The girls’ uncles and I took turns writing the young girls on our shoulders; Alan rides either Marshall or Johnny’s shoulders most of the day. Rosy would only allow us to get so far away from her new Mama before she would demand for us to take her back to her. Cindy was the same when it came to Kathryn and I, although Sam and Crystal were happiest when they are together with us, they had a little more trust of their uncles and grandpa. Once they disappeared for about fifteen minutes to reappear with crumbs from the cookies they ate on their shirts.
Chuckling I say, “Grandpa’s spoiling you already.” Sam and Crystal blush, as the coach chuckles with me.
Sam finally holds out the bag she was holding behind her back. She says, “We got you cookies, Grandpa wants to spoil Cindy and Rosy too.”
Cindy, Rosy and I sit down and enjoy our cookies, only to have Kathryn bust us a few moments later. Kathryn only giggles at my expression and gives Cindy a caress telling her, “Your uncle better be careful because he didn’t get me any.”
Marshall chuckles as he holds up two full bags one to his wife and the other to Kathryn. He says, “Wasn’t JJ’s fault, you get to blame your Dad Kathryn.”
Marshall gets a kiss from his wife and one from Kathryn on his cheek. Which brings a response from the Coach saying, “Hey I paid for those, where’s my reward?”
The Coach stands there with Sam on his shoulders as the two women waddle up to him. On their tiptoes they both give him a kiss on the cheek, and Kathryn says, “Thanks Daddy.”
The Coach chuckles and says, “You’re welcome.”
We shop at another half dozen stores before the list is finished, and all the children are so tired their falling asleep as they ride on our shoulders. I finally take Crystal down and carry her like an infant worried that she might fall otherwise. She does not even protest but when she gets comfortable in my arms she simply falls asleep with her head against me, she wears a smile as she listens to my heart.
The kids wake up after the ride in the car, when we arrived at a restaurant for dinner. Ms. Clark is heading back towards the orphanage, to give out the new clothing to the children, even though I offered to buy dinner for her as well. Our purchases from today barely fit in her car, the trunk and backseat were both completely full, and some even have to go into the passenger seat.
Cindy has a wide smile as I help her out of the car she says to me, “Uncle JJ you really must love me you treat me better than anyone has.”
I hold Crystal to my hip, and allow Cindy to take my other hand. Sam held by her mother on her hip. We join the rest of the family inside the restaurant. The restaurant owner’s eyes go wide seeing the large crowd that is our family. Thinking were not together he asked how many, and I had to take a moment to count in my head before I reply, “twenty-four.” Thinking to myself, twenty-six except Daniel and Kara are in their house acting like newlyweds.
Letting out a sigh the owner says, “We don’t have a table that large, but we could put you in a single section. With a party this large you do realize the tip will be included in the bill.”
Smiling I say, “Bring it to me when it’s ready.”
Shown to our tables in a private section of the restaurant the family gathered as best we could. Kathryn and I along with the Coach, Helen, Mom, Cindy, Sam, and Crystal shared a table with Crystal on my lap. As we look over the menus, I noticed Cindy is having trouble with hers. I gently ask, “Cindy can you read?”
It is not something that is totally uncommon for a six-year-old not to be able to read. I have had friends struggling to read in their early teens. Not given the opportunity to learn early in life some people find it difficult to read. The longer you wait to teach a child the harder it is for them. Most of our neurons form within the first five years of life, it goes to show we learned more between ages one and five then we do during the rest of our life. I wish the educational system took that into account, school should really start at age three.
Cindy looks up into my face before she says, “The words are really small, and that’s what’s making them hard to read.”
Looking at the menu, they did use rather small typeface probably a size eleven or twelve font. Cindy squints trying to read the words, and I know she will need glasses just one other thing I am sure I will get for her. She looks up into my face again and asks, “Uncle JJ do I get to order anything I want?”
With a smile I reply, “Certainly, you can have anything on the menu you want.”
A little hesitantly, Cindy asks, “Even if I want a steak?”
Smiling I say, “If that’s what you want, but you better order it will-done your Aunt Kathryn can’t stand to see the juices.”
Crinkling her nose and giggling Cindy says, “Me too.”
Cindy orders chicken strips for her dinner, Sam and Crystal follows suit ordering the same only with different sides. Kathryn orders chicken and dumplings, and I order a roast beef dinner. The portions are so large the girls barely manage to eat most of their meals, and I know they will sleep rest of the way home. The power nap in the car on the way here was just enough to keep them awake through dinner. Crystal is the first to snuggle in to my lap after she finishes eating. Sam smiles at her new sister who is already asleep with her head on my chest.
Kathryn giggles and says to Sam, “I’m glad you’re not jealous, you’re going to have a lot of little sister’s trying to get into daddy’s lap.”
Sam giggles before her response, “If I really need to get into Daddy’s lap I’m sure my sisters will understand. Crystal really needs Daddy now.”
Cindy with sad smile of recognition on her face says, “Crystal is really hurting right now, she doesn’t feel comfortable enough to grieve for her parents yet. She scared if she does; you will call Ms. Clark to take her away again.”
I realize Cindy is right. Cindy is also wise beyond her years as well in her understanding. I realize I will have to wait until Crystal is ready. When she is certain that Kathryn and I love her, that that will not change no matter whatever happens, then she will grieve. Sam seems to known that right away, perhaps Crystal will come to understand that very shortly. She will be able to move on, heal and grow into a normal beautiful girl. That is what I want for my girls, to be healthy and happy.
In her sleep Crystal says, “Love you daddy.” I realize that is exactly what I am. I may not have provided the genetic material for this young beautiful girl, but I have chosen to be her father, her daddy. It is not a choice or decision I made lightly, it is one that I will follow with my whole heart, for Sam, for Crystal and even for Cindy. The law allows me full custody of Sam and Crystal because we have adopted Sam and we are adopting Crystal. Cindy situation is slightly different because I am her foster father. I will make the most of the six months I have with her. At least I can show her what a father should be during our time together.
Today time got away from us and it is now after seven o’clock as we leave the restaurant. Because it is December 31 the sporting goods store I was hoping to go to closed a few minutes ago. The Coach carries Cindy because she is asleep. Sam drapes across Kathryn, and I carry Crystal in the same state. Alan and Anna carried by their new parents as well. MC carries Rosy as she snuggles to her new Mama.
There are no other customers at the restaurant and the owner ways goodbye to us silently, as our server runs up to him holding the five hundred dollars I left for her tip. She was the only server for our group, and she did an excellent job for us. I knew the bill incorporated the tip, but I felt it was a little insufficient that is why I added the cash tip.
When she turns to me with an expression like she fully intends to return the tip. I shake my head no then mouth, “You did a great job. Thank you.” The owner catches her shoulder as she takes a step forward, he must be better at lip reading then she is because he whispers what I mouthed to her. I turn to carry Crystal to her seat, leaving the owner and the server at the front door.
A few more steps away I hear him say, “That is JJ Meyer. I believe one of the richest men in the state if not the richest.”
I hear her say, “He looks like someone just like me. To think I was worried that he would not have enough money for the bill, he certainly doesn’t act like most rich people do.” I hear the owner chuckle as the two go back into the restaurant.
On the drive home, I am constantly thinking of how and when I can fulfill my promise to Cindy, or how I will explain it to her. I really do not want to disappoint her. I do feel guilty that I did not get her bicycle today. The one thing I cannot do is make more time. I received the same amount of time as everyone else, the indeterminate amount given to us by the universe. I will live it the same, just like everyone else trying to do the best I can with every second.
I am fortunate, that my time is so full of the people I love and enjoy. I do love my job at the high school, except for the separation from Kathryn it causes. Most of my students are only a few years younger; a few are my same age. Some are family, many are friends, and I do enjoy Sam coming to take classes with me.
We called several places only to find that they did not have a single bicycle other than those for adults. The two big department stores in our hometown have both sold out of children’s bicycles. Kathryn is checking the Internet from a laptop, she constantly shakes her head and I can feel her frustrations grow. She finally turns to me and says, “Why is it I can’t find a single bicycle, let alone three for the girls. At this rate they will have to wait until spring before anyone has a bicycle available.”
With a sad smile I say, “Every now and then no matter who you are, how much money you have, you’ll receive a disappointment in life. I guess this is one of those times.”
Kathryn and I both filled defeated by this event. We cannot get a hold of one if any does not exist, no matter how much money we have. We cannot be mad at retailers for selling something. I hope that it went to a child who appreciates their gift. My regret is truly disappointing Cindy, it seems to be the one thing I will not be able to avoid.
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