Kayn's father spent his last years in a continuous care facility; sitting at a window waiting for Alyssa.
Harry and Phillip, Kayn's older brothers found their father underneath his carpenter bench, unresponsive, suffering frost bite and dehydration. While hospitalized the Doctors believed that he had suffered several small strokes and after further testing he was diagnosed in the early stages of Dementia. Harry had sent Kayn notice of all the Hospital reports, but received no response so he and Phillip represented the only two family members willing to provide the hospital with directions for their fathers care. They tried returning him to the ranch, with an army of caregivers, but he refused help and in due course he was returned to the emergency room suffering from a blood infection. Together Harry, Phillip and the Hospital Administrator's signed a joint order placing him in perpetual care. When he was coherent and logical Harry and Phillip took turns bringing him back to his beloved ranch home where he would rest on the porch until it was time to return to the Care Unit.
Like a million other prescribers to the daily News, Kayn read of his father's passing, in the morning publication; a small family service would be held at the Ranch with his father's ashes spread over the property. Within a week he received notice of the date, time and place for the reading of the Will, which of course he ignored. Shortly thereafter he received notice of the estate assignment, which did not differ from what he had been told by his father as a young boy; 90% of the land was divided between Harry and Phillip; 10% going to Kayn, with a conservation easement in favor or the Federal Conservatory Reserve, blanketing the land to evermore remain in its natural state. Kayn had no intention of disputing the land assignment; he immediately sent the paperwork onto the in-house Solicitors giving them instructions to gift the lands to his oldest son, Robert.
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Over the years, Harry became a brilliant investor and philanthropist. Known as the Prophet of the Prairies, he believed that a stock which cannot be held for 10 years should not even be owned; now with a portfolio valued in excess of Ten Billion Dollars his audience watched each and every move Harry made towards investments. When sitting on the board of trustees for Duke University; he met Robert, Kayn's oldest son. Having no children of his own he enjoyed getting to know and becoming good friends with him.
It became quite common for Robert not to return home between school semesters; since leaving home he had become quit distant from his father and found it easier to communicate through his mother, who would travel to North Carolina to spend time with Robert. He found his growing friendship with his Uncle so worthwhile; beginning to understand and respect his diverse heritage. He had also been introduced to his Uncle Phillip and his grandmother, Alyssa, who he found to be so sincere and genuine. He had finished up all pending registrations over the first few weeks of summer and was planning to go down to South Carolina where he had found a job. Packing the last of his bags, the phone rang; it was Harry advising him that Alyssa was on her way down and bringing a guest. Robert anxious to see Alyssa again confirmed that he was leaving then and would arrive later that afternoon.
Harry had talked to Robert about his relationship with his mother becoming estranged after she left his father; but over time he respected her decision and knew it had not been a generous life for her on the ranch. She was living a life now that was very beneficial to her growth and happiness. Both Harry and Phillip were happy for their mother.
Entering the door at the arrivals terminal, Harry saw Alyssa standing with a man, who he thought he recognized, but did not know from where.He walked over and was quickly introduced to Dr. Albert Morton; immediately Harry knew of this renowned man worthy of his regard. Harry quickly raising his hand to greet Dr. Morton.
"Well, sir this is a pleasure. When Mom said she was travelling with a friend, I certainly did not expect it to be such a luminary persona. I have followed your work for years. It is truly a pleasure to meet you."
"Thank you. I as well am thrilled to meet you, having followed your career for years. Perhaps we can both benefit from some career council ling during our visit."
"I look forward to it."
Robert arrived at the house later that afternoon. He was honored to meet Dr. Morton and admired the ease and contentment that surrounded he and Alyssa. The house vibrated with laughter that day.
Alyssa was thrilled to be able to spend more time with Robert; the gathering proved to be the beginning of a long-time alliance between a very diverse troupe that by chance had congregated and quickly formed a comradeship that would carry forth knowing no limits. At Roberts request it was agreed that his father not be told.In the months that followed, Harry advised Robert of the illegal implications surrounding Albert. He knew he must be with his extended family and friends giving support so he travelled home with Harry. For months, it seemed that the devastation surrounding Albert and Alyssa would not cease until Albert stood to public surrender.
All along Alyssa had kept her news from Albert, not wanting to burden him further; she had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and given only a short while to get her affairs in order. She had quietly spoken with Harry, Phillip and Robert, leaving them in complete ruin when hearing the news; but respecting her request to not tell Albert. The day of Albert's sentencing, he turned and looked at Alyssa before being lead away by the guards; she stood strong, not giving any indication of her own destiny, only whispering her love. Her solitude and isolation over Albert quickened her demise and with her family at her side she found peace. Harry was appointed as executor for her estate; which held no monetary value only his vow to his mother they would find out what, or who, was responsible for Albert's demise.Harry had such admiration for Robert; he reminded him very much of himself at this age; dedicated to his studies; achieving his Masters in Medicine and then carried on his studies in neurobiology; now residing in Brazil under the Duke Alumni in their studies in Social Justice and Sustainable Developments. Robert calls South Carolina home, visiting his Uncle when opportunity arises. He has also formed a special bond with his Uncle Phillip who he has promised to visit on the ranch that his grandfather started. He hears from his father, a few times a year and only returned home when hearing the news of his mother's illness.
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If it were not for his genuine regard he had for his relationship, Kayn would have ended his friendship with Irene months ago. His children, her children, they all offered nothing more than distasteful judgment. It had become an embarrassment to even attempt to entertain them within the same room.
For the Christmas holidays, Kayn had made plans for he and Irene to travel down to Miami, where he had a beach front estate. When he mentioned their plans to his daughter she become outraged with the thought so Kayn then volunteered that perhaps she and her family also travel down with them. She of course accepted the suggestion and by the end of the day had convinced two of her siblings to also come. Irene, after hearing the revised travel plans, thought it best that she not go, but Kayn would not hear of it and further volunteered that she see if any of her children wished to come as well.
The day the Towne Car meet Kayn and Irene in the lobby of their building en route to the Airport, they were embarking on a trip that now included both her children and Kayn's. She had come down with a troublesome cold and flu that did not want to go away, even with the antibiotics that her Doctor had prescribed. As she sat in the backseat of the car her thoughts were only that she should be staying home.
Over the next forty-eight hours children and grandchildren continued to arrive; and Irene wanting to greet and tend to everyone's needs, ignored the Doctors orders to rest.
Looking down on the courtyard; to the right were his children, all but Robert, and to the left were Irene's; he had seen similar standoffs on the 49th floor board room. Since his mothers passing Robert had become very distant always too busy to come home. Kayn, thought that was a winning attribute for his eldest son to have, success first, family thereafter. He turned from the balcony, poured himself another drink and walked into the study to return to his work. He would let Irene worry about harmonizing the troops.
Reviewing the security updates he was surprised to see that Martin Graham had agreed to go back to Australia; Kayn remembered, with a smile, the last time he swore never to return. Martin and the ASIA agent, Stephen Forbes were on Bar Cove Island when three of the AOC agents were taken into custody; charged with possession of the illegal fire arms and narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Martin had returned to Brisbane, where the paper trail for Chanarong Montri and Kim Chan So ended; at the time of his report he was still attempting to access the surveillance tapes from the air terminal. Martin's closing comments for the attention of the local police department was that in searching the Island all guests were accounted for except for Mr. & Mrs. Bao and asked that a search commence for this couple.
The second report came from the International Financial Task Force giving some indication of the cash resurfacing in accounts in the Caymans and Switzerland; looking at the balance of accounts, Kayn recognized that it was minuscule to that which was reported as missing.
Irene got through the holidays still not feeling better and only wished to get home. Kayn on the other hand had made arrangements for them to carry on to a ten day trip through the Bahamas. For the entire trip Irene remained in their cabin.
After arriving home Irene made an appointment to see her Doctor where he after seeing her extreme drop in vitals since their last visit, put her immediately into the hospital.
Kayn found this somewhat disturbing having to go to the hospital to visit her and having to arrange for his own supper, which, over the weeks, became a double whiskey.
What started out to be a ten day visit turned into months, with no improvement being seen. All the tests and scans had been taken showing nothing to assist the Doctors in Irene's care, but each day she was becoming weaker and weaker.
After talking with her Doctor, her children returned to be at her bedside; Kayn visiting when he could, offering little in support. His lack of respect for their mother incited the group to eventually refuse him access into their mother's room.
At 2:30 a.m. with her children at her bedside Irene suffered a massive brain aneurysm and passed away.
Her children left it to the hospital staff to notify Kayn.
He took the call from his office the following day, extending his gratitude for the news that Irene was out of pain and now the family can start healing. After thanking the Nurse for her call he replaced the receiver and continued to get ready for his lunch with Shirley; a lovely lady, who had recently lost her husband. He, of course recognized that it would be most inappropriate for them to dine alone, so he had arranged for his daughter and Shirley's niece to also be present.
Living at the gateway of the majestic Rockies or while rising above the skyline in the urban maze, Wendi enjoys being a trendsetter. Challenging herself throughout her career in public relations and community development she accepted each challenge as a leader and adventurer. Her voyage continues, documenting her passionate interests in the wilds of nature, to the downtown streets of the City; recognizing the wealth of knowledge within each subject that she partners with.
Wendi's short stories and poems can be found at:
http://smile-practicalknowledge.blogspot.com/
Contact Wendi at rgm@davincibb.net
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