All My Life

Chapter 29

It was the day before Don's birthday; and he and Meryl were still floating in a cloud of happiness and love, thinking nothing could ruin their time away. That was until Meryl received a very upsetting phone call. Meryl was happily making lunch while Don kept the babies entertained when her cell phone rang. She was surprised to see Jane was calling her instead of Don. "Hi, Jane. Calling to talk to the birthday boy a day early?"

"Not exactly." Jane said tightly. "I was calling to talk to you."

Meryl immediately stopped what she was doing. She and Jane may not have always had the best relationship; but she had been her mother-in-law for over 34 years and she knew her, she could read her. "Jane? Is everything okay?"

"It's far from okay." Jane called. "I couldn't bear to tell Don this. I think you're the only person who can. I know he's still healing and I don't want to cause him to have a relapse or anything."

Meryl's heart sank; she knew this was going to be awful. "Jane, what is it?"

"It's Brad." Jane called. "He's suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. I'm so sorry to call you on your vacation; but Don needs to know. I know you are the only one who can keep him calm."

Meryl immediately sat down at the breakfast bar as tears came to her eyes. "Oh Jane, I am so sorry. I'm devastated."

"Me too." Jane cried. "I'm so worried about how Don will take this."

That didn't even touch how worried Meryl was about her husband. "What is his prognosis, Jane?"

"It's not good." Jane finally broke down. "They don't know if he'll make it until tomorrow; but he could. It's just touch and go right now." Jane noticed Meryl had gone quiet. "Meryl, are you still there, honey?"

Meryl tried to find her voice. "I am; I am so sorry, Jane. Listen, I will get us there just as soon as possible. I don't want you to worry about us; we'll stay at a hotel near the hospital so we can be as close as possible. That way maybe we can take turns and you can always sleep at the hotel if you need."

"Meryl." Jane breathed. "If it were Don would you leave? Don't try to tell me you would; because I know better."

Meryl finally smiled. "No way in hell, so I understand. Jane, we love you and are here for whatever."

"I know that; and I love you all too." Jane sighed. "Tomorrow is Donny's birthday, I just feel so awful..."

Meryl hated this happened for so many reasons and one of them was that Don's birthday was the next day. "We'll figure it all out. I'll still figure out a way to make it special for him; I don't know how at this point because I know this is going to break his heart."

"You'll tell him?" Jane choked.

Meryl nodded as she wiped her tears. "I want it to be me."

***

Don was on the floor on his stomach playing with the babies making them smile when he saw his wife walk in. "Hey, baby; need help with..." Don stopped what he was saying when he saw the look on her face. He immediately knew that something was wrong. "Baby?"

"Don Man, we need to talk." Meryl was already trying not to break down as she sat on the sofa and reached her hand out to him. "Leave the babies there; they'll be fine."

Don could see her shaking; and he was terrified as he went over to her, taking her hand she offered to him. "Darl, what is it? You're scaring me. Are you okay? Are you sick? Did someone hurt you? The kids?"

"Physically I am fine; and the kids are fine, baby." Meryl took a deep breath. "Baby, your mom just called. It's Brad. Don, my love, your father had a hemorrhagic stroke."