Home » The Archives » Chapter 9 » Regrouping and Recouperation
| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #234 is a reply to message #233] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:29   |
artisticrainey
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Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
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Monday, Aug 13, Opp, Alabama; 5:00 PM (9 AM the next morning on Tracy Island)
The Spencer family gathered around the dining room table and were prepared to have supper together. After Richard said a prayer, blessing both his family and the food, everyone took turns passing sweet potato pie, fried chicken, and collard greens.
"Mmm," said Callie after taking a bite of her chicken. "Mom, it's as good as ever. I need to come home more often."
Lorraine giggled. "I take it Honolulu doesn't really have that much on chicken, does it?"
"Checking stores out there, I do see the occasional chicken, but they take much bigger stock in pigs, since there are so many luaus. I think someone told me there can be as many as 20 different luaus per week."
"Wow!" said Richard excitedly. "Have you been to a luau yet, honey?"
The daughter shook her head. "No, not yet. I have heard there's supposed to be a big luau for everyone in the Honolulu office on Labor Day. That's gonna be a lot of fun." I'm not sure if that's really going to happen, she thought. Oh, well, maybe I can ask for a luau before I head back up to Thunderbird Five next month.
Brian said, "Sis, you really went all out in shopping at the Andalusia Mall. I haven't seen shopping bags that big in a long time!"
"What did you expect, Bri?" she said with a smirk. "It is my birthday after all."
"Got someone you like out there already?"
Callie put her fork down and stared straight at him. "Brian, that's not funny. You know I'm never comfortable with that subject."
"What's wrong with you?" asked Lorraine as she swatted Brian over the head. "Why shouldn't she be able to buy some new clothes just because she wants to?"
"Sorry, I just thought that--"
With a sigh, Callie said, "Brian, I understand, but since that awful relationship I had at Alabama, I'd rather stay single until I'm at least 40."
"Okay, Sis. I'll drop the matter. I shouldn't have brought that up. Can you forgive me?"
"Hey, I'm only gonna be here for three more days. I'd better forgive you now before I forget to do it."
Everyone laughed at her comment, and they went on to finish dinner.
Afterward, Lorraine went to the kitchen and returned with the birthday cake. "Happy birthday, dear."
"Oh, Mom, the cake's beautiful. I'm almost afraid to cut it."
"Well," said Joseph, "you've got to blow out the candles first."
Closing her eyes, she thought carefully about her wish and then blew out the candles. As her family applauded, she thought about the wish she had made. I wish my family safety and comfort, and I pray that I'll never have to respond to a rescue call for them. They're the most important people in my life, along with all the friends I've gained being a part of IR. I also hope I can either overcome or come to terms with my Hood encounter. Thank goodness being here has really helped me cast that creep from my mind and my soul, even if it's just temporary. "Okay, the candles are out. Let us eat cake!"
Her mother gave her the knife to cut the cake into slices. "Perfect," said Lorraine. "Just enough for all of us."
"Hey, Mom," Callie said. "Can I ask a favor?"
"Sure."
"Can we make another cake? Just for the employees in the front office?"
Richard nodded and smiled. "Honey, that's a wonderful idea. They'll be excited to know they'll get a cake from you. Why don't you come with Joe, Brian, and me in the morning and we'll deliver the cake."
"I'll be ready bright and early, Dad," she said with a giggle. "Of course, I could be up at 12 midnight because my body clock still hasn't adjusted that well yet."
"Do you need anything that'll help you sleep better?"
"No, Dad. I'm okay. I'm getting adjusted here with help from a nature sounds mini-disc. I'll be fine in the morning." Yeah, I will be fine in the morning, and every day to come as long as I've got my family's love and support on my side, no matter how far apart we are.
Post by TracyFan4Ever on 1/15/2007 6:10 PM
  
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