Ties That Bind Read Online Free PDF Page B

it. It would be after the kids are older. It’s just a thought I had. Maybe if I could get some answers, I could finally put it to rest.”
    “I think it’s an idea worth visiting. You and Charles can make that decision.”
    I was content with our meetings, and Charles said he saw a lighter side of me. He thought it was working.
     
    ***
     
    Our family was like most others. We had trials and tribulations, fears, and anger. We tried hard to move past all the things life threw at us, and for the most part, I’d say we were successful. Eventually, all the kids graduated from high school. Charlie went on to college. Peter went to trade school to learn computers, and Carole became a housewife and mother.
    Soon the kids were all married and settled down. Charlie had our first grandchild, a son, who we adored. Peter came next with a granddaughter, and Carole had twins. We were so blessed with all the grandchildren.
    We had family dinners, and every birthday and holiday we were together at one of the houses. Charlie had the larger home of the kids, but Carole had the loveliest backyard. We really enjoyed barbecues over there. Her flowerbeds were always full of vibrant colors, and in the summertime, her vegetable garden was overflowing with crops.
    “You sure have a green thumb,” I’d say to her.
    “Got it from Daddy,” she responded.
    As a parent, the most joy comes from your children when they’re happy and healthy. Charles and I were ecstatic.
     
    ***
     
    It was during one of our family gatherings at Carole’s that she dropped a bombshell on us. Her husband joined the military! They were young and struggling financially, so the service was probably a good choice. But now I was going to worry about her being alone raising twins while he went off to basic training.
    “It’ll only be for six weeks, and then we’ll be joining him,” she said matter of factly.
    And so began our next trial as a family. Carole would be leaving our town, and our close-knit group. We vowed to not let the distance keep us apart, but over time, with age and health issues, traveling to see her and her family became more and more challenging.
     
    ***
     
    One evening, after a pleasant time at Peter’s, I brought up my idea of taking a road trip. I started off by saying we could discover America, and then I threw in about the visit to Iowa. Charles, being the professional investigator, picked up on Iowa right away.
    “Let’s take a trip out to Iowa,” he said nonchalantly as if he’d just asked me to go to the movies or the store. “We can also stop and visit Carole and her family along the way,” Charles added.
    Hearing that news really perked me up. It had been a couple years since we saw them. I knew the twins had to be in middle school by now. I was anxious to visit them.
    I called the kids and told them of our news. They were all excited about our trip. They knew it had been a while since we took a vacation. I sugarcoated the reason for the journey; I didn’t want them contacting me every day with, “Did you find out anything?”
    I merely mentioned that we’d be stopping in Iowa as well. Of course, Carole picked up on that right away – almost as quickly as her father!
    “You know, Mom…” she started.
    “I know, dear. I plan on turning over some stones while we’re there. I certainly don’t any high expectations. Whatever happens is meant to be,” I said.
    “Yep, I totally get it. Just go there, do some digging, and see what it brings up. BUT,” she hollered. “You better tell me as soon as you know something interesting,” she said laughing in the receiver.
    I let her know of our itinerary and when she could expect us to roll into her neck of the woods. She was happy we were stopping by. I wouldn’t miss stopping in and seeing her for anything. We talked on the phone weekly, but it wasn’t the same. I really missed not having her close by, but I was old school, and I believed your place was with your husband.