End of an Era

Two years later with his family settled Ethan settled down on their porch at sunset with his beloved Joslyn. He was not his usual energetic self and complaining about chest pains and Joslyn watched him anxiously.

Next morning she took her protesting husband to the medical center where Graham worked and seeing them in the waiting room, he came out to greet them. Another patient was scheduled for a health check within minutes, so he’d thought to just greet them and head for the consulting room. Joslyn whispered her concerns, and he immediately conducted them to his consulting room as a priority. He took his time examining the protesting Ethan and finally looked at Ethan soberly.

“I want you to be admitted to the hospital immediately Ethan. No protests! I’m phoning my friend in the cardiac specialty wing and asking him to look at you urgently. You are in my opinion in need of coronary care and if you don’t take it seriously there is a strong chance you will not be with us much longer. Joslyn, see he goes there this morning and when you get there tell them you are to see Dr. Clark and you are a referral from Graham Wolf. You can expect tests and scans soon after you get there.”

This got Ethan’s attention, and he followed his wife meekly as she deposited him at the hospital feeling apprehensive. The tests confirmed Graham’s diagnosis and Ethan was prepared for theatre intervention. The eventual surgical procedures were successful, but Ethan was now ordered into a regime of supervised rehabilitation which means his work was severely hindered much to his sorrow for months.

Joslyn, Sarah, and Leah chipped in to take up the work slack with support from their partners and James took a temporary leave of absence to be with his father during his initial recovery much to the consternation of his new bride. Graham checked in on his father-in-law’s progress constantly making sure he was following the rehabilitation plan.

Ethan chafed at the restrictions placed on him. He’d always been active and creative and the idea of slowing down was far from his way. But over that rehabilitation time, he grew to appreciate the love and concern showered on him by his family. Perhaps it was time for him to begin to take a back seat and watch his family as they established themselves in their chosen careers. He’d continue to work in his workshop producing masterpieces, but he’d let Leah take over the business side with his wife as he now had confidence in her astuteness in business and her grasp of the industry he wanted to see carried on. He knew Will would give her all the support she needed too.

Will’s parents were considering letting Will take over at the shop and they’d just help and spend a bit more time working with their favorite charities in town. Will gratefully took over the role and determined he’d make his parents and wife proud of his success in managing the store. He hired help in the store for times of the day when his parents would be away and realizing where Leah’s heart and talents lay was happy to see her carry on her father’s role in the Landa business while Ethan continued with his creative work at a slower pace which he found to be relaxing. Joslyn was happy with the arrangement too as they had more time for each other now that their children were married and capable of their own chosen careers.

After two weeks into his recovery, Ethan sent James back home sensing that separation from his new bride was causing an unnecessary rift. He didn’t blame Mary Ann as they were newly married, and she couldn’t leave her teaching job to take time off with him. He sent his son away with his blessing for a happy married life and James shed a tear when they parted as he loved his father and realized the family all needed to rally at this time.

A year after Ethan’s recovery he suggested to Joslyn they should do something to celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary and Joslyn immediately went into planning mode. They had their family to celebrate with of course but there were so many friends who’d facilitated their prosperity over the years, and she wanted them to be included too. It was far beyond what Ethan had originally thought the celebration would be and he nervously began to add the costs together as Joslyn’s ideas began to gel. The girls and their spouses enthusiastically indicated they’d be involved in the cost and planning and Ethan began to relax about finances and revel in the fact his children cared that much. Even James and Mary Ann insisted on being part of the costs and planning and making it a big celebration in Gatlinburg.

The celebration was a great success and reported as a social event by the news media due to the notables in attendance. Speeches were made by dignitaries in attendance paying tribute to the contribution made by the Landa family to the history of the town and appreciation for their role in encouraging the tourist trade. The children all made speeches paying tribute to their parents and sharing the funny side of their upbringing which often had the audience in stitches of laughter.

Both Ethan and Joslyn were happy and exhausted as they gratefully made their way home that evening. They were glowing from the tributes of townspeople and the love shown by their children. Ethan turned to his wife.

“Joslyn I’m so happy you decided to defy your parents long ago and make me your choice for life. I love you even more now than I did when I fought for you.”

Joslyn smiled happily and sat in silence for a while.

“Ethan, I loved you from the first time I set eyes on you when you were hiking through our village and was delighted when you showed the courage to take on my family when you asked me to run away with you. When you pulled that shotgun against my family as they descended on the Landa property to force me home with them I knew you were a keeper and would always protect me. Thank you for giving me three beautiful children who have honored us so much this evening. I’m more than ready to let them take over and just spend my time with you now.”

She took his arm as they reached home and headed for the house.

“It’s going to be an empty nest with the kids off in their own houses now Ethan but it’s good we will get to see the girls frequently. I miss the noise they produced when we were all together but perhaps, we need a bit quieter at our age. What do you think?”

She thought for a minute.

“Well, they will produce grandchildren for us to spoil in the home so that should restore some of the noise.”

Ethan laughed.

“I hadn’t noticed a reduction in the noise level in the home Joslyn. Why do you think that is?”

Joslyn gave him a playful punch.

“Be careful Ethan, you may have to sleep by yourself tonight if you think I’m too noisy for you. Anyway, your snoring is louder than all noise the kids made combined I think.”

They both laughed and headed gratefully to bed.

Conclusion.

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