Jaiden Chapter 102
Gregory A. Patrick
02/13/2021
Jaiden Chapter 102
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Jaiden and Peyton got a call from the CEO at the hospital to be in his office as soon as they got out of school, and to bring Richard with them. When they got to the CEO's office, he took them into a conference room to meet with the board and with Andy. What shocked the guys was the President of LECOM being there.
"Jaiden, Peyton, Richard, there are a couple of things we need to cover with you today. The first issue is that you have once again made history at this hospital. We had Employee of the Year nominations yesterday, and the three of you received unanimous nominations. Two individuals getting that honor two years in a row, and getting it unanimously, has never happened before. While this issue is a good thing, there is a more serious issue we need to discuss, and I have tried for three weeks to figure out how to tell the three of you."
"We have analyzed everything you guys have done since you became Physician's Assistants and started working at the hospital. Numerous surgeons and doctors have been coming to my office to discuss your interactions with patients, and your judgements in treatment. I have spoken with LECOM's President, with Andy, and with each of your parents. The medical board members have been to the hospital and observed your behavior, patient interaction, and looked at every chart you have ever touched, and I am sorry to have to tell each of you that you will not be graduating from LECOM on May 15. We have put the reasons in writing, and prepared a packet for each of you explaining our decision. Your packets are before you; we need for you to open them and read our decisions, the reasons for our decisions, and give us your comments on the actions we are taking regarding each of you."
Jaiden was the first to open his packet. When he read the cover letter, he lost it. When he regained his composure, he looked at Peyton and Richard and said, "This is serious, you need to open your packets and read the cover letter."
Peyton and Richard timidly opened their packets, pulled out their cover letters, and began to read them. Peyton went into shock, as did Richard, and their bodies began shaking from head to toe. Neither of the guys said anything, they just looked at the hospital's CEO, at LECOM's President, and at Andy, who had stoic looks on their faces.
Jaiden looked at Andy and said, "I don't understand." Andy replied, "Hell, I thought being in medical school, you could read and understand plain English." Then he started laughing as Jaiden's Mom, and Peyton and Richard's parents stepped into the room. They each had serious looks on their faces and asked their sons, "What the hell have you guys done to have us here like this?" Jaiden and Peyton handed their parents the cover letters. Dr. Reynolds looked at Jaiden and said, "Is there another manilla envelope that goes with this?" Jaiden looked in his packet and found another envelope - which he pulled out and began to open. When he saw and read what was inside, he went limp. Peyton and Richard opened their envelopes and they, too, were shocked at what they saw.
Sally walked into the conference room, took one look at Richard, and grabbed him before he fell out of his chair.
"Gentlemen, congratulations! Without either of you knowing it, we administered the medical board exams, and acted as if they were hospital exams to test your knowledge. You each passed with excellence. As a result, LECOM is dismissing you from their Medical College. The reason for that is in the third envelope."
The guys pulled out the third envelope, read the letter inside, and began tearing up. "Congratulations, you have been awarded your Doctor of Osteopathy Degrees. You will be practicing physicians with full privileges at the Erie Medical Center effective today. A pediatric medical office has been set up for the three of you in the Medical Arts Building in Suite 309, until it is time for you to go to St. Jude's for your specialized training. When the three of you return to Erie, the Cancer Center will be completed, and the three of you will be the Chief attending physicians of the pediatric oncology unit. Jaiden, you will be the Chief of Pediatric Surgery with a specialty in oncological surgery. Peyton, you will be the Chief Pediatric Oncologist, and Richard, you will be the primary pediatric physician working up cases to be referred to Jaiden and Peyton. If either of you decides, while at St. Jude's, to have a different or sub-specialty, we will take that into account and make changes accordingly. Now, let's go see your offices."
When Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard got to their offices, Ginny and Gampy, Granny and the Reverend, Dale, Charley, and their parents were there. Don, Jay, Jeremy, Carl, and Seth were there, and so was Joseph – with his parents. Joseph walked to Jaiden, hugged him, and said, "Jaiden, thank you so much for what you did for me. I wanted to surprise you today, and let you know I am back at home, and Dad and I have patched up our differences, and Granny is giving Mom cooking lessons." Everybody howled when Joseph said that. When he walked to Don, hugged him, and said, "Judge Stanislauski, if you hadn't done what you did, I don't know how things would have turned out. You caused the lives of my parents and me to drastically improve to a point where we have never been. I will always love you for that, and I hope to someday be an attorney, and then become a judge like you." Joseph left Don and Jay in tears when he said that. Never in his wildest dreams did Don ever think he would hear a statement like that.
Everybody toured the offices and were beside themselves at the technology Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard had to work with. When they got to the personal offices for Jaiden and opened the door, Rabbi Eichmann and his wife, and Rabbis Kravitz and Belson and their wives were in the office to congratulate Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard. Knowing how much Peyton and Jaiden wanted to remain as close to each other as possible, there was a door between their offices. When Peyton opened the door to his office, tears streamed down his face as he saw Rabbi Schlottman and his wife standing there. They hugged for the longest as the Rabbi and the Rebbetzin told Peyton how proud they and their temple members were of him.
When the tour of the offices was completed, the CEO told everybody the hospital had a special luncheon for them in the cafeteria. When they got there and took their seats, the CEO made an announcement over the paging system: "May I have your attention. As CEO of Erie Medical Center, I would like to congratulate Jaiden and Peyton Riley-Reynolds and Richard Riley for once again making history at the hospital by being voted Employees of the Year two years in a row, and for Peyton Riley-Reynolds and Richard Riley for being the first brothers to be voted co-employees of the year."
"What I am most proud to announce to all employees at the hospital, is that today, at noon, Jaiden and Peyton Riley-Reynolds and Richard Riley were awarded their Doctor of Osteopathy Degrees and they are now practicing physicians with full privileges at Erie Medical Center. They will specialize in pediatrics and pediatric surgery until they receive their specialty training in pediatric oncology, and oncology surgery at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Tennessee. They will begin their education in that field on July 05. Please join me in congratulating them on the honors they have received for their hard work, their dedication, and their studious endeavors while working as Physician's Assistants at the hospital. The Physicians practicing at the hospital ensured, during their service as Physician's Assistants, that they received their residency training in pediatrics.
Everyone had prime rib, grilled asparagus, baked potatoes with all the extras on the side, and tea with Stevia (which the hospital has made a mainstay instead of sugar). Jaiden took one bite of the prime rib, stood up, and said, "Dale, tell me you didn't!" "Nope, Jaiden, I did. I cooked it Sunday when you and Peyton thought Charley and I were taking a nap. We snuck out our bedroom window, and the hospital had a car pick us up. I got everything started, and the cafeteria personnel finished the task, and started slowly warming the food at ten this morning. So, sit down, shut up, and enjoy the meal. There is another surprise to be announced once lunch is over."
When lunch was completed, the hospital's CEO stood and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, there will be a black-tie reception and dinner at the Country Club beginning at seven tonight to honor Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard. Limousines will arrive at the Riley-Reynolds home at six tonight and transport the new Doctors and their family to the Country Club. I look forward to seeing each of you at the Country Club tonight.
"Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard, there is one more thing I need to take care of right quickly. Would you each please come to the microphone."
"Gentlemen, I would like to present you with your first coats to wear in your practices, and while making rounds in the hospital. "Dr. Jaiden Riley-Reynolds, it is my distinct honor to present you with your first jacket identifying you as a doctor in full standing at Erie Medical Center. Peyton and Richard, it is likewise my honor to present each of you your first jackets identifying you as doctors in full standing at Erie Medical Center. Congratulations, young men, you have worked hard, and earned the honors you have received today."
The guys and their parents – including Ginny, Gampy, The Reverend, and Granny – and their family members by blood and by choice, joined them as they went to the surgical floor to see the nurses with whom they had worked. When they got to the nurse's station, Brenda let out a yell, and hugged and congratulated the guys.
Since none of the nurses had ever seen the children, they all grouped together to meet them. There was one nurse on duty who was cute like Sally, and when she stooped down to speak to the boys, Nathan Robert looked at his Dad and said, "Da, cue." Jaiden hung his head, apologized, and said, "Oh no, Seth all over again, what am I going to do?" Seth was laughing at Jaiden's response and said, "Jaiden, you'll just have to get used to battling that issue. This is the first time, but like with me, you know it's gonna happen again!" Dr. Mom and the Riley's laughed at Seth saying that; they knew he had told the truth.
The CEO of the hospital thought of something he had forgotten to tell the guys, so he pulled them into a conference room and said, gentlemen, I forgot to mention your salaries as medical providers at the hospital: your salaries have been fixed at $250,000.00 per year, I hope that amount meets with your approval. When you complete your oncology and oncological surgery residencies, that salary will increase by $150,000 per year. Jaiden turned white as a sheet, and had to sit down. Peyton stuck his head out the door and asked Jaiden's Mom and his parents to come into the conference room. When they saw how white Jaiden was, they became concerned, and asked Peyton what had happened. Peyton said the CEO told them what their salaries were going to be until they went to St. Jude's, and what they would be after they returned from their specialized training.
Jaiden's Mom pulled up a chair and sat by Jaiden and said, "Son, you are extremely pale, talk to me, tell me what is going on." Jaiden took a piece of paper and wrote $250,000 per year until St. Jude's. Under that, he wrote, after St. Jude's, $400,000. Jaiden's Mom handed the note to Jim and Phyllis Riley, and they turned pale and had to take a seat.
Sally walked into the conference room, and was alarmed that everyone looked as if they were about to lose their lunch. She looked at Richard and said, "Honey, what's wrong?" Richard pointed at his Mom who then gave Sally the note on the salaries. She was so incredulous at what she saw; she, too, had to sit down.
When everyone had regained their composure, they all went down to the pediatrics floor to meet the nurses. When they got to the floor, all three guys walked up to the nurse's station. Janie was sitting at the desk, looked up, saw the guys, and said, "Hey, Jaiden, Peyton, Richard. What brings you guys to pediatrics?" "We thought since we will be primary physicians for this floor that we should come down and say hello." "Primary physicians in pediatrics?" The guys put on their coats and Janie noticed there was a change in title. Dr. Jaiden Riley-Reynolds, DO. She looked at Peyton and saw Dr. Peyton Riley-Reynolds, DO. Then she looked at Richard and saw Dr. Richard Riley, DO. She put her hand to her mouth in surprise and asked, "WHEN?" "Today, Janie. It was a surprise to us. We had no idea we had completed everything required of us.
Janie said, "guys, hold on for a minute, I'm gonna have some fun with this. She got on the intercom to the rooms and said, "All nurses, please return to the nurses station. Our new primary pediatricians are here to meet the staff." As the nurses congregated at the nurse's station, Amber asked Janie where the new physicians were. Janie pointed at Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard. When the ladies saw the new titles on the guy's smocks, they hugged and congratulated them. As they were talking, an alarm when off in one of the rooms.
The nurses and all three guys took off running to the room. While Peyton and Jaiden were checking vitals and working to get the child stabilized, Richard checked the chart and noticed the boy had been given an IV drug that was a penicillin derivative, even though the chart was clearly labeled "severely allergic to penicillin." He said, "Penicillin, he's having an anaphylactic reaction. Jaiden looked at the nurse and said, "8 kg of ephedrine." The nurse ran to the station, got the medication, and took it to the child's room. Jaiden injected the ephedrine and watched the child to ensure the medication started working as soon as it was injected. The child started calming, respiration was returning to normal, and within 10 minutes, the child was on his way to recovery. Jaiden looked at the chart to see who had prescribed the penicillin derivative. He picked up the phone and called that physician's office and said, "This is Dr. Jaiden Riley-Reynolds, is Dr. Andujar in, this is urgent about his patient, Tyler Barone."
Dr. Andujar picked up the phone and lashed out at Jaiden saying, "What do you mean by identifying yourself as a doctor when you are only a physician's assistant? How dare you!" The veins in Jaiden's neck began to bulge, and Peyton said, "Oh shit, Jaiden is about to ream Andujar a new one!" Dr. Andujar, it's not how dare I; it's how dare you! You apparently haven't been keeping up with developments at the hospital, and you damned sure haven't been reading your patient's charts before prescribing a drug to which he is clearly and patently allergic."
As for what you thought was arrogance on my part identifying myself as Dr. Jaiden Riley-Reynolds, as of today, I am a full-fledged DO with full rights in this hospital. I don't appreciate the demeaning tone of your voice, so understand this: you better never speak to me in such a derogatory manner again, or to anybody else on the pediatrics floor for that matter! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?" "Yes, you do, I didn't know, I apologize." "Your mistake almost cost Tyler Barone his life; per my orders, and hospital policy, the charge nurse is reporting this incident to the hospital's review officer. I have contacted Tyler's parents, and they are on the way to the hospital. I suggest you be ready to explain to them when they get here why you made such a careless, egregious error in their child's care." "Dr. Riley-Reynolds, I am on my way to the hospital." "GOOD!"
When Tyler's parents got to the hospital, they were clearly shaken and angry. Jaiden introduced Peyton, Richard, and himself to the Barone's and explained what had happened. As he did, Dr. Andujar entered Tyler's room. Before he had a chance to say anything, Tyler's father, William, looked at Andujar and said, "you made a mistake that could have cost my son his life, why?"
Andujar stumbled around for an answer and couldn't find one that would be acceptable to anyone, so he said, "Mr. Barone, I made a mistake, and I am sorry." "Dr. Andujar, I don't believe you know what I do for a living, so let me give you one of my business cards." When Andujar saw the business card, he freaked, and walked out of the room. Mr. Barone gave Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard one of his business cards as well. When Jaiden read the business card, it said, "William Barone, Attorney at Law. Just under the title Attorney at Law, were the words: Malpractice Litigation. Jaiden started hysterically laughing as he said he wondered why Andujar looked like a ghost when he left Tyler's room.
Jaiden said, "Mr. Barone, I didn't see any diagnostic tests ordered in Tyler's file, so if you don't mind, I would like to order some lab tests and a CAT scan. If the problem is what I think it is, Tyler needs a surgical procedure immediately, and should be able to be at home in his own bed by noon tomorrow." "Run the tests you think will be beneficial to my son. We'll be in the room when the results are sent up to you.
When the results were ready, Jaiden's hunch was correct: Tyler has acute appendicitis. Peyton ordered a mild sedative to take the edge off Tyler's fear as they prepped him for surgery. Dr. Brannen walked into the room, shook everybody's hand, and asked, "Jaiden, what do we have?" "Dr. Brannen, I ordered a CBC and a CAT scan. Results show acute appendicitis. Tyler has been laying here for a week, and he could have been home the day after he was admitted if the proper tests had been ordered."
Dr. Brannen pulled Tyler's case up on the computer and reviewed everything. Before he realized it, he said, "that son-of-a-bitch; this boy has been in unnecessary agony. We're going to have a board meeting on this!" Mr. Barone asked Dr. Brannen how he knew there would be a board meeting on the case, and Dr. Brannen looked at him and said, "Because I'm chairman of the board." Jaiden said, "Mr. Barone, do you have another business card you can give to Dr. Brannen?" Mr. Barone said he did, and handed a card to Dr. Brannen.
Dr. Brannen glanced at the card, smiled broadly, and said, "This is going to be so much fun for me." Nurses came from the OR to do the surgical prep and to take Tyler downstairs for surgery. Richard had already run the IV lines, so that was something Tyler wouldn't have to face alone with strangers. "Jaiden, you and Peyton need to scrub up for surgery." "Dr. Brannen, aren't you going to do the surgery?" "Nope, you are. You are more than qualified to do this; I will stand back and observe."
"Jaiden let his Mom and Peyton's parents know they would be in surgery for about an hour doing an appendectomy. Dr. Mom went with Jaiden and Peyton and scrubbed up as did Dr. Riley. Both would stand with Dr. Brannen and observe, after all, this was Jaiden's and Peyton's first solo surgery. Forty-five minutes later Jaiden completed the appendectomy, and Peyton closed the incision. Normally the procedure would be done laparoscopically, but the appendix had ruptured, and Jaiden and Peyton had to do a lot of internal cleaning to prevent more infection.
Jaiden went to the surgical waiting room to speak with the Barone's. Richard was sitting with them when Jaiden walked in. One look at Jaiden told Richard there had been a complication. "Mr. and Mrs. Barone, I had to make a large incision instead of doing the surgery laparoscopically. Tyler's appendix had ruptured, and infection had spilled out into his abdominal cavity. Dr. Peyton closed the incision, and he is sitting with Tyler in recovery. We would like to keep Tyler in the hospital for three days to ensure no additional infection sets in, and to make sure he is comfortable."
"Physical Therapy will come in tonight and help him sit up, and they will get Tyler out of bed to walk before lunch tomorrow; his lunch and dinner will be mostly broth for about three days. If he does well, he should go home by Friday when you each get off from work, and can be with him. We'll check him from head to toe before he is released. I want to see him next Thursday to check for infection, and to make sure the incision site is healing properly. We should be able to remove the staples by the following Friday. Then you can give him educational research projects to do on his computer so he doesn't try to go out and do something physical that could reopen the incision, or cause him problems internally. I say educational research projects because that is more beneficial than watching television, or playing video games, and it also gives you two quality time to spend with Tyler.
"Just out of curiosity, Dr. Jaiden, are you and Dr. Peyton related?" We are, and Dr. Richard is Peyton's brother. Dr. Peyton and I are married to each other, and we have five sons. Our three brothers live with us, and two of them have four sons and a daughter together." "You guys have ten babies - in one house?" "We do, but we added two large nurseries, each with huge open bath rooms to the house, and two bedrooms when the babies were on the way so our surrogate moms would have a nice place to stay when they came to Erie for the births of the babies. All ten were born in the middle of last June."
"Do you know Judge Stanislauski?" "I do." "Go sit down with him and let him tell you about Peyton, me, and Richard. I think you'll find what he has to say very interesting. He owns the story, so I'll let him tell it. When the two of you finish your conversation, ask him about Dale's coffee, and ask if he can take you and your wife to try it." "OK, I will. I have a feeling Don's story will be intriguing." "Trust me, it is."
At 6 pm on the dot, the limousines pulled up to Jaiden's and Peyton's house. All five guys were looking very handsome in their tuxedos, and Sally wore the dress from Oslo, and she looked incredibly stunning. When they got to the Country Club for the night's ceremonies, every local news agency from Erie, Abingdon, Pensacola, Milton, Mobile, and Orange Beach were at the club to cover the night's event. Jaiden and Peyton looked around and saw their friends from Fox News, CBS, ABC, and NBC. They went to speak to their friends from Fox from whom they received hugs and handshakes. CBS, ABC, and NBC weren't left out of the meet and greet.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Thomas Carmichael, CEO of the Erie Medical Center. On behalf of the Erie Medical Center and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and its President, Dr. Everett Zimmerman, we would like to welcome you to tonight's celebration of Dr. Robert Jaiden Riley-Reynolds, Dr. Peyton Charles Riley-Reynolds, and Dr. Richard Andrew Riley. Their accomplishments at LECOM and at the Erie Medical Center have been nothing short of miraculous."
"They have completed a four-year medical program in three years, graduated early at the top of their class, and helped reform the educational systems across the United States, for which they each were awarded the Nobel Prize in Education. As physician's assistants, they were instrumental in saving the lives of three teens, and stopping the mental abuse of a third. In addition to saving the teen's lives, and stopping the abuse of three teens, they arranged for the adoption of all three boys into loving, supportive families. Before I ask the boys and their parents to stand, I need to advise you that I did get their and their parent's permission to mention their names: Seth, Jeremy, Mathieu, and Joseph, would you please stand with your parents and be recognized to honor Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard."
Dr. Richard Riley, would you and Ms. Sally Isenberg please come to the platform. As they arose and started toward the platform, the Reverend and Rabbi Kravitz followed closely behind them. When they got to the stage, Richard and Sally faced the Rabbi and the Reverend. Rabbi Kravitz read the Jewish texts for marriage, and Reverend Taylor McDonald had the couple recite their vows, said a prayer, and pronounced Richard and Sally husband and wife. The Rileys and Dr. Reynolds were all in tears. Jaiden and Peyton led the audience in applause.
To everyone's surprise, Richard, Sally, Jaiden, and Peyton danced a fast two-step to boogie-woogie styled jazz, leaving their parents stunned. They had no idea their sons could dance like that. Sally walked over to Seth, took him by the hand, and led him to the dance floor where she slow danced with him. Their love for each other was more than evident as tears streamed down their faces. Richard's Mom joined him in a Mother-Son dance, and Sally's Dad danced with her. Richard went to his new mother-in-law and led her to the dance floor where they danced a waltz, further surprising everyone in the room. When they completed their waltz, they received a standing ovation as they returned to their seats.
Mr. Carmichael returned to the Podium to recognize Dr. Jacob Biel, President of the University of Florida. Dr. Biel stepped to the microphone and requested that Seth Riley come to the platform and stand by him. When Seth stepped next to Dr. Biel, Dr. Biel said, "Ladies and gentlemen, Seth, we have followed Seth Riley's educational journey through his school in Orange Beach, and he has proven to be a walking encyclopedia of information on Marine Biology and Marine Biodiversity. Seth's aptitude and IQ have measured through the roof, with the highest scores ever recorded in the States of Alabama and Florida. That acknowledged, the University of Florida would like to offer Seth a scholarship to attend the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. You will have to complete chemistry and math requirements, and then you will be allowed to enroll in the Veterinary College. Will you do that for us?"
Seth didn't say a word until his Dad and Richard went to him and said, "Seth, you need to look at Dr. Biel and say yes, sir." Seth looked at Dr. Biel and said, "Yes, sir. I'm sorry, but this is a bit overwhelming to me after all I have had to endure over the past year." "Well, Seth, we are honored to help you accomplish your goal in becoming a marine veterinarian." Dr. Dad and Richard helped Seth return to his seat, where he sat in total disbelief at what had just occurred.
The third surprise was when Dr. Wade Berenstein, CEO of St. Jude's Children's Hospital, stepped up to the microphone on the platform. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to ask Drs. Jaiden and Peyton Riley-Reynolds to come to the platform, and I would ask Messer's Dale and Charles Jacobs-Anderson to join them. Dr. Jaiden, Dr. Peyton, we are aware of the special relationship you have with Dale and Charley; we did our homework. You are aware that St. Jude's, in cooperation with several local builders in Tennessee, have built you a home in which you will live while completing your residency in oncology and oncological surgery."
"What you are not aware of is, a home, identical to your home in Erie, was built so you and your brothers could continue to live together, and not have to separate your ten children. The home that was constructed for Mr. Ezra, and Mrs. Martha Stuart, is directly to the left of your new home. Adjacent to the right side of your house, we have built a home for the individuals who will be helping Mrs. Stuart raise your and the Jacobs-Anderson's children. The gracious person we have employed to assist in raising the children of Dale and Charley is imminently qualified, and she is here tonight."
"I respectfully ask that she rise, and come to the platform." Charley had to grab Dale as Granny and the Reverend stood and headed to the stage. Jaiden, Peyton, Dale, and Charley were stunned. Their parents had smiles running from ear to ear; they knew of the plan all along, and they had kept the biggest secret of their lives.
"One last thing: We are in the process of adding a $200 million dollar addition to St. Jude's, and the engineering firm in charge of the project has agreed to employ Dale and Charley for their internships, and, afterward, to employ them until the four of you return to Erie. The School of Engineering at Penn State in Erie approved the plan. They will speak with Dale and Charley about opening a branch of their company in Erie so Dale and Charley can remain with the firm after their return home."
"Ladies and gentlemen, now that the marriage has occurred, the dances have been danced, and the announcements and awards have been made, please enjoy your meal." A curtain in the front of the dining room parted and a band started playing soft, saxy jazz.
When the meal was over, the limos took the Riley-Reynolds clan back to their home. Don, Jay, Jeremy, and Carl came over, as did the Grays, and the Brannen's. Dale started the coffee and went in the den to talk to his, and Charley's parents about the internships, and getting to remain with Jaiden and Peyton and keep the children together. Jaiden and Peyton were talking with Don and Jay and were having a hard time processing the day's events. That they were awarded their Doctor of Osteopathy Degrees a month and a half early was unfathomable to the them. Handling an emergency with a child going into anaphylactic shock because another physician had not paid attention to his patient's chart, and had failed to order appropriate blood tests and x-rays, and had failed to make an appropriate diagnosis, the guys were tired. As tired as they were, Jaiden remembered to tell Jay about the incident involving William Barone and that he had suggested Mr. Barone talk to him and ask him about Dale's coffee. "Jaiden, would it be OK with you if I call Bill right quick and invited him over for a little while?" "It's OK with me, Don."
"Bill, this is Don Stanislauski. I understand Dr. Jaiden mentioned to you the coffee Dale makes." "He did, Don." "Well, I am sitting here with Dale having a cup of his coffee. The address is 5680 Landings Way. When you pull out of the hospital, make a right, and go three quarters of a mile and make a left. That will be Landings Way. The house is on the right near the end of the street." "Margaret and I will be there in about 15 minutes."
Fifteen minutes later, on the dot, the doorbell rang and Charley answered the door and said, "You must be Mr. William and Mrs. Margaret Barone; please, come in. I'm Charley Jacobs-Anderson. The rest of the group is in the den just through the door on the right."
Bill and Margaret walked to the den and were greeted by Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard. Mr. and Mrs. Barone, welcome to our home. You've met Charley, this is Dale, his husband, and the coffee engineer. You didn't get a chance to meet my Mom, who was at the hospital with Peyton, Richard, and me when Tyler had his episode. She was in surgery with us. Mom, this is attorney William Barone and his wife, Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Barone, this is my Mom and hero, Dr. Peggy Reynolds. This bear, and his beautiful wife are the best in-laws Hashem could ever give to a person, Dr. Jim, and Phyllis Riley." "It is nice to meet you Mr. Barone, I was at the hospital when your son became so ill; I'm elated he is recovering so well. "Thank you, Dr. Riley. If it had not been for Drs. Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard, my son may well have died." "I was proud of Jaiden, and my sons, for the way they handled the emergency, found the underlying cause of your son's problem, and immediately took care of it."
"Dr. Riley..." "Please, call me Jim." Jaiden's Mom spoke up and said, "and I'm Peggy, not Dr. Reynolds." "Jim, I was extremely impressed with those young doctors. They will be my son's physicians until they go to Tennessee, and when they get back to Erie. I don't believe their being on the pediatric floor was happenstance when Tyler had the reaction to the penicillin drug; I believe God sent them to that floor purposely so they could save my son's life. I will always be grateful to them for what they did. The way Jaiden reamed Dr. Andujar a new asshole, that was classic, and he did it very well." "Thank you for saying that, Bill. Jaiden is just as much a son to me as Peyton and Richard are. Get Don to tell you their story sometime; it's rather intriguing." "Funny you should say that, Jaiden told me to do that after he did Dr. Andujar's anal replacement; he said Don owned the story."
Don said, "William, I met Jaiden, Peyton, Dale, and Charley when a local drug-addicted thug thought he was going to Rob the four guys, and their four very pregnant surrogate Moms. Peyton is a world-champion martial arts expert, and the thug didn't know it. He tried to rob them with a fake gun, and when Peyton took it away from him, he pulled out a large hunting knife and tried to stab Peyton several times, only to find himself getting off the ground every time. Peyton finally had enough of his crap, and beat the ever-loving hell out of the guy. The thug was still lying on the ground moaning when the police got there. When I asked the officers in court to tell me what happened, he said, `Judge, Peyton's sister recorded the entire incident with the perpetrator.' He showed me the video, and I started laughing on the bench when I heard Peyton on the video telling the guy that the next time he tried to rob a gay guy, and four pregnant women, to remember that the gay guy may very well stomp his ass. He thought he was groaning when he was lying on the ground at the beach; he was really moaning after he got what amounted to life sentences because of his felonious history of armed robberies and aggravated assaults."
"Then there was the incident where Jeremy's bio-donor caught him with his boyfriend and then tried to stomp Jeremy to death for being gay and `embarrassing' him and his family. Jaiden and Peyton are the two who nursed Jeremy back to health. Then there was the case of the boy Jaiden and Peyton interviewed here at the house. They rushed him to the hospital, and had Don Brannen meet them in the emergency room. Shortly after Don got to the hospital, the boy was rushed to surgery where he spent the next six and a half hours. His bio-donor caught him naked with his boyfriend in his bedroom. He didn't know his son was gay, and he exploded in anger, took a broom stick, and severely assaulted his son. When it was over, the boy had a damaged liver, a ruptured spleen, a severely damaged kidney, and three tears in his lower colon. I sentenced that sorry bastard to consecutive sentences totaling a little over 500 years." Everybody was shocked when Seth spoke up and said, "Mr. Barone, that boy was me."
Don continued, "There were two other boys whose parents and a teacher physically or mentally abused them. The parents found themselves in prison for a very long time. The teacher lost her job and teaching certificate thanks to Peyton. Jaiden and Peyton found each of the boys I mentioned a loving, safe home with the best parents they could ever have. Jaiden, Peyton, and now Richard, are three of the most amazing young men you will ever meet." "Don, I had already figured that out. I didn't know they had such a history of helping abused children." "Bill, sadly they do, and it weighs on their minds and hearts that such heinous abuse occurs every day. The good thing is that Jaiden and Peyton ensure the abused children never go back into the environment from which they came. I love those young men just like they are blood relatives." A tear rolled from Don's eye as he said that. Jaiden's and Peyton's Moms smiled because they knew the truth of Don's statement.
"Everyone finished their coffee, and since it was late, they said their goodbye's and headed home.
Since Jaiden had Mr. Pope's cell number, he went to his bedroom, closed the door, and called Mr. Pope. "Mr. Pope, this is Jaiden, I'm sorry to bother you at this time of the evening, can you get me two Royal Blue Lincoln Nautiluses, and have them ready and at Erie First Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday Morning at 11? I will come by the dealership in the morning and pay for the cars. I want one in the name of Taylor and Geraldine McDonald, and the other in the name of Ezra and Martha Stuart (S-t-u-a-r-t). By the way, you may want to watch the news at 11; I think you will enjoy it." "Jaiden, if I don't have two of the blue, would another color be OK?" "I would prefer the Royal Blue color. I could wait a week or two if there is one nearby that could be brought in on a truck. I'll cover the transport fee if one is available within northeast Pennsylvania." "Jaiden, I'll get to work on it first thing in the morning." "Thanks, Mr. Pope." "You are most welcome, Jaiden, and thank you." "Yes, sir."
`Mom, I'm exhausted, so if you don't mind, I'm going to bed. I want to go by the school in the morning and see my classmates, and go by the office before going back to LECOM to have lunch with my friends." "Son, I understand. You look exhausted." Jaiden walked to Peyton and whispered in his ear that he was exhausted, and was going to bed early. Peyton excused himself and went to cuddle with Jaiden. Sleep wouldn't be all Peyton would probably do; he'd never made love to a doctor before.
When Jaiden laid down with Peyton, he turned on the television to watch the local news channel he likes. When they saw the coverage of the day's events, the story left them in tears. Just after the news ended, Jenny, Jennifer, Angie, and Marty called from Jenny's home. They were all crying at the news they had just heard, and Jenny's phone was ringing off the hook with friends calling her and Ron. The guys talked to the ladies for almost an hour before they could finally go to sleep. Forget the idea of making love, they were too tired; all the guys wanted to do was cuddle and fall asleep.
As Jaiden and Peyton arose the next morning, there was an unmistakable smell of Banana Macadamia nut waffles wafting through the house. When he went into the kitchen, he hugged Granny and told her he didn't understand why she and the Reverend were going to Tennessee with them. "Jaiden, the church has doubled in size, and Taylor is 70 years old. It's time for somebody younger to move the church forward. Besides, we didn't want the children to be separated, and we couldn't stand to see Charley and Dale suffer so much at the thought of the four of you being separated for so long. We talked it over with our sons, and they thought it was the right time, and the best thing for us to do. Taylor will pastor the church through the 20th of June and then retire. We'll head to Tennessee with Martha and Ezra the Monday after Taylor retires. "Granny, thank you so much for loving us, and being willing to do that for us, we love you two dearly." "We love you guys, too, Jaiden; if we didn't, we wouldn't go."
Jaiden went into the den and called Mr. Pope about the cars he had ordered. "Mr. Pope, if you would, please add a third Nautilus to the ones I have already ordered. Red or silver would be acceptable on the third car." Jaiden, I have three of the Royal Blue if you would like the blue. I also have a red like Richards, and a silver you mentioned." "Mr. Pope, the three in blue will be ok; besides, I think I look good in Royal Blue." "Jaiden, you're a hoot. By the way, congratulations on your graduation." "Thank you, Mr. Pope, it was totally unexpected for it to happen yesterday instead of May 15. Mr. Pope, there is one thing I forgot about the first two cars I ordered: when they are brought to the church at 11 Sunday, would it be possible to put a big red bow on the top of each car?" "Jaiden, I'll have my guys take care of that for you." "Thank you, Mr. Pope, I want Sunday to be special for Ginny and Gampy, and for the Reverend and Granny."
Jaiden walked into the den, looked out the French doors, and saw his Mom leaning against the deck railing with a cup of coffee in her hand. He very quietly opened the door, and even more quietly walked up behind his mother, put his arms around her and said, "Hey, gorgeous, have I told you lately how much I love you?" His Mom put her coffee mug on the railing, turned, and looked Jaiden in the eyes as she said, "Actually, no, you haven't. But more importantly you have shown me how much you love me in ways I could never imagine. When you put your arms around me, I was vividly watching my little boy playing at the edge of the backyard, running, laughing, and having fun with his friends. I blinked my eyes, and he was a teenager who was more interested in studying than hanging out with friends and dating. I blinked again, and he was a growing young man on a journey that I saw being extremely difficult for him, and there was nothing I could do. The pain of not being able to help was unbelievable, so much so that it was almost too hard for me to bear."
"I blinked a third time, and my little boy was standing under the Chuppah with the love of his life getting married, and all I could think was, thank You Hashem for helping him find the one person who would always love and complete him in the most amazing ways. Yesterday, I realized he was a grown man who had left the nest for the final time, taking flight with his dreams, his hopes, conquering his fears with six human beings who love him more than I ever could. That is when I blinked a fourth time, and realized how incredibly proud I was of the young man to whom I had given birth, and how thankful I am for the lessons of life he taught me as he grew up. Jaiden, you are an incredible young man, married to another brilliant and incredible young man with whom you share five of the smartest children I have ever seen. No, you haven't actually told me lately how much you love me, but you have shown me in the most unbelievable ways any parent could ever hope for or imagine, and, to me, that speaks much more of your love for me than simple words."
Peyton had quietly slipped out on the deck and was standing by the French doors, tears cascading across his cheeks. He had never felt so honored, so blessed, than he did at that moment after hearing what Jaiden's Mom had to say. He went back inside the house as quietly as he could, and walked up to his bedroom. His Mom saw the tears flooding across his face, and went upstairs to check on her son. She knocked on the bedroom door, and Peyton opened it to see her standing there looking worried. He told her to come in. He and his Mom walked to the recliners positioned to look out the windows and over the field behind their home. "Peyton, your tears concern me and I want to make sure you are OK."
"Mom, I quietly slipped out onto the deck while Jaiden was talking to his Mom. What she had to say about how Jaiden had shown her how much he loved her, instead of telling her, what I heard her say about me, and our sons...I don't understand how I can be and have been so blessed. I knew Jaiden's Mom loved me, but I never really knew how much until I heard what she said to Jaiden. I honestly haven't known the full extent of my blessings until tonight."
"It's inconceivable to me how you, and Dad could be the wonderful parents you both have been, even though I know in my heart that I didn't turn out exactly the way you wanted me to. I have never seen how upset you probably were when you learned I was gay. When I tried to tell you the night Jaiden came home with me, you knew. You knew, and you never lashed out at me like so many other parents have with their children. Jenny knew and never said a word, and when she learned about Jaiden, she accepted him like he was her blood brother. When Ron flew to Mobile to officiate at Jaiden's and my wedding, I felt so honored, yet felt so unsure of why, and how he could love me enough to do that. Jenny's boys are alpha males and they make me feel so special when they are around. Richard has been extremely loving and supportive from the time I met him until he became my brother. I keep pinching myself and asking why. Jaiden and I were so afraid of moving away from Dale and Charley, and their children. We were scared we would grow apart, that the children would grow apart, and yet we have been so blessed to have things work out the way they have. I pinched myself last night, and again, I asked why; it's something I don't understand."
"Peyton, if your Dad, or I asked you to describe to us what kind of person you think you are, how would you answer that question?" "Mom, that's a tough thing to think about; it's a question that's hard for me to answer. I guess I would say I try to be an accepting and loving person. I try to be good to people, and treat them the way I want to be treated. Occasionally, I'm not so successful at being able to do that, and it makes me shake to my core. I love my sons, and I want the best for them. I don't want to spoil them, but I want to teach them to be appreciative of the good things in life, and to try and change the things that aren't so nice. "
`
"Son, think about what you just said. If I asked you to condense everything you said into four words, what would those four words be?" "Mom, I think they would be gifted, concerned, empathic, and loving." "Precisely, Peyton, and that is why I think you, and Jaiden, have been so blessed. You are the characteristics you described. The only thing your Dad and I have ever wanted for you, and Jenny, is for you to be comfortable in your own skin, to find someone who loves you as much as you love them, and to be happy with your life. I think what your Dad and I have wanted for the two of you has come true, and we are eternally grateful that has happened for you, and Jenny." Peyton laid his head on his mother's shoulder and cried until he could cry no more. When he calmed down, he and his mother walked back to the den.
Jaiden took one look at Peyton and knew instantly that the love of his life had been incredibly emotional. He squatted in front of Peyton and said, "Peyton, I don't like seeing you looking like you've been upset enough to cry. I love you more than anything or anybody in this world, and I always will, don't forget that!"
"Jaiden, tonight I learned just how much you and your mother love me. I heard what she told you on the deck; that is what got to me. I had no idea she loved me that much. I talked with Mom, and learned that they love you as much as your Mom loves me, and how incredibly blessed we are to have the parents Hashem gave to us." "I understand, sweetheart, I learned the same lesson tonight."
The boys waddled over to their Dads wanting their attention, so Peyton, and Jaiden laid on the floor and rough-housed with their boys, who seemed to enjoy the strenuous play; one thing was certain, their Dads relished the play time with their sons. Saturday morning rolled around and Peyton and Jaiden could hardly wait to get to the worship services at the temple. Rabbi Kravitz delivered a message that was unbelievably fitting, given the week's events for Jaiden and Peyton. When the service was over, every member of the temple came over to congratulate the guys, and to say how proud they were of the temple's youngest members.
Jaiden was still exhausted from the week's events, and the opening of a medical practice he didn't anticipate. All he wanted to do after the services was have a quiet meal in an out of the way spot where people would let them eat in peace and relax. They went to a little bistro in an out of the way spot in downtown Erie and had a quiet, peaceful meal. Their parents were watching their boys, so Jaiden decided to take Peyton for a walk in the mountain park and enjoy the peaceful waterfalls. They held hands as they walked the trails, watched the animals, and enjoyed the crisp late-winter day. Jaiden slipped his arm around Peyton's waist as they slowly walked the winding trail through the park. When they got to the largest waterfall, Jaden sat down and pulled Peyton onto his lap and held him like he had done in Orange Beach. They each closed their eyes, and before they knew it, they were asleep. They awoke just as the sun-set was starting. Jaiden called home to apologize to their parents, and to let them know what had happened, that they were OK, and on the way home.
They got home just in time to have dinner with their families. Dale had cooked a large roast and a variety of vegetables, including Jaiden's favorite, grilled asparagus. As he and Peyton walked into the den, their sons went running to them and hugged them on their legs. Jaiden sat on the floor and held each of his boys and asked them, "do you know who loves you more than anything in this world?" All five boys grinned and giggled as they all said, "Da." "Jaiden and Peyton hugged and kissed each of their sons as they put them in their highchairs and got them ready for dinner.
After dinner, Peyton and Jaiden played with their sons until it was time for their baths and bedtime. They went to their room, put on their bathing suits, and took their sons to the large shower in their room. Their parents came up to watch their grandsons having a good time playing and laughing as their Dads bathed them. The boys were so funny running around the open shower trying to keep their Dads from catching them for their baths; the grandparents laughed so hard they had tears coming from their eyes.
When the boys were put in their beds, Nathan Robert was having a hard time falling asleep, so Jaiden picked him up and rocked him until they both fell asleep. Jaiden's Mom took Nathan Robert from his Dad's arms and laid him in his bed. She quietly left the room, shut the door, and left Jaiden sleeping in the rocker next to Nathan Robert's bed. Jaiden's Mom fixed him a cup of hot chocolate with one of the pills dissolved in the milk to help him sleep for the night. Peyton knew what his mother-in-law had done, and agreed with her decision to do it, because he knew Jaiden was exhausted and needed the deep sleep - even if it was aided by medication.
When they awoke the next morning, Peyton's Mom had prepared a true southern breakfast for everybody. They ate breakfast, and then got the babies up, got them pottied, and took them to the dining room for their breakfast. When they tasted their grandma's cheese grits, they ate every grain, and asked for more – and they got it. When they finished their breakfast, Jaiden, and Peyton got them washed off and dressed to play in the nursery at Ginny's church.
They got to the church at 10:30 and took their seats. Jaiden watched to make sure his surprises arrived on time, and they did. The Lincolns were parked in Gampy's and the Reverend's parking spaces. About five minutes before the service was to begin, the vice-chairman of the Deacons stepped onto the pulpit and announced that it appeared someone had parked in the parking spots reserved for the Pastor and the Deacon chairman. As the announcement was completed, the Reverend and Gampy took their places on the stage. When they took their seats, Jaiden got up and walked to the microphone on the podium. The Reverend and Gampy appeared surprised that Jaiden had done that.
Jaiden stepped to the microphone and said, "I apologize for the cars being parked in the Reverend's and Gampy's parking spaces; it was not, and is not a mistake. Ginny and Granny, would you please come to the pulpit and stand with Gampy and the Reverend." When Ginny and Granny reached the pulpit, Jaiden looked at them and said, "Ginny, I have tried to figure a way to do something extra special to say thank you for the love and support you have given to me all my life. Granny, you have been incredibly kind in helping to raise Dale's and Charley's children, and you and Pop have been exceptionally loving and supportive of Joseph and his parents in helping them to repair their relationships."
"I wanted to do something special for you and the Reverend for the love and kindness you have shown not only to my family, but to every family in this church, and to all the new members who have joined in the past few months. The two cars parked in your spaces are Lincoln Nautiluses, and they are yours. Ginny, here are the keys to yours and Gampy's. Granny, here are the keys to yours and the Reverend's. When you travel to Tennessee, I want you each to be incredibly comfortable on the journey, and this is my way of ensuring your guaranteed comfort. Peyton, Dale, Charley, and I, and especially our children, love you to Mars and back." That said, Jaiden kissed Ginny and Granny on the cheek and sat down. Granny, the Reverend, Gampy, and Ginny were standing on the pulpit dumbfounded trying to figure out what just happened.
The vice-chairman of the Deacons stepped onto the pulpit and said, "In light of the morning's events, there is a surprise luncheon in the social hall for our honored guests, and for the Reverend, the First Lady, Deacon Ezra, and Sister Martha. The ladies of the church, at the direction of the Mother of the Church, had pulled off the surprise of the year.
Everyone exited through the front of the church and went to the parking lot to see the gifts Jaiden had given to the Reverend and his wife, and to Ginny, and Gampy. Ginny and Granny sat in their new cars and cried about how Jaiden and Peyton had honored them. When everyone had a chance to see the gifted cars, they went to the social hall where a blessing was said, after which everybody served themselves and began to eat.
The choir was prepared to sing, and sing they did. The gospel songs they sang had everyone dancing and tapping their feet. When the luncheon concluded, The Reverend and Granny, and Gampy and Ginny drove their new cars to Jaiden's and Peyton's to thank them for their generosity. When they got to the house, they noticed another new Lincoln in the driveway. When they asked Jaiden about that car, he told them that he and Peyton would each need a car to go to their offices every day to work, and to classes they would be attending in a residency program for the Medical Center. They would also be attending periodic seminars at LECOM related to their work in pediatrics, pediatric oncology, and surgery.
Jaiden smiled as he looked at Ginny and Granny and said, "I think we all look our best in Royal Blue, don't you?" Everybody laughed at the comment. They knew, however, that Jaiden was right, driving a 15-passenger van to work, to classes, and to seminars simply wasn't feasible, and Jaiden wanted to be as comfortable as possible. Peyton would drive the Navigator, and Jaiden would drive the Nautilus.
Ginny asked, "what time do you boys need to be at work?" "Ginny, we have to be at the office by nine. We'll take a lunch from 12 until 2, and then we'll leave the office around 5:30. If we have any patients to see in the hospital, we should get home around 7. Since we don't have to leave so early every morning, why don't you and Granny come in around 8:30 instead of 6:30? We should have the children fed and clothed by the time you get here, prop your feet up, and watch your television shows.