Stacy Matthews - Dear Mary 01 - Think Twice Before You Order Read Free Page B

tried calling Charlie
at seven. According to his answering machine, he’s out of town until tomorrow.
I left a message on his machine letting him know I was in town and why. Being
here in Grandpa’s house has made me think about my Mom and Dad and how much I
miss them.
    My parents were William James Graham and Patricia Lee Graham.
My Mom died of stomach cancer when I was forty-one. My Dad died the year after
that. I think he mourned himself to death. I couldn't have asked for better
parents. People who believe in reincarnation say you are spiritually connected
to the same people each lifetime in one way or another. If there is such a
thing, I hope with all my heart those two will be my parents every time I come
back. They were fun to hang out with and were always supportive of anything I
did. Believe me I had several things I wanted to do. I took acting lessons,
dance lessons, flute lessons. I had to quit the flute lessons; the teacher said
I didn't have the lips for it.
    I don't know how my Mom did it. That woman drove me all over
town just so I could do what I was interested in at the time. She would sit and
wait for the lesson to be over then drive us all the way back home. That's one
of the reasons I don't think I would be a good mother. I know me, and I
wouldn't want to take little Bobby to Cub Scouts or karate. I would be more of
a “Don’t you know someone who has good parents that you can catch a ride with?”
parent. I would want to be as good of a mother as mine was to me, and deep down
I know I just don't have it in me.
    My Dad was a funny guy. He was an accountant. You never see
funny accountants. At least I never have. He taught me how to play baseball,
basketball, and all the usual sports every kid plays. He was a great Dad. We
would go out into the backyard and pitch a tent. We would have a small fire and
make s’mores. I loved doing that. Of course Mom would never come out and join
us. I'm pretty sure that's why we only ever camped in the backyard. Dad knew
that roughing it for Mom was when room service was late, and he didn't want to
leave her by herself for a weekend. She always said she got the best husband
around. I have to agree with her on that one. My Mom's parents were killed in a
car accident before I was born, so I know absolutely nothing about them. My mom
told me stories about them but it’s not the same.
       Even after my parents were married for
forty-five years, they acted like they were still in high school. They would
sit on the couch together, hold hands and watch TV. They loved each other so
much. That’s what I want in a relationship and I don't think that's asking for
too much.
      While I have this time off I think I should focus on
my relationship with Grandpa, and what path I would like to see my life take. I
thought a walk would do me some good and give me time to think. Boy was I
wrong.
    Unfortunately I was half way down the driveway before I saw
Mrs. Ruby in her front yard. If she gets you cornered you will be talking to
her for the next hour. I tried to turn around make it back to the front door as
fast as possible without looking like I was running. I should have just run.
    The Ruby’s have lived next to Grandma and Grandpa for as long
as I can remember. I’m not exactly sure when Mr. Ruby died, but Mrs. Ruby has
always sort of been the neighborhood watchdog. Nothing and I mean nothing, ever
went on around here without her knowing about it. You either loved her or hated
her. Towards the end Grandma loved her. Grandma told my Mom she felt safe
knowing Mrs. Ruby was watching the house when they were gone; she was better
than an alarm system and cheaper than getting a dog. Grandma didn't like it
when Mrs. Ruby would come over after she had a few of her “refreshments,”
that’s code for whatever beer was on sale.
    Grandpa has never liked her. He says he cannot do anything
without her knowing about it, and he feels like he is under house arrest. He
told me in the last