#he'll still reply to asks in @ask-cobs

[ask-mephone4]

[duketheman]

January 13, 2012

“The Covingtons”

Packing a couple bags for my Son & myself, I notice it's coming on 11:30am. Our flight’s schedule for 2:00pm & I've still got to pick Mary up. I get done, dress JR & load the bags in the Beamer: JR asks: ~Daddy, where we going?~

I explain: ~Well Son, Miss Covington & I are going to be married! He curiously asks: ~You mean Miss Covington's going to be my Mommy? I ask him :~Is that okay with you Son?~ He replies: ~Sure Daddy, I love Miss Covington! But where we going? I explain: ~We're going to visit Miss Covington's Mommy & Daddy!~ He replies: ~Oh, okay Daddy!~ We drive to Mary's house & arrive at 12:15pm. Mary's waiting at the door. She's wearing a yellow Sundress, Red Ruby earrings & Black w/White Strap High heels. I kiss her & say: ~We've not much time!~ I take her bag, & off to the Airport we are! By the time we get to the Airport, through security & check our bags; it's time to board the plane. 

We depart on time & land at Raleigh-Durham International on schedule! We pick our bags up & hale a Cab!He asks: ~Where too Sir?~ I give him the location! He replies: ~Very well Sir!~ It's about a 40 minute drive to her Parents house. We arrive at about 5:00pm. I pay the Cabbie tip him & grab our bags. Her parents are standing on the steps, looking very happy to see their daughter: 

Mary introduces us: ~Dad, Mom, this is Harold!~ I shake her Father's hand (William Covington) & say: ~Pleased to meet you Sir.~He replies: ~Nice to meet you to young man!~ Next I extend my hand to her Mother (Laura Covington) & say: ~Pleased to meet you Mam!~But instead of shaking my hand, she opens her arms & hugs me & says: ~So happy to have you hear young man!~ Mary adds: ~And this is John Ross!~Her Mother observes: ~What a charming child. He's so cute. How you doing Son?~ He replies: ~Fine Mam, are you Miss Covington's Mommy?~ She replies: ~Well yes I am! Polite young man, isn't he?~ Her asks ~You like Ice cream young man?~ ~Yes Sir!~ JR replies!Her Father says: ~Then come on, I have a whole freezer full just for you!~ JR Reacts: ~Really?~Yeaaaa!~ We go inside the house & have a seat in the Living room. 

Her Father's a Professor at The University of North Carolina & her Mother's a Nurse at Duke Raleigh Hospital. The wall is covered with pictures of Mary. Many of her awards & Trophies line the shelves.Her parents are proud of her! I would be too, she was & is quite impressive!

7:00pm

Mrs Covington invites us into the Dining room. She's prepared a meal of Pot Roast, potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Fresh Baked bread, Sweet Tea & Apple pie topped with Vanilla Ice cream for dessert! A Traditional Southern meal & delicious if I say so myself!

After we eat, her Father & I retire to the Living room, Mary & her Mother clears the table & proceed to do dishes. JR. goes into the Den to watch TV. I take this time & plead my case! ~Sir, I would like to to ask you for your Daughter's hand in Marriage? I love her beyond my own life, & want nothing more than to take care of her from this time forward! I promise you to hold, to have, to honor & keep her unto death do we part!~ He looks at me, stands up, lights a pipe and answers: ~Harold, how can I ever say no? Yes, you have my blessings. Just please take care of my baby? She's an only child & all we've got!~ I say: ~Yes Sir, you have my word! Thank you Sir!~ Mary & her Mother walk into the room, look at us & they both simultaneously ask: What? William says: ~Laura, this young man has just asked for our daughter's hand in Marriage & I've given him my blessings~ Mary's Mother's eyes open wide, she raises her eyebrows & says: ~I think that's just wonderful! Congratulations both of you, I'm so happy for you!~ Her Father pulls out a bottle of Brandy he's been saving for a special occasion & says: ~Let's have a warm one & celebrate?~ It's 10:00pm & I ask: Has anyone seen JR.? Mary answers: ~Yes Harry, he fell asleep on the couch in the Den; so I took him upstairs & put him in my bed. He can sleep with me tonight!~

(Mary has already given me fair warning, that we'll have to stay in separate rooms.) I reply: ~Very well Darling, if he bothers you, l'll take him in with me! My Son is quite taken with Mary I announce, he loves her very much; as do I!~ We go to bed at Midnight. I look in on JR. & kiss Mary Goodnight & say: ~Darling, I love you beyond my own life, sleep well my Darling!~

Mary replies: ~I love you so much Harry. You sleep good too!~ I go to the Guest room, say a prayer of thanks & go to sleep.

6:00am

Saturday morning I'm up early. I smell coffee! My nose guides me to the kitchen to find Mary's Mother making Breakfast:

She says:- ~Good morning Harold, sleep well?~

I reply: ~Yes Mam & Good morning to you, that smells delicious!~ She says: ~Sit down & have some coffee! Sausage & eggs are on the stove, Biscuits are in the oven! Breakfast will be done shortly!~ She pours me a cup of coffee & asks: Cream, or Sugar? No Mam, thanks, I like it black I reply! She notes: ~Just like my Bill!~ Mary & J.R. comes into the kitchen: Mary says: ~Good morning Mom, Good morning Harry, I'm starved!~ JR ads: ~Me too, I'm starving!~ -Laura asks: ~John Ross, how do you like your eggs young Man? JR ~Crambold please?~ he replies! I correct him: Scram-bold! J R ~SsssCrambold he says! Mary says: ~Let him be, Harry, I use to have that problem myself~ She smiles at me & winks: I reply: ~Come to think of it, so did I~ Laura mentions: ~Mr Covington had to go to the University today, he'll be back later~ Mary & I spend the day touring Raleigh & all her favorite places. We stop & eat lunch in the local Cafe & after, head back & arrive at her parents house, by 5:00pm.

We wash up for dinner: Laura announces: ~Dinner's on the table, get it while it's hot.~

We come downstairs & into the Dining room. JR is already sitting at the table. The rest of us take a seat. Mary’s Mother asks: ~Harry, What time are you kids leaving tomorrow?~ I reply ~Our flight leaves at 9:30am Mam. William requests ~Let me drive you to the Airport you two?~ Mary smiles & winks.~Thank you Sir, I'd be most obliged I reply.~

Sunday 6:00am

We wake up early & eat Breakfast. Say our Goodbyes. Mary says: ~Mom, I love you so much. It was really nice to see the old Homestead again. Laura replies: ~Mary, Harry, hopefully we'll see you again real soon. At the Wedding!~ She winks at us. William announces: ~Okay you two, let's Boogie, don't want you to miss your flight!~ I reply: ~Yes Sir! Mary kisses her Mother Goodbye. I extend my hand to her & she come here and show me some love Harry?~ She Opens her arms & motions me to her: I say: ~Yes Mam!~ We hug & she kisses me on the cheek. With tears in her eyes she say: ~I love you both!~ We load up in her Father's LTD & he drives us to the Airport:

Mary says: ~Bye Daddy, gonna miss you!~ He hugs his Daughter, clears his throat & says: Take care of my Little girl Young Man!~ Yes Sir, I promise I reply! We shake hands & exchange goodbyes.

8:00am 

“Homeward Bound”

We go through security, check the bags & board the plane by 9:00am. We take off on time & land at Miami International on schedule. I pick up my Beamer, load our bags in the trunk. I kiss Mary & ask: ~You ready to get home Darling?~

Mary replies: ~Yes Harry I am! I love Raligh but, glad to be back in Florida!~ JR is exhausted. He's falling asleep on his feet: Mary whispers: ~Come on my Little man, time to go home!~ I can see how much she loves that boy & JR loves her. She picks him up, kisses his forehead & lays him down securely in the back seat. I run around to the passenger side, open the door for her: Mary mentions: ~Harry, you're such a Gentleman!~ She kisses me. I close the door & run around to the Driver's side. We head home! We arrive back at Mary's about 1:40pm. I grab her bags, take them to her door & return for! I open the & passenger door for her & she asks: ~Coming in?~ I kiss and say no, I have to get JR Home Darling! I'll call Nancy to sit with him & come back~

Mary says ~Sounds good! Harry, I love you! See you in a while?~ I say: ~I'll be back soon!~ We embrace, kiss & I take my Son home...

I couldn't help but to think of how decent & kind her parents were. How much they love her! I'll talk to Mary tonight about setting the date! Neither of our parents are getting younger & besides, I want JR to know her parents. After all; They will become his Grandparents too! I'm thinking about bringing Julia's parents up to see him! It's been a while! I don't want him to lose touch with her parents either.They're part of him.They're also a part of my family. A connection to Julia...

I call Nancy on the way home & have her meet us at the house. We arrive & she's sitting on the steps: She greets me: ~Hi Mr Newport, how was your trip~ I reply: ~ Hi Nancy, trip was good, thanks. I brought you something~ Nancy says: ~Really Mr Newport? You didn't have to do that!~ I remark: ~There's a lot of things I don't have to do, but want to do! This is one of them! Thought you might like this~ Nancy observes: ~Almond Cocoa & Chai Spice, Thank you Mr Newport. Sounds delicious. Thank you so much for thinking of me!~ I reply: ~Don't mention it. It's my pleasure, I hope you enjoy it. JR's tired & will probably sleep a while. Thanks for coming on short notice! Nancy replies: ~That's okay Mr Newport. I love watching him!

I say: ~Thanks again, got to go, I'll be back later!

I'm back at Mary's at 6:00pm, knock & she opens the door & pulls me inside! Wraps her arms around my neck & kisses me like we've been apart for eternity! She guides me once again to the bedroom. & tells me she wants me now!!!! Arousing me right off! We make love over & over & over again: I say:

~That was nice!~ Mary agrees: ~Mmmmmh I know!~ I mention: ~Darling, I want to set a date. I love you & want to start our life together~ Mary replies: ~Me too Harry! Harry, I want to get married on my 25th Birthday! June 17, 2012. ~ I observe: ~What a wonderful idea Darling! Gives us time to make arrangements, & send out notices. I'll call my parents tomorrow with the date!~ We embrace, kiss & Make Love one more time.......:

I Note: ~It's late Darling. I need to go home so Nancy can leave. Mary says: ~I understand Harry, & I should probably get things together myself for School tomorrow!~ I dress, look at her & say: ~Darling, don't ever forget how much I love & need you? Mary replies: ~Never Harry, I will always love you! (She kisses me) Now get home & get some rest, I love you with all I am!~ I say: ~Goodnight my love, I'll call you~ I leave & drive straight home! JR is sound asleep in Nancy's arms on the couch. Nancy's asleep as well! I gently wake her up, take him from her arms & upstairs to his room. I pay Nancy & say: ~Nancy, I want you to know how much I appreciate you! You are a Princess, thank you so much!, By the way, you're invited to the wedding!~ (She smiles loudly) & replies: She says: ~Whaaaaat? Mr Newport, I'm so happy for you, do I know her?~

I reply: ~Oh yes, I'm sure you do! She's JR's Teacher!~ She Asks: ~Miss Covington? Wow! She's a very lucky woman Mr Covington, & she's very pretty. John Ross talks about her all the time........quoting JR.: I love Miss Covington..... Mr Newport, I hope you'll be very happy, you deserve it~ I reply: Thank you Nancy, Oh, by the way, Mary would like you to be the Maid of Honor?~ She answers:~Please let her know, I'd be honored! (As she's walking out the door) EEEEEW, I'm just so happy!~ I take a shower, brush my teeth & go to bed thinking about how our lives change suddenly. I pray to God & ask him to keep my child & Mary safe! I fall asleep with Mary on my mind!

Monday, January 16

“Julia’s Father”

I wake to the sound of someone knocking on my door! I open the door, a young man dressed in a messenger's uniform is standing there:

-Messenger- ~Western Union Sir, you have an urgent Telegram!~ I take the Telegram & tip the messenger..... I read it, (Bad News)!!!!!! Julia's Father is in the Hospital & not expected to survive! I right away call my Mother-in-law.

Rachael- ~Hello~ -Me- ~It's Harry Mom~ -Rachael answers: ~'O Honey, James has Cancer! There's nothing more they can do, it's out of control! He hasn't much time left Harry!~ I explain: ~Mom, John Ross & I will fly down in the morning, he'll want to see his Grandfather!~ Rachael replies: ~Okay Harry, I'll be expecting you, bye now! Kiss John Ross for me?~ I say: Okay Mom, we love you! Bye now!~

I call Mary & let her know what's going on, & that I'll be taking JR. to see his Grandfather in the morning! Mary answers: ~Yes, I think that's the right thing to do! When shall you return?~

I explain: ~We'll be back on Wednesday! I love you Mary!~

Mary observes~ I know Harry, I love you more!~ Next I call my parents! I let them know we set a date, then gave them the bad news! (They've become rather close) I told her we'll be flying to Shreveport in the morning, so JR can see his Grandfather! (Mother tells me she also got a Telegram) and says: ~Be safe Son & please give them our love? Kiss John Ross for us?

I reply: I will Mother. I love you & tell Father, I love him too Bye!~

Wednesday, January 17

I wake JR. up at 4:30am & get him dressed. The bags are already packed. Our flight departs at 7:30am. We leave the house at 5:00am, stop at McDonald's and buy JR. a Pancake meal & milk! We continue on to the Airport. I park the Beamer, we go through security & check the bags. We board the plane at 7:00am & take off on time! We land at Dallas Love Field on schedule. We pick up our bags & rent a car for the 189 mile trip to Shreveport. We stop about half way for lunch. We arrive at my in-laws home in Shreveport 4:00pm. We unload our bags & head for MD Anderson Cancer Center, where Reverend Marcantel’s admitted. We arrive at 4:45pm & directly to his room. JR is not sure what's going on, he sees his Grandfather hooked up to machines and breathing apparatuses! JR asks: ~What's wrong with my Papaw Daddy?~ I explain: ~He's sick Son!~ Mom's asleep in a chair next to his bed. We walk over to his bed, his eyes are open & he knows we're here: I say: ~Hello Dad, how ya doing?~ It takes all he has to smile, but he's happy we're here! I lift JR up so he can kiss his Grandfather! JR greets him: ~Hi Papaw, I miss you. I love you Papaw!~ He kisses his forehead, & I put him down! He's pouting, sad about his Papaw! My Mother-in-law opens her eyes & says: ~Harold, good to see you Son, & there you are my John Ross!~ She picks him up, kisses his cheek ,& hugs him like there's no tomorrow! She puts him down & says: ~Oh Harry, what will I do without him. I've loved him forever! We've been together since I was 16. Oh God, I love him so!~ I observe: ~I know Mom, & so does Dad!, I didn't even know he was sick~ She explains:

~It was about six months after our little girl was buried that he received his diagnoses! You know how he is Harry, he didn't want to be a burden on anybody! I think he stopped fighting it. He missed her so! They did all they could, but the Cancer was just too progressive until there were no more options. He's got maybe a couple days or less Harry!~ I say: I'm so sorry Mom, is there anything I can do?~ She states: ~Harry, you're here & John Ross is here. That's enough. I keep praying he'll be okay, but I know God is calling him home. He says he's ready to touch the face of God & to be with his little girl again!~ My Father-in-law passes on Wednesday night at 8:13pm. We've made funeral arrangements & he'll be buried on Saturday afternoon. The viewing will be that morning beginning at 8:00am at the River Park Church in Shreveport, Heavenly Gate Funeral Home Officiating. I call Mary to tell her we'll be back next Sunday. We'll be attending JR's Grandfather's funeral. We stay in Shreveport for the rest of the week..

Saturday, January 20

7:00am

The Funeral

My parents fly in to attend the Funeral. My Mother & Father are in Mourning for their friend!

My Father has rented a Mercedes Benz for the duration! We load up in the Escalade I rented & drive to the Church. I escort my Mother-in-law into the Church. The Reverend James Marcantel was the Pastor here & this was his Congregation!. The Church was packed (standing room only!) The viewing of the deceased has started. My Mother-in-law was first in the line for viewing, followed by myself, JR, & my parents. I lifted JR. to see & kiss his Papaw goodbye. He kisses him on the forehead, rubs his eyes & asks him to say hi to Mommy! The viewing lasts three hours & the Service is beginning,! The Reverend Ronald Toussaint is the attending Minister. We sing Amazing Grace & pray. The Lady's Choir sings favorite hymns of my Father-in-law. We didn't so much as to mourn him as we did to Celebrate his life! After the Services, the Casket is loaded in the Limousine. My Mother-in-law will ride in the second Limo to the Cemetery with Myself & JR following third & my parents next in the line of many vehicles! After the Funeral we go back to the Church, where the Ladies auxiliary has prepared food for all! We attend & Congregate, as we thank everyone for attending. We get back to the house at 8:30pm. We will be returning home tomorrow morning. Our flight leaves at 11:00am. My parents have already left! The food we ate at Church filled us up. We go to bed & get some rest before leaving early in the morning.

Sunday, January 21

“Home again”

We wake at 3:00am & my Mother-in-law has fixed us a light Breakfast & packed a lunch for us: She says: ~Good morning you two! I didn't want you to leave hungry!~ I reply: ~Thank you Mom, we'll be leaving in two hours. Is there anything you need before we leave?~ She answers: ~No Dear, just make sure you two get home safe! I couldn't bare to lose you too!~

I reply: ~Just don't you worry about us Mom? We'll be alright! Just take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything, I mean anything!~ She replies: ~I will Dear, Thank you.~ We leave at about 5:00am & arrived at the Airport at 8:30am. I turn in the rental, we go through security, check our bags & sit in the waiting room for an hour & a half. We Board the plane at 11:00am. We leave on time & land at Miami International on schedule. I pick up the Beamer! We're on our way home by 4:00pm, I call Mary & say: ~Darling, I've missed you so much, so did JR! We're home & going to rest up! I love you Darling!~ Mary replies: ~Harry, I've missed you more than I'm able to say! I love you too! How was your trip? I answer: ~Long but we're happy to be home. Different circumstances, JR would've had a good time!~ Mary replies: ~Harry, get some rest & I'll be there just after 6:00pm. I'm cooking dinner for you & John Ross!~ We hang up & I bathe JR.! It's been a long day & the little guy's exhausted. I take a shower & get ready to see Mary. God I missed her! 6:00pm a knock on my door. It's Mary & she's got groceries in her arms - I greet her & say: ~Hello My Darling, let me take those!~ I carry the two sacks of groceries to & place them on the Counter! She stands there for a moment to catch her breath Mary says: ~Harry, you just sit down there at the table. I 'm going to make Dinner.~ I reply: ~Sounds good Darling, I'm famished!~ Mary takes the groceries out of the sacks & begins to prepare She's cooking Southern Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/Country Gravy & Okra: I observe: ~Sure smells good Darling.~ Mary explains: ~My Mama didn't raise me not to use my talents. This is her recipe! I sure hope you like Fried Chicken?~ I reply: ~I love anything you cook Darling!~ She's finished cooking. She sets the table & calls JR for dinner & announces: ~John Ross, Dinner's on!~ JR. answers: ~Yes Mam!~ She serves JR says: ~Now you eat everything John Ross & I have something special for you after dinner!~ JR asks: ~Really Miss Covington, I'm going to eat the whole thing.... I promise! I love you Miss Covington!~ She turns to me & asks: ~Harry, you want me to serve you?~ She smiles & winks! I Note: ~No, I think I can probably handle it! This really smells good!~ -She states: ~Harry I have something extra special for you!~ We sit down & eat. Mary can cook, really cook! She with pride asks: ~Anyone for Blueberry pie?~ She pulls a pie out of a box & explains: ~I want you to know I made this fresh this morning! I know how much John Ross like pie.~ JR ~Sure do Miss Covington! Mmmmh mmmh~ She says: ~Enjoy it John Ross!~ I ask ~How'd you know I like Blueberry pie?~ She says: ~Your Mother told me that was the way to your heart!~ I say: ~Darling, usually, but you've already got my heart!~ She smiles loudly & says: ~Harry, I Love you!~ & winks at me again.... After dinner & dessert I help her clear the table & do dishes. She bathes JR, puts him to bed & hears him say his prayers. I hear them talking something over! JR asks: ~Miss Covington, can I call you Mommy? Please?~ She replies: ~I'd like that John Ross!~ JR says: ~I love you Mommy!~ She replies: ~I like the sound of that John Ross, now you go to sleep! I love you very much!~ These words touch my heart! I've come to realize just how much those two love each other! I'm Damn lucky!

She comes out of the room with tears in her eyes, but smiling & says: ~Harry, God know I love that child!~ I Reply: ~So do I My Darling, So Do I~ Now: About that something Special?~ She Smiles, grabs my hand & leads me into my room & we make love for the rest of the night!

Duke Sherman

Continued