Chapter 22: Jeannie - Not Perfect

“Okay, you have to tell me more about this man. Who was this Tom that Granny married?” I was getting frustrated. Mary was determined to be vague about all answers. I hated secrets. “He’s dead after all. So is Granny. Mom is not far behind.”

“Jeannie!” Mary didn’t even try to hide to her shock.

Only then did I realize how callous my words sounded. She was right. I shouldn’t have said it that way. With contrition, I replied, “I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just saying that it can’t hurt anyone. All the main characters are virtually out of the picture. It’s all in the past.” Well, the people were, but I just knew in my gut that the impact of all the past was still alive and well within us.

Mary sat back and watched Mom quietly for several moments. I thought that was going to be her answer as it usually was - silence, but after a few minutes she spoke.

“You know that Mom’s dad died when she was just barely eleven years old.” It wasn’t a question.