Destiny of my Heart!
By Sharon Holtz
Chapter Nineteen
________________________________________________
As Catherine stacked the last gift she needed to wrap onto the
others, she looked at the pile before her, and with great satisfaction
said, “There! I am officially ready for the office parties!”
Deciding she better double check her list, thinking how terrible
it would be if she had forgot someone, and so aloud she
inventoried, “I have Joe and Paul’s presents, my $20.00 secret
Santa gift for both the D.A. and for Dad’s office, Christmas Cards
to pass, and let’s see, oh yes…gifts for Rita and Marilyn…and a
little something for Jennifer and Bruno, and that’s it! I think I am
prepared!”
She then looked at the clock and saw it was time to take her
last pan of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven! As she pulled
them out, she thought, “Hmmm, they look just perfect…”
Wistfully she whispered, “…and now if they taste as good as
Mom’s...”
As she snitched one off the cooling rack, the sweet sensation
took her right back to the day it was her Mom serving them.
Happily she thought they were a close second, and was pleased
indeed, to say the very least, with that outcome.
After doing a quick count, Catherine calculated there would be
more than enough to share tonight for the tunnels, a plateful for the
D.A. Office party, and also a plate for her dad’s office.
Feeling quite organized, and prepared, she began to slip her coat
on just as the phone rang. On the other end was a very cheerful
sounding Jennifer. “Happy Holidays Cath!”
“Well Happy Holidays to you too. I was just getting ready to
head over to Dad’s firm…are you still going to meet me there?”
Apologetically, Jennifer began, “That’s why I am calling…”
With concern Catherine asked, “Oh no…don't tell me you
can’t make it?”
Incredulously Jennifer answered, “What? And miss seeing
your Dad and everybody, not to mention the double stuffed French
toast with a side of bacon? Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss the
Chandler Christmas Breakfast for the world. No I was just going to
say, I may be a tad bit late, because I need to run a teeny tiny
errand on my way there!”
Relieved her friend was indeed coming, Catherine confessed,
“Good Jen! I know everyone would have been disappointed if you
missed it. Well get there as soon as you can, I only have 1 hour
tops before I have to report into work.”
In reply, Jennifer said, “I will, and just so you know I’ll be
bringing a surprise for you. I cannot wait for you to see it!”
“I have a present for you too, I’ll see you shortly.”
As Catherine hung up the phone, she contemplated what
Jennifer might be up to, and wondered, “What sort of a surprise?
She sure sounded excited…oh well, I guess I soon shall know!”
Catherine now armed with bags in hand, headed for the
parking garage.
Since she had a few stops to make throughout the day, namely
her Dad’s firm, and picking up Vincent’s repaired snow globe at
the shop, she knew it would be best if she drove her own car, and
so by driving, she amusedly thought, she would be doing her civic
duty by adding to the mad holiday traffic.
As she cruised through the firm’s parking garage, looking for a
place to park, she was surprised to see her old reserved spot was
open, and still had her name on it!
She then heaved a sentimental sigh, thinking, “How sweet of
Dad keeping it open for me, but this is such a great spot, I’m sure
someone else in the firm would love to acquire it. I wonder if he
thinks it would hurt my feelings if he took my name off the
wall?"
She then surmised, "I guess I will just have to tell him it’d be
alright to pass the torch onto the next deserving soul.”
But she did have to admit that today, since she had an arm
load to carry, this great spot sure came in handy!
As she closed the door to her car, she expectantly looked up
and laughed to herself when she saw the little worn sprig of
mistletoe dangling under the exit sign. “Ahhh, its there! You didn’t
disappoint me! Whoever “You” might be!"
Catherine had noticed for at least the last 25 years, that little
branch of mistletoe was someones idea of decorating, and they
hang it there under the lighted Exit sign every year without fail.
Then unexpectedly, tears came to Catherine’s eyes. She had
not anticipated that the memories of the time spent in this building
would make her feel so sentimental.
And now, particularly on Christmas Eve…the recollections
took her back to a very bitter sweet dwelling place, the years
following her Mom’s death, to the times when she felt most all
alone.
Those were the days when Catherine would come and spend the
whole day there because of her school’s winter break. But she will
never forget the kindness showered upon her by the people in her
Dad’s office, at Christmas time especially. Yes this place really did
become a second home for her, as a young girl, then later as a
working girl.
And so now as the elevator door opened, tears glistened in her
eyes, as she arrived where she knew the people within, really
knew, and loved her.
After hugs and cheerful greetings were given to all her ex
coworkers, Catherine stood with her exchange gift in hand,
mischievously looking over the growing pile of “Secret Santa
Gifts” waiting for a reaction from Rita.
And so Rita, along with a wagging finger said, “Cathy, you
know the rules! No scouting, just put yours over there and take a
number.”
“Oh Gee you caught me!” Catherine then laughed as she
complied, saying, “You know you wouldn’t have been happy if I
hadn’t tried to sneak a peak.”
Rita, with teary eyes then said, “I knew you were looking
sneaky for my benefit! Come over here you little stinker!”
And with a motherly hug she said, “I sure miss ya kid! Your
Dad doesn’t talk about it…but he does too. I can see it in his eyes.”
Marilyn overhearing their conversation scolded, “Rita! Now
don’t go laying a guilt trip on Cathy!”
And then Marilyn stepped up to Catherine too and as she took
her face in her hands, she smoothed her bangs back, in that
nurturing manner she has done through the years, and added, “I
would say your Dad has actually adjusted very well with the
changes, so don’t go listening to Rita! He’s doing just fine.”
To which a determined Rita declared, “I’m just saying…”
With a raised voice, Marilyn cut her off saying, “Ahhh, but I
know where you were headed…”
It was then Charles stepped out from his office, and asked,
“Who is causing the ruckus out here?”
He then saw Catherine and said, “Dear Daughter…I might
have known!”
Catherine then turned to the guilty parties, looking from side to
side at Marilyn and Rita, hoping one of them would speak up on
her behalf. After all it was those two who were arguing!
But as she noticed the innocent look on both of their faces, she
realized she was being thrown under the bus. And so she took it on
the chin, merely smiled and said, “You know me Dad, little miss
trouble maker.”
He then gave her a hug and said, “Ah I do miss your hyper
energy around here, and am so glad you could come. Too bad Joe
and Paul had a court hearing this morning."
To which Catherine shared, "Paul was really disappointed to
miss all this, and Dad, I sorta think Joe was too. He really enjoyed
meeting you and everyone here at my going away party.
She then giggled a bit as she relayed, "Paul raved so about the
great food, I believe he was hinting for me to bring him back a
plate."
To which Marilyn declared, "By all means! We will fix a plate
for Pauley and for that Joe too."
Charles then noted, "Yeah, that Joe is all right..."
He then raised a brow as he jokingly added, "...I sure am glad
he let you out on good behavior!”
Laughing at her Dad’s comment, and also because he looked so
cute in his Santa hat, she quipped, “Good behavior? Right Dad...I
suppose it was something like that.”
Catherine then seriously expressed how important it was for her
to be there by saying, “Even though it’s for just a little while, I
wouldn’t miss coming today for the world Dad...after all, it’s a
tradition.”
Marilyn and Rita watching from the sidelines, both had tears in
their eyes listening to Catherine and Charles.
But it was Rita, who was unable to contain her self as she
tearfully said, “Darn right its tradition! It's OUR tradition, and the
celebration wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
She then reminisced, “Remember back when our parties were
in the afternoon, and Cathy, you would spend all morning making
decorations for it? You would sit at the desk over there and color
your little heart out!”
Marilyn did recall Catherine’s efforts, and said, “And some of
the pictures were quite good! In fact I saved them! They should be
in box somewhere around here.”
With his hands behind his back, Charles inserted, “I have ‘em.
They are on the shelf in my closet. In fact I was looking at them the
other day.”
Rita then excitedly said, “Well Golly, we should bring them out
so everyone can look at them.”
To which Marilyn concurred, “Yes let’s do!”
Happily, Charles set down his coffee and said, “Oh yeah, in
fact there is one I think you will really get a boot out of.”
Catherine had to feel blessed as she listened to the three of
them speak about her like she was a budding Da Vinci or
something, but in an attempt to stop her Dad from bringing out the
old memory box, Catherine said, “Maybe another time would be
better Dad.”
Realizing he was getting carried away, he reined in his
excitement, and softly said, “Cathy’s right…we’ll do it another
time."
To which Rita and Marilyn, disappointedly agreed, saying the
next time Catherine visits, they will look at them together, come
hell or high water.
Afraid she may have dampened their spirits a bit, she laughed
as she said to her proud critics, "I mean, how great could they be? I
was merely armed with a Crayola!"
With a nod, Charles insisted, "They really are quite good...and
nice to look back on."
Then Charles thoughtfully said, "I really don’t know where the
time has gone…it seems like only yesterday when you were that
little girl.”
He then looked at Marilyn, and Rita to warmly say, “You two
really lit up Cathy’s life back then in ways…in ways I just
couldn't...”
Knowing Charles was speaking about his grief stricken state he
was in back then, Marilyn spoke for them both as she warmly said,
“Cathy was such a sweet girl…it was a joy watching over her.”
Marilyn then looked at Rita and nodded as she said, “We both
enjoyed it!” In agreement Rita with much emotion said, "Yes
indeed we did."
Cathy listened and thought back of how in those years, Marilyn
and Rita would make her time there as fun as they could. They
would set up a spot just like Rita had said, right near them, where
she could color, read, or do puzzles. Then as she grew, she
progressed onto playing with the office equipment! Catherine
always jokingly accredited Marilyn and Rita for her superior office
skills.
Yes so in giving credit where credit was due, these ladies were
so kind, and both played a role of surrogate mother to her back
then…in some ways, even still…even now.
Conveying what they both meant to her, Catherine said, “I
always loved coming here to spend the day...I have a lot of
wonderful memories surrounding this place, due to you both…”
Catherine then tried to lighten the mood a bit, and in an attempt
to keep her own emotions in check as well, she teasingly said, "...
and I know I wasn't an angel...seems to me I may have been
responsible for a paper jam or two."
To which Rita expanded, "Oh you must be talking about when
we got the new printer. Yes indeed, in fact we ended up having to
call a repair man! And then remember the time you shut down our
whole network by changing the computer settings!"
She laughed as she added, "You sure gave the geeky IT guy a
run for his money!"
Catherine humbly smiled at her Dad, as Rita, who was just
getting warmed up, began to tease Catherine about the time she
was playing with the stampers, and had stamped "Copy Sent" on
about 300 sheets of plain copy paper!
She then started laughing as she added, "Or the time you faxed
a Beetle Bailey comic strip to everyone in our address book,
suppliers, clients and to the snooty share holders too! We fielded
calls for weeks, explaining why we sent them something from the
funny papers! What a hoot!"
Marilyn saw Catherine was looking a little embarrassed,
cleared her throat and suggested, "Rita...maybe that is enough
reminiscing for now."
Rita heaved a sigh as she agreed, but smiled all the same as she
said, "Ah yes...but it was all good."
Charles put his arm around Catherine and gave her a
comforting squeeze as she appreciatively said, "And none of you
ever really got angry at me, or yelled at me that I can remember.
Just a scolding or two."
To which Charles smiled as he said, "It was all kid stuff, just
kid stuff, nothing serious."
Oh my, yes they all agreed, it was all good...good times even
including some of the shenanigans.
Upon hearing more examples of her exploits than she had
bargained for, Catherine desperately wanted to take the focus off
herself, and thought this would be a good time to add her cookies
to the buffet table.
And so she said, "I better set these out."
As Charles looked at the plateful of cookies, he suspiciously
asked, “Are those….”
He then took a bite and when he was sure they were the
family’s coat of arms, he said, “Good job honey…good job.
Delicious.”
Catherine and her Dad then both shared a look knowing this
little thing such as replicating her mom’s recipe kept her alive
within their hearts and memories. What a sweet thought and
powerful thing that was.
Charles popped the last bit of cookie in his mouth, and as he
rubbed his hands together, he looked at his watch, and said time for
my speech! He then made an announcement for all the employees
to gather around.
Once he had everyone's attention, he then said, “Before we
have breakfast, I just want to say a few words…”
With that he pulled out a folder which was about 4” thick!
When he heard a few gasps, and saw a few eyes widened,
which was the precise reaction he was hoping for....he put the
folder down and said, “Relax everyone, only joking…I don’t need
this.”
With that everyone laughed, especially Catherine, knowing
how her Dad loved to be the jester, when, and if ever the
opportunity would arise, he would always take full advantage, and
run with it.
Charles then turned thoughtful, as he seriously said, “I really
don't need to write down what I want to say, because what I want
to say is all in here.”
He then touched his heart, and with his head bent reverently,
he began, “It’s been quite a year…a lot of changes around
here…some good, we’ve had three much deserved promotions,
Harvey, Daniel, and Susanne..."
As a few random claps un-surely erupted, Charles encouraged,
"Sure that's right, let's give them a round of applause!"
Everyone clapped and when it died down, Charles continued,
"Some of the changes were sad, and I am speaking about the loss
of our senior Over-Writer, Mr. Donahue, what a loss, God I really
miss him…I know we all do.”
After the low concurring murmur died away, Charles then
looked directly at Catherine, who was looking back at him with
anticipation, and he solemnly continued, “And some changes...
were unexpected. That would be when my daughter left the firm,
to courageously follow her heart."
Sad and reflective awes rippled through the crowd, and
Catherine gave her Dad a nod, thankful for the way he had
characterized her departure, as a "courageous" change. Which it
was...more than she even has yet to realize.
Collecting himself, Charles continued, "Yes our firm is like a
mirror of life. And that’s how it should be. Changes ever on going
changes…and that is a good thing. They make us grow. Stretch our
wings and force us to touch life in new ways. Well as I have grown
older I have learned to appreciate changes, and I am thankful for
them…and now that its Christmastime, I want to say I am thankful
for all of you, I love ya and thanks for all you do.”
Everyone clapped at the conclusion of their boss’s speech, and
as the applause died down, Charles said, “One more
thing…because we had such a great fiscal year...”
He then pulled a bundle of envelopes out of his back pocket,
and continued, "...I have something extra for you."
As her Dad passed the unexpected additional Christmas
bonuses out, he did so in his best Santa Boss man act, which he
had missed doing at Thanksgiving time, when he was in Florida
with Peter.
Catherine watched as her Dad warmly greeted and gifted each
one of his employees. She thought to herself, that you could tell by
the look in each person eyes, they really liked and respected him.
What a great boss he was, and she couldn’t help but become a bit
misty as she felt so proud of him.
And then happily she thought "Sweet! Dad got to wear the
Santa Hat, bearing gifts after all."
After Charles finished his gift giving, he meekly came up to
Catherine who was standing with Marilyn and Rita, and asked
them, “I wasn’t too sentimental in my speech was I?”
To which Catherine said, “No Dad…it was a perfect mix of
encouragement, gratitude, and maybe a little sentiment. But I loved
it. It was a good speech.”
Rita and Marilyn, his two right hands, both concurred with
Catherine, that his speech was perfect, and spot on.
He then asked, “Hey where’s Jenny today? Don’t tell me she
isn’t coming!”
In reply Catherine calmed her Father’s fears and quickly said,
“No, No…she’ll be here. In fact I was just telling Rita and Marilyn
she should be here any minute.”
Just then the elevator door opened, and Catherine could see it
was Jennifer. But because of the crowd around her Catherine
couldn’t see her very well, but she did hear she was met with gales
of laughter!
As Catherine peered through the people, she could see
Jennifer was laughing too as she answered all the questions being
fired at her!
Catherine looked at her Dad and said, “I wonder what in the
world is so funny!”
She then relayed, “You know…Jen did tell me she was
bringing a surprise here for me this morning…maybe that’s what is
making everyone laugh. Can you see what it is?”
Charles being so tall, could see! And because he was also privy
to Jennifer’s scheme, he teasingly said, “Oh yes…I can see, and it’
ll be a surprise alright!”
Anxiously Catherine asked, “What is it Dad?”
Just then Jennifer got up on her tip toes, and was able to look
above everyone's heads to spot Catherine. Wildly she waved her
hand as she made her way through the crowd toward her.
Finally as Jennifer came into the open, Catherine could see
what was so funny! Jennifer had Noodles in her arms! Ahhh sweet
Jennifer had brought Noodles for a surprise visit to Catherine!
Beside her self with joy, Catherine took Noodles from her
arms and said, “You look wonderful Noodles!” As she hugged him
to her, she looked at her dear friend and asked, “Was Noodles your
teeny tiny errand?”
Jennifer laughed and said, “Yes! Are you surprised?”
Sincerely, Catherine told her, “Oh yes! This is the best
Christmas gift you could have given me. I miss him so much. And it
is good to see him so happy! Your Mom sure is taking good care of
him.”
“Ahh, well I knew you’ve wanted to see him…”
Jennifer then teasingly added, as she snuggled Charles arm,
“…and your Dad gave me clearance to bring him to the party
today!”
Catherine looked to her dad and asked, “So you knew?”
As Charles petted Noodles on the head, he guiltily nodded yes,
but in giving Jennifer credit, he added, “Well it was Jenny’s idea,
and I knew you were missing this little guy.”
With tears of joy mixed with melancholy, Catherine looked to
her Dad, she said, “Peter will love hearing how good his Mom's
dog is doing.”
In agreement, Charles solemnly said, “Yes...we will have to
tell him that Noodles is doing just great!”
To be continued
Chapter Twenty
: }
By Sharon Holtz
Chapter Nineteen
________________________________________________
As Catherine stacked the last gift she needed to wrap onto the
others, she looked at the pile before her, and with great satisfaction
said, “There! I am officially ready for the office parties!”
Deciding she better double check her list, thinking how terrible
it would be if she had forgot someone, and so aloud she
inventoried, “I have Joe and Paul’s presents, my $20.00 secret
Santa gift for both the D.A. and for Dad’s office, Christmas Cards
to pass, and let’s see, oh yes…gifts for Rita and Marilyn…and a
little something for Jennifer and Bruno, and that’s it! I think I am
prepared!”
She then looked at the clock and saw it was time to take her
last pan of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven! As she pulled
them out, she thought, “Hmmm, they look just perfect…”
Wistfully she whispered, “…and now if they taste as good as
Mom’s...”
As she snitched one off the cooling rack, the sweet sensation
took her right back to the day it was her Mom serving them.
Happily she thought they were a close second, and was pleased
indeed, to say the very least, with that outcome.
After doing a quick count, Catherine calculated there would be
more than enough to share tonight for the tunnels, a plateful for the
D.A. Office party, and also a plate for her dad’s office.
Feeling quite organized, and prepared, she began to slip her coat
on just as the phone rang. On the other end was a very cheerful
sounding Jennifer. “Happy Holidays Cath!”
“Well Happy Holidays to you too. I was just getting ready to
head over to Dad’s firm…are you still going to meet me there?”
Apologetically, Jennifer began, “That’s why I am calling…”
With concern Catherine asked, “Oh no…don't tell me you
can’t make it?”
Incredulously Jennifer answered, “What? And miss seeing
your Dad and everybody, not to mention the double stuffed French
toast with a side of bacon? Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss the
Chandler Christmas Breakfast for the world. No I was just going to
say, I may be a tad bit late, because I need to run a teeny tiny
errand on my way there!”
Relieved her friend was indeed coming, Catherine confessed,
“Good Jen! I know everyone would have been disappointed if you
missed it. Well get there as soon as you can, I only have 1 hour
tops before I have to report into work.”
In reply, Jennifer said, “I will, and just so you know I’ll be
bringing a surprise for you. I cannot wait for you to see it!”
“I have a present for you too, I’ll see you shortly.”
As Catherine hung up the phone, she contemplated what
Jennifer might be up to, and wondered, “What sort of a surprise?
She sure sounded excited…oh well, I guess I soon shall know!”
Catherine now armed with bags in hand, headed for the
parking garage.
Since she had a few stops to make throughout the day, namely
her Dad’s firm, and picking up Vincent’s repaired snow globe at
the shop, she knew it would be best if she drove her own car, and
so by driving, she amusedly thought, she would be doing her civic
duty by adding to the mad holiday traffic.
As she cruised through the firm’s parking garage, looking for a
place to park, she was surprised to see her old reserved spot was
open, and still had her name on it!
She then heaved a sentimental sigh, thinking, “How sweet of
Dad keeping it open for me, but this is such a great spot, I’m sure
someone else in the firm would love to acquire it. I wonder if he
thinks it would hurt my feelings if he took my name off the
wall?"
She then surmised, "I guess I will just have to tell him it’d be
alright to pass the torch onto the next deserving soul.”
But she did have to admit that today, since she had an arm
load to carry, this great spot sure came in handy!
As she closed the door to her car, she expectantly looked up
and laughed to herself when she saw the little worn sprig of
mistletoe dangling under the exit sign. “Ahhh, its there! You didn’t
disappoint me! Whoever “You” might be!"
Catherine had noticed for at least the last 25 years, that little
branch of mistletoe was someones idea of decorating, and they
hang it there under the lighted Exit sign every year without fail.
Then unexpectedly, tears came to Catherine’s eyes. She had
not anticipated that the memories of the time spent in this building
would make her feel so sentimental.
And now, particularly on Christmas Eve…the recollections
took her back to a very bitter sweet dwelling place, the years
following her Mom’s death, to the times when she felt most all
alone.
Those were the days when Catherine would come and spend the
whole day there because of her school’s winter break. But she will
never forget the kindness showered upon her by the people in her
Dad’s office, at Christmas time especially. Yes this place really did
become a second home for her, as a young girl, then later as a
working girl.
And so now as the elevator door opened, tears glistened in her
eyes, as she arrived where she knew the people within, really
knew, and loved her.
After hugs and cheerful greetings were given to all her ex
coworkers, Catherine stood with her exchange gift in hand,
mischievously looking over the growing pile of “Secret Santa
Gifts” waiting for a reaction from Rita.
And so Rita, along with a wagging finger said, “Cathy, you
know the rules! No scouting, just put yours over there and take a
number.”
“Oh Gee you caught me!” Catherine then laughed as she
complied, saying, “You know you wouldn’t have been happy if I
hadn’t tried to sneak a peak.”
Rita, with teary eyes then said, “I knew you were looking
sneaky for my benefit! Come over here you little stinker!”
And with a motherly hug she said, “I sure miss ya kid! Your
Dad doesn’t talk about it…but he does too. I can see it in his eyes.”
Marilyn overhearing their conversation scolded, “Rita! Now
don’t go laying a guilt trip on Cathy!”
And then Marilyn stepped up to Catherine too and as she took
her face in her hands, she smoothed her bangs back, in that
nurturing manner she has done through the years, and added, “I
would say your Dad has actually adjusted very well with the
changes, so don’t go listening to Rita! He’s doing just fine.”
To which a determined Rita declared, “I’m just saying…”
With a raised voice, Marilyn cut her off saying, “Ahhh, but I
know where you were headed…”
It was then Charles stepped out from his office, and asked,
“Who is causing the ruckus out here?”
He then saw Catherine and said, “Dear Daughter…I might
have known!”
Catherine then turned to the guilty parties, looking from side to
side at Marilyn and Rita, hoping one of them would speak up on
her behalf. After all it was those two who were arguing!
But as she noticed the innocent look on both of their faces, she
realized she was being thrown under the bus. And so she took it on
the chin, merely smiled and said, “You know me Dad, little miss
trouble maker.”
He then gave her a hug and said, “Ah I do miss your hyper
energy around here, and am so glad you could come. Too bad Joe
and Paul had a court hearing this morning."
To which Catherine shared, "Paul was really disappointed to
miss all this, and Dad, I sorta think Joe was too. He really enjoyed
meeting you and everyone here at my going away party.
She then giggled a bit as she relayed, "Paul raved so about the
great food, I believe he was hinting for me to bring him back a
plate."
To which Marilyn declared, "By all means! We will fix a plate
for Pauley and for that Joe too."
Charles then noted, "Yeah, that Joe is all right..."
He then raised a brow as he jokingly added, "...I sure am glad
he let you out on good behavior!”
Laughing at her Dad’s comment, and also because he looked so
cute in his Santa hat, she quipped, “Good behavior? Right Dad...I
suppose it was something like that.”
Catherine then seriously expressed how important it was for her
to be there by saying, “Even though it’s for just a little while, I
wouldn’t miss coming today for the world Dad...after all, it’s a
tradition.”
Marilyn and Rita watching from the sidelines, both had tears in
their eyes listening to Catherine and Charles.
But it was Rita, who was unable to contain her self as she
tearfully said, “Darn right its tradition! It's OUR tradition, and the
celebration wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
She then reminisced, “Remember back when our parties were
in the afternoon, and Cathy, you would spend all morning making
decorations for it? You would sit at the desk over there and color
your little heart out!”
Marilyn did recall Catherine’s efforts, and said, “And some of
the pictures were quite good! In fact I saved them! They should be
in box somewhere around here.”
With his hands behind his back, Charles inserted, “I have ‘em.
They are on the shelf in my closet. In fact I was looking at them the
other day.”
Rita then excitedly said, “Well Golly, we should bring them out
so everyone can look at them.”
To which Marilyn concurred, “Yes let’s do!”
Happily, Charles set down his coffee and said, “Oh yeah, in
fact there is one I think you will really get a boot out of.”
Catherine had to feel blessed as she listened to the three of
them speak about her like she was a budding Da Vinci or
something, but in an attempt to stop her Dad from bringing out the
old memory box, Catherine said, “Maybe another time would be
better Dad.”
Realizing he was getting carried away, he reined in his
excitement, and softly said, “Cathy’s right…we’ll do it another
time."
To which Rita and Marilyn, disappointedly agreed, saying the
next time Catherine visits, they will look at them together, come
hell or high water.
Afraid she may have dampened their spirits a bit, she laughed
as she said to her proud critics, "I mean, how great could they be? I
was merely armed with a Crayola!"
With a nod, Charles insisted, "They really are quite good...and
nice to look back on."
Then Charles thoughtfully said, "I really don’t know where the
time has gone…it seems like only yesterday when you were that
little girl.”
He then looked at Marilyn, and Rita to warmly say, “You two
really lit up Cathy’s life back then in ways…in ways I just
couldn't...”
Knowing Charles was speaking about his grief stricken state he
was in back then, Marilyn spoke for them both as she warmly said,
“Cathy was such a sweet girl…it was a joy watching over her.”
Marilyn then looked at Rita and nodded as she said, “We both
enjoyed it!” In agreement Rita with much emotion said, "Yes
indeed we did."
Cathy listened and thought back of how in those years, Marilyn
and Rita would make her time there as fun as they could. They
would set up a spot just like Rita had said, right near them, where
she could color, read, or do puzzles. Then as she grew, she
progressed onto playing with the office equipment! Catherine
always jokingly accredited Marilyn and Rita for her superior office
skills.
Yes so in giving credit where credit was due, these ladies were
so kind, and both played a role of surrogate mother to her back
then…in some ways, even still…even now.
Conveying what they both meant to her, Catherine said, “I
always loved coming here to spend the day...I have a lot of
wonderful memories surrounding this place, due to you both…”
Catherine then tried to lighten the mood a bit, and in an attempt
to keep her own emotions in check as well, she teasingly said, "...
and I know I wasn't an angel...seems to me I may have been
responsible for a paper jam or two."
To which Rita expanded, "Oh you must be talking about when
we got the new printer. Yes indeed, in fact we ended up having to
call a repair man! And then remember the time you shut down our
whole network by changing the computer settings!"
She laughed as she added, "You sure gave the geeky IT guy a
run for his money!"
Catherine humbly smiled at her Dad, as Rita, who was just
getting warmed up, began to tease Catherine about the time she
was playing with the stampers, and had stamped "Copy Sent" on
about 300 sheets of plain copy paper!
She then started laughing as she added, "Or the time you faxed
a Beetle Bailey comic strip to everyone in our address book,
suppliers, clients and to the snooty share holders too! We fielded
calls for weeks, explaining why we sent them something from the
funny papers! What a hoot!"
Marilyn saw Catherine was looking a little embarrassed,
cleared her throat and suggested, "Rita...maybe that is enough
reminiscing for now."
Rita heaved a sigh as she agreed, but smiled all the same as she
said, "Ah yes...but it was all good."
Charles put his arm around Catherine and gave her a
comforting squeeze as she appreciatively said, "And none of you
ever really got angry at me, or yelled at me that I can remember.
Just a scolding or two."
To which Charles smiled as he said, "It was all kid stuff, just
kid stuff, nothing serious."
Oh my, yes they all agreed, it was all good...good times even
including some of the shenanigans.
Upon hearing more examples of her exploits than she had
bargained for, Catherine desperately wanted to take the focus off
herself, and thought this would be a good time to add her cookies
to the buffet table.
And so she said, "I better set these out."
As Charles looked at the plateful of cookies, he suspiciously
asked, “Are those….”
He then took a bite and when he was sure they were the
family’s coat of arms, he said, “Good job honey…good job.
Delicious.”
Catherine and her Dad then both shared a look knowing this
little thing such as replicating her mom’s recipe kept her alive
within their hearts and memories. What a sweet thought and
powerful thing that was.
Charles popped the last bit of cookie in his mouth, and as he
rubbed his hands together, he looked at his watch, and said time for
my speech! He then made an announcement for all the employees
to gather around.
Once he had everyone's attention, he then said, “Before we
have breakfast, I just want to say a few words…”
With that he pulled out a folder which was about 4” thick!
When he heard a few gasps, and saw a few eyes widened,
which was the precise reaction he was hoping for....he put the
folder down and said, “Relax everyone, only joking…I don’t need
this.”
With that everyone laughed, especially Catherine, knowing
how her Dad loved to be the jester, when, and if ever the
opportunity would arise, he would always take full advantage, and
run with it.
Charles then turned thoughtful, as he seriously said, “I really
don't need to write down what I want to say, because what I want
to say is all in here.”
He then touched his heart, and with his head bent reverently,
he began, “It’s been quite a year…a lot of changes around
here…some good, we’ve had three much deserved promotions,
Harvey, Daniel, and Susanne..."
As a few random claps un-surely erupted, Charles encouraged,
"Sure that's right, let's give them a round of applause!"
Everyone clapped and when it died down, Charles continued,
"Some of the changes were sad, and I am speaking about the loss
of our senior Over-Writer, Mr. Donahue, what a loss, God I really
miss him…I know we all do.”
After the low concurring murmur died away, Charles then
looked directly at Catherine, who was looking back at him with
anticipation, and he solemnly continued, “And some changes...
were unexpected. That would be when my daughter left the firm,
to courageously follow her heart."
Sad and reflective awes rippled through the crowd, and
Catherine gave her Dad a nod, thankful for the way he had
characterized her departure, as a "courageous" change. Which it
was...more than she even has yet to realize.
Collecting himself, Charles continued, "Yes our firm is like a
mirror of life. And that’s how it should be. Changes ever on going
changes…and that is a good thing. They make us grow. Stretch our
wings and force us to touch life in new ways. Well as I have grown
older I have learned to appreciate changes, and I am thankful for
them…and now that its Christmastime, I want to say I am thankful
for all of you, I love ya and thanks for all you do.”
Everyone clapped at the conclusion of their boss’s speech, and
as the applause died down, Charles said, “One more
thing…because we had such a great fiscal year...”
He then pulled a bundle of envelopes out of his back pocket,
and continued, "...I have something extra for you."
As her Dad passed the unexpected additional Christmas
bonuses out, he did so in his best Santa Boss man act, which he
had missed doing at Thanksgiving time, when he was in Florida
with Peter.
Catherine watched as her Dad warmly greeted and gifted each
one of his employees. She thought to herself, that you could tell by
the look in each person eyes, they really liked and respected him.
What a great boss he was, and she couldn’t help but become a bit
misty as she felt so proud of him.
And then happily she thought "Sweet! Dad got to wear the
Santa Hat, bearing gifts after all."
After Charles finished his gift giving, he meekly came up to
Catherine who was standing with Marilyn and Rita, and asked
them, “I wasn’t too sentimental in my speech was I?”
To which Catherine said, “No Dad…it was a perfect mix of
encouragement, gratitude, and maybe a little sentiment. But I loved
it. It was a good speech.”
Rita and Marilyn, his two right hands, both concurred with
Catherine, that his speech was perfect, and spot on.
He then asked, “Hey where’s Jenny today? Don’t tell me she
isn’t coming!”
In reply Catherine calmed her Father’s fears and quickly said,
“No, No…she’ll be here. In fact I was just telling Rita and Marilyn
she should be here any minute.”
Just then the elevator door opened, and Catherine could see it
was Jennifer. But because of the crowd around her Catherine
couldn’t see her very well, but she did hear she was met with gales
of laughter!
As Catherine peered through the people, she could see
Jennifer was laughing too as she answered all the questions being
fired at her!
Catherine looked at her Dad and said, “I wonder what in the
world is so funny!”
She then relayed, “You know…Jen did tell me she was
bringing a surprise here for me this morning…maybe that’s what is
making everyone laugh. Can you see what it is?”
Charles being so tall, could see! And because he was also privy
to Jennifer’s scheme, he teasingly said, “Oh yes…I can see, and it’
ll be a surprise alright!”
Anxiously Catherine asked, “What is it Dad?”
Just then Jennifer got up on her tip toes, and was able to look
above everyone's heads to spot Catherine. Wildly she waved her
hand as she made her way through the crowd toward her.
Finally as Jennifer came into the open, Catherine could see
what was so funny! Jennifer had Noodles in her arms! Ahhh sweet
Jennifer had brought Noodles for a surprise visit to Catherine!
Beside her self with joy, Catherine took Noodles from her
arms and said, “You look wonderful Noodles!” As she hugged him
to her, she looked at her dear friend and asked, “Was Noodles your
teeny tiny errand?”
Jennifer laughed and said, “Yes! Are you surprised?”
Sincerely, Catherine told her, “Oh yes! This is the best
Christmas gift you could have given me. I miss him so much. And it
is good to see him so happy! Your Mom sure is taking good care of
him.”
“Ahh, well I knew you’ve wanted to see him…”
Jennifer then teasingly added, as she snuggled Charles arm,
“…and your Dad gave me clearance to bring him to the party
today!”
Catherine looked to her dad and asked, “So you knew?”
As Charles petted Noodles on the head, he guiltily nodded yes,
but in giving Jennifer credit, he added, “Well it was Jenny’s idea,
and I knew you were missing this little guy.”
With tears of joy mixed with melancholy, Catherine looked to
her Dad, she said, “Peter will love hearing how good his Mom's
dog is doing.”
In agreement, Charles solemnly said, “Yes...we will have to
tell him that Noodles is doing just great!”
To be continued
Chapter Twenty
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