Devotion- J.R.’s lips moved in silent devotion as he sat at the bedside of his wife of forty years. He hadn’t moved from her side since her admission, three days ago unconscious and non-responsive. The doctor’s had said she was in a coma and that she would most likely slip away peacefully without ever regaining consciousness. But he knew better. He knew his Sue Ellen, the woman he loved would wake once more, and she had promised him a final ‘I love you’.
Forever- The days seemed to fly by but the nights lasted forever or so it seemed to J.R. It was three months since he had buried his Sue Ellen. After almost five days in the hospital she had woke much to the amazement of the doctors. They had been in a frenzy wanting to run numerous tests to discover the why and what of her condition. A single look from her had J.R. ordering everyone out. Once everyone left he leaned close to her, her hand in his and his cheek next to hers.
Sickness- He listened quietly as she softly whispered to him, her sickness robbing her voice of its normal vibrancy. When she finally finished speaking, he sat back and simply held her hand as she rested. Thirty minutes later John Ross arrived and once again, Sue Ellen began to speak but this time to her son as he laid his head next to hers.
Melody- The melody of her words flowed over John Ross as he listened to his mother. His tears soaked the pillow beneath him as she whispered her love to her only child. When she finished speaking, she softly kissed his forehead and closed her eyes exhausted.
Home- It was hours later when every member of the Ewing clan finally made it home to Southfork. Solemnly they paraded into the house, each one tired and heartbroken. They had lost the woman who for the past forty years had filled Southfork with love and laughter. They had lost their matriarch and no one was sure what would happen now.
Confusion- J.R. took his regular chair, not in the least surprised when his youngest great-grandchild climbed into his lap and lay her head on his shoulder. “Pappy, is Gran in heaven now?” Caitlyn asked softly.
“Yes, sweetheart, Gran is in heaven now,” answered J.R. softly.
“Pappy?” said Caitlyn.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“If Gran is in heaven, who's gonna to keep you out of trouble?” ask Caitlyn in confusion. “Gran always said you would get into trouble is she wasn’t here.”
Fear- J.R. began to laugh at his great-granddaughter’s question. His laughter began softly at first then increased in volume until he was laughing heartily. He tried to stop but the looks on his family’s faces, everything from sheer disbelief to outright fear that his grief had robbed him of his mind fed his laughter until finally; gasping for breath he managed to regain some control.
Smile- Pulling his handkerchief from his inside jacket pocket J.R. wiped the tears from his eyes. Squeezing Caitlyn tightly he looked at her and said, “Well, darlin’ your Gran was right. I’m bound to get into some kind of trouble without her here to keep me in line.” J.R. glanced over at John Ross and grinned, “Your Granddad over there is probably scared to death about that. Do you know someone who might be able to help keep me out of trouble?” he asked.
“Yep,” replied Caitlyn, the smile on her face warming his heart.
Bond- “Oh who might that be?” asked J.R.
“Me,” replied Caitlyn. “Gran always said she and I had a bond so I figure I’m the best one for the job.”
Thunder- The laughter that greeted Caitlyn’s statement was as loud as thunder and everyone knew even though Sue Ellen Ewing was gone her legacy and love would live on.
Oh, this little collection had me in tears.