pulse and took her blood count, “I think you should. She is in shock.”

  The girls got her to bed while Ann called Dr. Morris. By the time Dr. Morris got there, she had began to absorbed the news. She began to cry. It wasn’t a loud cry but a cry of a broken heart. Dr. Morris gave her a shot. He said to Carolyn, “She will be alright. Give her one of these pills twice a day until after the funeral.”

  Dr. Morris looked at the pictures on the mantle in the living room. Four in Navy uniforms, one in Army, one in Air Force, and one Marine. David’s picture was there just like the Ellman brothers. Dr. Morris’ eyes stopped at Paul’s picture. He looked very handsome in his white uniform with gold braid and one star on his shoulder. Dr. Morris said, “It’s a shame. He was a brilliant doctor. He was magnificent with his hands in surgery. I’ve known him since he was a child. He was always serious and determined in anything he did. When he decided to be a doctor, he came to my office and talked to me about it. He was finishing high school then. I encouraged him, I knew he could be an outstanding doctor. He didn’t disappoint me. He graduated with honors. Carolyn, war is a terrible thing. It takes good men like Paul. America needs men like Paul.” Tears were in the doctor’s eyes. Carolyn said, “If he hadn’t stayed on the ship to help the wounded, he would have been safe. The ship exploded.” Dr. Morris said, “It was his duty to take are of the wounded. Knowing Paul, he wasn’t thinking of himself.”

  Barbara came into the room, “Why did they bomb a hospital ship? I just can’t understand any human being that would bomb a ship with wounded men.” Dr. Morris said, “That is true, it was suppose to be bombed or even fired at.”

  It wasn’t long until the house was full of friends and neighbors with food offering their help. Mrs. Ellman insisted on getting up to greet her friends and neighbors.

  Late that night, there were still a lot of people at the house. Old men, too old for service, women, and a lot of teenagers. Several service men were there too. They were home on leave. After a while, the girls finally got Mrs. Ellman to bed. Barbara stayed with her for a while. Mrs. Ellman said, “You know what I remember most about Paul? The weekends and holidays. He would be home, after everyone was in bed, I’d see a light on in his room from downstairs. He would be studying. Once I went upstairs and knocked on his bedroom door. He called for me to come in. He was sitting by his table reading a medical book. I told him he should get some rest while he was home. He said, “Mom I can rest when I become a doctor. I’ve got to make good grades. Monty has spent a lot of money helping me and you and Dad have too. This is the most important thing in my life.” So I told him good night. After that, I didn’t bother him no matter how late he was up.”

  Mrs. Ellman looked at Barbara, “I know it is God’s will. He knows best.” Then she began to cry, “I don’t know if I can get through this or not.” Barbara had never felt so sorry for anyone in her life. She knew the worst was yet to come. When Paul’s body arrived, she wondered if Mrs. Ellman could take it.”

  Carolyn said as she and Barbara were drinking coffee while Cindy sat with Mrs. Ellman, “I’ll have to keep those pills in her.” Barbara said, “Carolyn, I’m afraid for all of us. We know it can happen again anytime.” Carolyn said, “Yes it can, six more times.” Barbara said, “Oh, it makes chills run down my sine.”

  Two women came in the back door carrying food. Carolyn greeted them. Ellen and Alice were washing dishes. Ann came in the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee, “I just went upstairs to see about the kids. All of them are asleep except Dennis. This has touched him deeply for a nine year old. He asked me if this could happen to his Daddy.” Ellen dried her hands, “I better go up and talk to him.”

  Barbara made more coffee. They all planned to stay up all night and take turns sitting with Mrs. Ellman. They weren’t going to leave her alone at all.

  Morning came, some of the ladies that had stayed all night fixed breakfast. The morning looked gloomy. It looked as if it would snow. Barbara told Ann, “I’ve got to go feed the horses in the stable. I’ll be back as soon as I can. It won’t take long to feed twelve horses.” Ann said, “Be sure to bundle up good. It’s really cold this morning. Do you want me to help?” Barbara got her coat and scarf, “No need for both of us to get cold.”

  Barbara fed the horses. Before she left the stable, she got down on her knees and said, “Dear Father in Heaven, I need, or we need, your help and guidance. I know it has been a long time since I have talked to you. Please forgive me. Dear Father, help Mom Ellman. Give her the strength to endure what is ahead for her. Help her through the suffering from the loss of her fifth son. Dear Lord, keep her other sons safe. Watch over them, guide them. Amen.” She got up and dried her eyes.

  As she started back to the house, she put the scarf over her mouth, the wind was so cold. Just before she got to the porch, she looked down the road. She had no reason to. She did it all the time. The first time she looked, she thought she saw a Navy officer walking towards the house. It was just getting daylight and she decided her eyes were playing tricks on her. She stepped up on the first step and decided to look again. This time she knew it was a man in a Navy uniform. Suddenly, she knew this man. Only one person walked like that, only one. She yelled, “Monty—Monty” and she broke into a run. It had been thirteen months since he had walked that road.

  He reached out with one arm; the other was in a sling. He smiled that beautiful smile of his, “Hello angel baby.” She whispered, “Hello my darling.” She was kissing him over and over. He chuckled, “Baby I sure as hell like this welcome.” She said, “I love you—I love you. Monty, your arm.” He said, “My arm is okay. I got shot in the shoulder but it’s almost well. Don’t you think it’s a bit cold out here.” They began to walk, “I went to feed the horses.”

  As they got closer to the house he asked, “Why are so many cars here? What’s all the lights doing on? Mom is okay isn’t she?” It was then Barbara knew Lamont didn’t know about Paul. Barbara said, “Oh Monty, I thought you knew. I thought that was why you came home.” Lamont stopped walking, “Know what?” Barbara said, “Your mother is alright. I wish I didn’t have to tell you.” Lamont’s face clouded, “Which one Barbara? Which one of us got it?” Barbara answered, “It’s Paul.” Lamont said, “It can’t be. I saw him leave on a hospital ship heading for the states just three hours before I shipped out.” Barbara said, “The ship Paul was on was bombed.” Lamont gritted his teeth, “The damn yellow-bellied bastards. That’s the kind of damn animals they are.” Then there was a break in his voice, “Oh God. Why Paul? He was the best one of us. I can’t go in there right now. I can’t face Mom just yet.” She said, “Come on, we’ll go to the stables.”

  When they got to the stables he said, “I wish you’d leave me alone for a few minutes.” He looked at Barbara, bit tears were in his eyes. Barbara said, “Don’t be ashamed to cry darling.” Lamont bursted out crying, “He was only twenty-six. He worked and studied like hell and was just getting a good start. My God—it isn’t fair—just not fair.” Lamont began to shake from sobbing. Barbara held him close to her. It was tearing her apart, seeing a big, strong, brae man who wasn’t afraid to fight, who would tackle anything, cry as if his heart was breaking
into. She had never seen a man cry before and she hoped she never would again. Suddenly, he stopped. He said, “I’m sorry Barbara. A man doesn’t do these things, especially an officer in the Navy.” Tears came to his eyes again, “Oh Barbara, it hurts like hell.” She put her arm around him again, “Officers are human Monty. They have hearts and feelings too.” Lamont said, “They are suppose to be able to control themselves.” Barbara said, “He is your brother Monty. I don’t think General George Patton could, or would, be any different.” Lamont cleared his throat, “I’m ready to see Mom.”

  As they walked towards the house, Ann met them, “Barbara I got worried. Monty! Oh Mom Ellman will be glad you’re here.”

  When they went in the kitchen, everyone showed how glad they were to see Monty. Barbara got his hand and led him through the kitchen and upstairs where his mother was but she was asleep and Lamont wouldn’t wake her. Let her sleep. I’ll see her when she wakes up.” They went back downstairs and in the kitchen. Barbara said as she put on a pot of coffee, “Hungry?” Lamont answered, “No, just coffee. When will Paul get here?” Ellen said, “Either late this afternoon or early Saturday morning.” Lamont asked, “How are all the others?” Ellen said, “Johnny is alright. He’s somewhere in Italy. I got a letter from him yesterday.” Alice said, “I don’t know where Berry is, just somewhere in the South Pacific. I got a letter from him last week.” Ann said, “I’ve been worried about Leon. I haven’t heard from him in almost a month.” Lamont said, “Leon is on a sub. They don’t receive or pick up mail as often. You’ll get a letter soon.” Cindy said, “Allen is on one of those islands in the Pacific. I get a letter about every two weeks from him.” Carolyn said, “Dave is on a destroyer but I have no idea where. I got a letter from him today.”

  It was another hour before Mrs. Ellman woke. Alice came into the kitchen and said, “Monty, Mom Ellman is awake. I didn’t tell her you were here.” Lamont put his coffee cup down. He looked at his brothers’ wives, then Barbara and Carolyn. Almost in a whisper he said, “I hope I can find the right words. Mom needs comfort and strength.” He ran his fingers through his thick, blond hair, then got up from the chair. He asked Alice, “How is she?” Alice answered, “Your mother is a very strong woman.” Lamont said again, almost in a whisper, “God, give me the right words to help my mother.”

  He stopped at her bedroom door. The door was closed. He took a deep breath and quietly opened the door. Lamont looked at his mother who had always been a pillow of strength. Her eyes were closed. Lamont said, "Mom.” When she saw him she cried out, “Monty! Oh Monty!” He went to her. He gently put his arm around her. She said, “Our Paul, he’s ----he’s been killed.” Lamont said, “I know Mom. I know.” He kissed her on the forehead, “Go ahead—cry Mom. It helps.” She clung to him, “Why Monty—why? --he was with the wounded.” Lamont’s jaw tightened, “It shouldn’t have happened. No one is suppose to even shoot at a hospital ship.” It was then she noticed his arm in a sling, “How are you son?” He answered, I’m okay.”

  All day Mrs. Ellman wouldn’t let Lamont out of her sight. Lamont told his mother, “I’m suppose to be back on ship by tomorrow night. I’m gonna call and see if I can pull some strings. We weren’t suppose to come to the states. We need repairs on the ship and were suppose to get them at Pearl Harbor but another carrier got shot up pretty bad and had to get repaired there. They don’t have all of the harbor cleared yet from the bombing. So we came on in. I jumped a plane and I’m suppose to catch it back tomorrow afternoon.”

  He called long distance and talked a long time. Finally he hung up. He said, “No luck. I have to go back.” Barbara asked, “What about the funeral? Didn’t you tell them?” Lamont said, “Sure I told they. They are sorry but honey, they can’t hold up a carrier just for me. We are short on pilots now. A few hours could mean saving several thousand men.” Barbara asked, “Couldn’t they go without you?” Lamont said, “Baby the Navy just doesn’t do things like that. Since I’m already here is enough. It’s just as well. Paul won’t be opened. There will be two Navy men with him. They will stay with him until he is in the ground.” Ellen asked, “Why won’t he be open?” Lamont said, “You’ve never seen a person after they’ve been in an explosion. I don’t want Mom to know but I doubt if he is all there or if he is, he’s burned badly.” Barbara said, “I don’t want you to go back.” Lamont said, “I’ve got more reason to go now.” For the first time, she saw hatred his in eyes. Lamont said, “I’ve got a debt to pay. They started this war and they’ve killed my brother.” She didn’t like the way he looked just then, there was much hate and determination. She knew he would take more chances now. Ann came in the kitchen, “They’re coming. The ambulance, the police, and another car.” Lamont asked, “Where’s Mom?” Ann answered, “Upstairs with Carolyn. Carolyn is helping her bathe.” Lamont said, “Good. I want to talk to the guards before she sees him.”

  As Paul’s body was brought in, Lamont talked to the two Navy men. Lamont felt better for he learned Paul wasn’t blown to bits. The ship exploded just as he jumped in the water. The oil on the water caught fire and burned him real bad. He died minutes after they got him on a raft. One of the men said to Lamont, “His face is burned bad. I don’t think your mother would want to see him like that.” Lamont said, “I’ll explain it to her.” Lamont saw his mother coming down the stairs. He said, “Mom, I want to talk to you before you go in the living room where Paul is.” He led her into the den. He got her to sit down. He said, “Mom, Paul was burned badly. I think it is best if you don’t open the casket.” She didn’t say anything for a few minutes then, “Alright, but Monty would you open it—and see if he is in one piece?” Barbara looked at Lamont. She thought, “How could she ask him to do such a thing?” Lamont didn’t answer her. Mrs. Ellman said, “I know I’m asking a lot from you but I’ve got to know if he is all there.” Then she began to cry. Lamont said, “Alright Mom, I’ll see.”

  Barbara followed him out in the hall, “Monty!” He looked at her, “I’ll be alright.” Lamont talked to one of the men. The other man removed the flag from the casket and opened it. To Monty’s surprise, Paul looked better than he had expected. The left side of his face was burned badly and most of his hair was burned off. The Navy did a good job with him. His uniform was white with the three stripes and gold braid and one star on the shoulder. Paul was the highest ranked of all the brothers. Lamont thanked the two Navy men as they closed the casket and placed the American flag back on it.

  When Lamont went back in the den, he took his mother’s hand in his, “Paul is in one piece Mom. He doesn’t look real bad but his face is burned. I think it is better for you to remember him the way he was the last time you saw him.” She got up, “Yes, I think it is better too. Thank you son.” He walked with her in the living room. At each end of the casket was a Navy officer. They were Paul’s guardians until he was put in the ground. The casket was draped with the United States flag. There were flowers near the casket. Mrs. Ellman sat down near the body. The service men introduced themselves to her. She didn’t cry, just sat motionless.

  At meal time, one guard at a time would go eat. They never left Paul alone. Mrs. Ellman decided to have the funeral in the morning since Lamont had to leave tomorrow afternoon.

  As the evening came, big crowds of people came to the house. That night Berry called. Lamont answered the phone. Berry asked, “Monty, is that you?” Lamont answered, “Yes, where are you?” Berry said, “I’m on a ship in the middle of the Pacific. I just got word about Paul. They were good enough to let me call. How is Mom?” Lamont said, “She’s doing very well.” Lamont said to Ann as she started by him, “Go get Mom and Alice. Berry is on a ship’s phone and he can’t keep it tied up long.” Berry said, “Monty I just can’t believe we’ve lost Paul. How did it happen?” Lamont said, “The hospital ship he was on was bombed.” Berry said, “Damn, I wish I could be there.” Lamont saw his mother and Alice coming so he said, “Here comes Mom and Alice. Take care brother.” Berry
said, “You do the same.” Lamont handed the phone to his mother, “Don’t talk too long Mom so Alice can talk.”

  Lamont went to the den. He wouldn’t sit in the living room. He just sat in a chair and wouldn’t talk. Barbara came in the room and sat down beside him. She said, “I don’t know what we’re gonna do with all that food.” Barbara and Lamont looked up to see the mayor and Dr. Morris come in.

  As they talked to Mrs. Ellman and Ellen Lamont said to Barbara, “I appreciate everyone’s concern and sympathy but I’d like to be alone for a while. If it didn’t look bad, I’d go to my house for a while.” Barbara said, “If it will make you feel better, then go.” Lamont said, “No, I better not. Mom might need me. I’ll just stick it out.”

  The mayor and Dr. Morris came over to Lamont. They talked for a little bit, then Lamont got his mother to lie down for a while.

  Along toward daylight, Barbara found Lamont in the kitchen drinking coffee. Barbara suggested, “Why don’t you lie down and try to rest? You’ve been up for such a long time.” He sighed, “No. I can sleep on ship but I’ve drank enough coffee to float the carrier I’m on.” He got up from his chair, “Let’s you and I take a walk?” She got their coats.

  He took her hand as they went out. The morning was very cold but the sky was clear. As they walked Lamont said, “There’s a lot of memories around here Barb. It will never be the same again. It really hasn’t been since Dad died.” He kicked at a rock on the ground, “But when people get old you expect them to leave you. With Paul” he choked up. Barbara said, “I know darling. Paul was a fine man, just like all you Ellmans are.” Lamont said, “I guess we were a pretty good bunch. Me, I’m the black sheep of the family. I was always getting in trouble or getting them in trouble with me.” Barbara stopped walking, reached up, and pulled his face down to hers and kissed him, “Oh Monty, you’re the backbone of this family, the leader. Paul looked up to you and respected your decisions. You’re a smart man too. You just used your brains in a different way.” He looked at her, “You know what I’d love to do right now? I’d love to take you in my arms, hold you, and make love to you, and just relax with your head on my shoulder. But I can’t. This is not the place nor the time or that.” Barbara asked, “Do you know when you can get back?” Lamont began walking again, “No. All I know is we ship out tomorrow. I can say this, unless we have to bring the ship in, it will be a hell of a long time. The war is getting hotter and we are just getting on our feet. When we get ready, all hell’s gonna break loose. We will win the war. I have no doubts about that.”