Chapter VII
The parking lot was full by 9 a.m. Extra attendants and ushers were brought in to assist the guests. The family had gathered on the 2nd floor. Red remained alone on a couch.
Over the past 72 hours he thought he could not possibly weep any more, but he was wrong.
He remained with Elizabeth day and night at the hospital. They had moved a bed into her room. Following the surgery the cancer moved through Elizabeth like fire through a forest. All treatment had been stopped and the palliative care team took over. Their job now was to make her comfortable for as long as possible. It was agreed that Elizabeth should not be moved.
Dale, Jr., Audry, Lexy and Abigail had arrived in California to be with Elizabeth. With her family surrounding her, she rested peacefully. She looked forward to each day when Lexy and Abigail arrived. Elizabeth saw her mother in Abigail’s eyes. She was such a sweet little girl, so quiet and loving, just what the Angels had ordered for Lexy.
Six months after being diagnosed, with her family surrounding her, Elizabeth closed her eyes. Moments later the monitors were turned off and there was only silence.
Arrangements were made to bring Elizabeth back to Canada immediately. The casket was driven to the funeral home, all under the supervision and care of Red. He refused to leave her side.
The service concluded and guests were invited to attend a reception in the adjacent hall. All the family, excluding Red, greeted the respectful audience.
Red remained on the 2nd floor waiting for the usher to announce when they would be leaving for the gravesite. He did call for Ann. When she arrived at the top of the stairs and saw Red, pale, weak and seeming almost lost, her heart ached for him. Never could she remember a time that did not include Red and Elizabeth. She took a seat beside him.
“Ann thank you for seeing me.”
“Red, I am so very sorry.”
“She was at peace Ann, that’s all that I asked. We will be leaving shortly Ann. The graveside service will be for family only, but I do wish you would come. I know Elizabeth would want you there.”
“Red, it would be my honor to be there.”
Ann and Red remained in their seats until the usher came and escorted them to a private elevator down to the awaiting limousine.
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Lexy had promised Elizabeth that Abigail would be christened in the Church.
Respecting her grandmothers wishes, Lexy, had Abigail christened in the Catholic Church two weeks after the funeral.
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Any matters relating to Nixman were under the supervision of Dale.
After the christening Red, Audry, Lexy and Abigail left for the Coast.
Ann did not see Red for almost 2 years following the funeral.
He remained at the Coast, becoming very content playing golf and socializing. She had been invited out this weekend only for a visit. Abigail was approaching 3 years old and was looking more like Lexy each day. Lexy had taken on the roll of motherhood with such comfort and ease. She remained in the guest house with Abigail. Audry had moved into the main house to be closer to Red. She had told Ann of a few incidents shortly after Abigail’s birth involving Graham appearing at the estate. They had not seen him for almost 2 years now. It was apparent that Lexy had outgrown Graham. She was attending University three days a week, tending to Abigail and enjoying her life. There had been no evidence of a relapse. Lexy was truly happy.
Ann was having lunch with Red at his club. She understood why Red was never anxious to return to the office. Sitting in his golf cart playing 9 holes each day seemed to be the biggest challenge that Red wanted to take on.
“Ann, how are things working for you?”
“Red, I am so busy that the office has now hired two assistants for me.”
“Ann I want you to slow down. When was the last time you took a holiday?”
“Red I have decided to step away from the day to day matters this year. Brian O’Riley will be hiring a replacement for me. I will remain on in a consulting capacity only.”
“I am glad to hear that Ann. You have worked your whole life and you deserve to enjoy some time now.”
Flying home, Ann felt such comfort having spent this weekend with Red. He was so happy to tell her he had just gone for his physical and was on cloud nine; all the tests the Doctors had put him through had comeback squeaky clean, convincing them that Red was going to be around for a long time.
The phone was ringing when she unlocked her door.
“Ann, its Dale. I thought you would want to know that Dad had a massive heart attack this afternoon at the house. Audry call the paramedics but they could not revive him. The Doctor said it happened so fast that he doubts if Dad felt anything. I’m flying out now. Audry and Lexy will stay there and return with me in a few days.”
“My god Dale, I am so very sorry.”
Ann replaced the receiver and replayed her last conversation with Red and picked up the phone to speak with Brian O’Riley.
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