The Contest

By Stevanne Auerbach

Shelly Stern,single mother working in Washington D.C. during 1960s, meets Doctor Fine. Fate intercedes and she moves west. They share active four-kid household for two years and marry when Shelly wins unique contest. Marriage is amazing roller coaster ride that matches inclines of hilly streets of San Francisco.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stevanne Auerbach
• Release date: Dec 16, 2009
• ISBN: 9780978554033

Book preview

The Contest

by

Stevanne Auerbach

Smashwords Edition

The Contest© 2010 Second Edition Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., San Francisco, CA 94104

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

To my husband Ralph, and daughter Amy Beth, who both love me unconditionally, and to all single moms who struggle daily to manage the challenges of life.

Acknowledgements

Author greatly appreciates the...

Inspiration of Roy Fairfield and Joe Bologna

Editing of Lon Cantor, Jim Dugan, Virginia Davis, Kathryn Lance

and Adele Horowitz.

Feedback of Alan Kishbaugh, Alexis Seepo, Alicia Bay Laurel, Amy Auerbach, Arline Zatz , Deborah Boldt, Dee Copley, Elaine Bull, Elayne Pieri, Hyla Cass, Jeane Stockheim, Jerry Kamstra, Judith Schwartz, Nancy Birnbaum, Pamela Drake, Rhona Hartman, Sharon Skolnick and Suzanne Arms.

Graphic Design of Sherry Bloom

Assistance of David Singer, Mark Coker, Mannu Rai, and Kazuko Nashita

Published by ICR

268 Bush St. San Francisco, CA 94194 USA

ISBN 978-0-978-55403-3

CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter 1 Time for Change

Chapter 2 Cold Capitol

Chapter 3 Climbing Stairs

Chapter 4 Starting Anew

Chapter 5 Political Promises

Chapter 6 Long Distance

Chapter 7 Promises

Chapter 8 California Dreaming

Chapter 9 Hill Top

Chapter 10 Real Life

Chapter 11 Starting Again

Chapter 12 Sudden Changes

Chapter 13 Juggling Everything

Chapter 14 Earth Mother

Chapter 15 Challenges

Chapter 16 Turning Point

Chapter 17 The Contest

Chapter 18 Wedding Day

Chapter 19 High to Low

Chapter 20 Family Struggles

Chapter 21 New Perspectives

Chapter 22 Petals Fall

Epilogue

After The Contest

Chronology of Richard Nixon's Career and Parallels to The Contest

Game Plan

High risks

Are gambled at high cost

To gain something beyond

No easy answers or smooth rules

To insure the risks

Discover exhilaration

At winning something special,

Unknown when the game begins

The author, Petals 1962-1974 Collected Poems

Prologue

Shelly bundles warmly against the unexpected chill falling swiftly over San Francisco as the sky darkens. She walks quickly along the familiar streets of North Beach. From Columbus Avenue, she turns left on Vallejo and stops on the corner of Grant at the door of her favorite respite; The Caffé Trieste. Entering the warm, noisy cafe, she happily greets friends while unwrapping the bright red wool scarf from around her neck. Then Shelly hurries to stand in line to order a latte.

A quiet, winter night settles softly over the narrow streets of North Beach. The holiday shopping frenzy has passed into oblivion. Now, the storied streets are still.

With only a few days left until the end of a decade, Shelly thinks about saying goodbye to a difficult year, full of challenges. Come to think of it, most of her years seem to be difficult and full of challenges.

Balancing the tall, hot, foam-topped glass, wrapped in a napkin, she sees her good friend, Mona sitting at a table near the door. Taking a seat facing outside, she takes a sip to relax and warm her body against the chill as the cold, dark evening deepens.

Remembering the many good times they've had together, Shelly smiles at Mona, and asks, What are you doing New Year's Eve?

Mona laughs, showing the laugh lines around her bright blue eyes that match the soft, blue sweater she is wearing. She says, Who wants to go out? I'm happy to celebrate at home. Besides, who's around that's sexy, satisfying, and safe?

Shelly nods her agreement, recalling vivid pictures of the past. How many years ago had she watched the glowing ball on the New York Times building falling slowly down as the crowd shouted the countdown in unison...10, 9, 8, 7...?

She remembers all too well the chill of the night, and the klutz who had made her body feel even colder. A big wet tongue kiss had broken the warm romance of the moment.

Then she recalls a party in Washington, D.C. Close to midnight she had been given a cold glass of champagne, accompanied with a crisp toast wedge of caviar, and a light kiss on the hand. There, among beautiful, bright and powerful people, she had felt some expression of passion - but not much.

Mona quickly brings her back to the moment by asking, What do you want in the New Year?

Shelly makes a wry face, throws up her hands, and laughs.

Something new!

Turning idly to her right, she suddenly spots a vaguely familiar face, but it does not quite register. She stares quizzically into very familiar eyes.

Hello, says the silver-haired, handsome man smiling back from the next table.

She looks again, not seeing him. She is puzzled. Then, as she recognizes him, she tries to shield her feelings. How could he be here at this very moment?

No, He can't be here. Not this ghost from years past. The Prince of the years she had lived in Camelot and eagerly waited for the dragon slayer.

The Prince had come to her on his white horse, but instead of slaying dragons, his sword had deeply pierced her heart. Never again would the world of Camelot exist. She would not ride away on the back of his white horse or live in his castle.

Cinderella's slipper had fit too tightly and shattered, along with her dreams of a fairytale existence in a magical land where dreams really do come true.

As memories of the past fly in like bats released from a cave, casting a chill over the already frosty night, Shelly resolutely gathers her courage.

Don't you recognize me? asks the silver haired man, noting her puzzled look. He had always been able to read the truth in her face, if he only he took the time to look.

She catches herself, holding back a tidal wave of feeling, not wanting him to see any of it.

Oh! Hello. I was just not expecting...to see you here. How are you, Doug?

Fine, he replies. I was just out taking a long walk, and decided to come in. I haven't been here for years. It's a good place to sit and people watch, but I hardly have much time to do that anymore.

No, I guess you don't.

She gathers herself internally into a smooth ball, wanting to remain calm and cool on the outside, but her stomach is churning so much, her mind is blank for a moment.

As he gets up for coffee he asks, Can I get you something?

Yes please, a bottle of sparkling water.

She hopes she appears calm as a pool of water with not even a tiny ripple shimmering on its shining surface.

She turns to Mona with a searching look for some support, but her friend is busy talking to a couple at the next table, unaware of Shelly's dilemma. Doug had happened long before Mona and Shelly met.

Doug returns shortly with his hot coffee, and her bottle of bubbling mineral water with lemon. She alternates between sips of coffee and water, attempting to maintain a modicum of composure by taking quiet, deep breaths.

Doug smiles as they look at each other, pausing and collecting thoughts.

Composed and sure of himself, Doug fires the first round.

Casual conversation passes between them like volleyed balls on a tennis court. The balls include: people, work, children, the city, casual comments about the cafe, opera music on Saturdays, the mutual friend who plays piano, and how much and how fast the City they both love is changing. They avoid conversation about deeper personal matters.

Finally Doug asks, Would you like to take a walk?

Shelly nods, leans over and tells Mona, I'll call you. Have fun. Happy New Year! Hope all your dreams come true.

Mona looks up and gives Shelly a wink, thinking Shelly has found someone 'new.'

Bye! She says as they turn to the door.

As they leave the cafe Shelly throws her scarf around her neck wanting to create a soft shield of protective armor, but it is bogus.

Across the street at the Ace Hardware store Doug searches for an apple cutter. The store does not have one, so they continue down the street to Figoni, the oldest hardware store in the City. They find many household treasures, including the last two apple cutters to be had in North Beach that night. She decides she also needs one, because she just might want to cut an apple into nine even wedges.

He does not offer to buy her the apple cutter, so she pulls $2 from her pocket.

She thinks to herself, This must be the modern version of the consolation prize Eve wins after losing Adam and Paradise. Yes! Even Eve is liberated today. The tempting apple will now be cut into perfectly even pieces, but it's too late because we have already lost the Garden of Eden.

Shelly just wonders where this curious unexpected synchronicity of their meeting again will lead. He was the last person she had expected or wanted to see.

They continue up Grant Avenue past familiar, now-closed shops, and quaint, quiet restaurants, going into the French-Italian bakery, where Doug buys a loaf of warm, fresh, sweet bread. He breaks off a piece and offers it to her.

She thinks, How 'civilized' we both are! How 'generous' he is with offerings of bread and water after all the years, all the tears, all the time lost in a dark, painful prison of shattered illusions, empty feelings, loneliness and struggle! Shelly mutters her thanks and takes a bite of bread, but it sticks in her throat. As the clerk hands her a cup of water she smiles and sips weakly.

How odd was this chance meeting after all these years, an unplanned coincidence coming just at the end of the year, and the start of a new decade? Perhaps this was a sign, an omen, or finally a chance to let go of old memories, and gaping wounds that had been festering for more than ten years. Precious time was still needed to heal the still tender cuts not at all visible to the naked eye.

Now, Doug calmly offers her a ride home. He opens the door to his late-model dark-gray BMW, and continues chatting.

She replies politely, quietly and simply fine to each question.

"How is your mother?

How is your sister?

How is your daughter?

How are your children? asks Shelly.

Doug immediately shares news about his older son, Andy is now gaining fame as a 'go-for-the-jugular' divorce lawyer. He adds, Of course, he had the chance to gain all that experience first-hand at home.

Yes, she replies softly, thinking to herself, How clever the 'big-mouthed kid' was to capitalize on his natural talents of being a slick, obnoxious manipulator by sliding into the perfect ready-made profession that fed on the undigested decomposition of relationships.

Doug continues, oblivious to her thoughts, He observed, listened, and missed nothing. Did you realize how much fodder we gave him to prepare for his future career?

No, I guess I never thought about it at the time, Shelly replies, shrugging her shoulders. But, she knew that Doug's series of marriages, and divorces, accompanied with a plethora of feisty drama had given Andy every opportunity to learn firsthand about what can be right, and what can go very wrong.

As they pull up in front of her apartment, Shelly turns full face to Doug and asks him quietly,

Is it true you and Beryl are separating?

Yes, we will be divorced in a few months. Doug replies, closing his eyes for a moment. Shelly actually detects a nanosecond of discomfort.

I'm sorry to hear it. Shelly responds trying to be civil, but feeling satisfied inside. The woman she has hated for years was finally getting what she deserved!

As she gets out of the car, Shelly murmurs in a barely audible voice Well, a very happy New Year! Then trying to be flippant, she reaches out to shake his always sure, steady, cool doctor's hand. May acquaintance never be forgotten or never brought to mind?

He says, Happy New Year to you, too! and adds, Take care of yourself!

Then she hurries to get inside before he can see her wet eyes streaming tears.

Shelly sits quietly in her dark apartment for a long while, trying to regain her composure. She needs to think, to feel, and to remember. She feels as if ten years had simply dissolved into a recently released feature length full-color film.

Mentally, she rewinds the reel back to the beginning. She wants to replay everything, all the frames, as if now, after seeing Doug again, she could finally make some sense of the whole challenging saga.

The past comes swiftly flowing into her 'projector of the mind,' full-flooding her abundant mental reservoir, and overflowing the fragile container. The details are still deeply etched into her memory. Years fall away, as she listens to her mental radio as if hearing her story told by the Let's Pretend radio show narrator. It was, after all, her strongest childhood memories involved living out the lives of princesses in days gone by. The make-believe adventures had always been complete with sound effects, galloping horses, and the excitement of being swept off her feet by Prince Charming.

When did it all begin? How could anything have been different? Could she have somehow saved herself? Could she have known in advance how it would turn out? Why didn't she listen to her all-knowing mother who foretold her well in advance how it was all going to end? Why, if she knew from childhood about wicked spells, dangerous witches, and evil villains, did she not protect her most prized possession, her hopeful and trusting heart, from being broken? How could she have saved her precious dreams from being consumed by fire?

Shelly watches the film in her mind, but this time, for the first time, without any tears. The Let's Pretend narrator's voice, the flashes of stored images from the projector, and lack of resistance to recall are flowing into her mind, all running simultaneously. The drama is rewinding, but this time it is shown in surround sound, with the full cast of characters and in full-blown color.

With only a few days left to the end of the year, she believes the new year will be a new beginning if she can finally forget, or better yet, just let go of the past.. She needs to find some magic to break the spell cast over her by her memories.

Shelly decides she has to live it all again, this time from his point of view as well as hers, so she can better and more fully understand what might have been different. Had she made a lifetime mistake or was this merely a life lesson?

Doug had never said he was sorry for anything, but that was only one of the problems. Shelly was not sorry they had met. If only he had stopped the destruction before it was too late! If only he had not broken her heart! If only she had known critical answers before it was too late!

This time she wants a new, clearer perspective.

Maybe this time something will be different. What could have been different? Could she have stopped before burning her dreams?

She sits back, closes her eyes, and listens as her pretend-narrator takes her into the past...

Chapter 1 Time for Change

January is here with eyes that keenly glow-a frost mailed warrior striding a shadowy steed of snow. Edgar Fawcett, American poet (1847-1904).

The TWA jet dived directly toward the well-illuminated runway at Dulles Airport, touched down, and roared to a stop in front of the mobile lounge. Doug Fine grabbed his brown leather attaché case from under his seat, rose quickly to find his jacket in the overhead compartment, and joined the queue to get off the plane. It was icy cold outside, but the waiting ground transport bus carried the passengers swiftly to the terminal.

Dr. Fine moved with the throng of fast-moving people toward the down escalator. While waiting for his bag in the baggage claim area, he took out a cigarette and lit it. What did he know? He was only a doctor. Doug liked the taste of a cigarette, especially when he felt stressed.

With bag in hand, he put out the half smoked cigarette in a nearby sand receptacle and went quickly up the ramp to wait for a shuttle bus into Washington, D.C. During the familiar ride along the Expressway, and while the bus stopped at various hotels, he reflected on how often he had made this trip in the past few years

More and more he enjoyed travel. He usually found the time away from home and hospital gratifying. Closing his eyes, he thought about how much his life had changed over the past five years. Inside his heart he felt cold and empty, despite all the work-related activities that filled his daily appointment book.

Time meant nothing. Discontent was uppermost in his mind. Doug was ready to start a new journey. He was bored with the daily routine, pressures at the hospital, and life at home. Feeling that his inner spark was gone, he wondered what was happening to him. He felt he didn't have a destination even though he had flight reservations. He felt he was without an itinerary or map.

Suddenly, Doug felt very tired. Yet another meeting lay ahead. This time he had only four days of respite from the pressures he faced, then back to the same worn out groove. He wanted the time away to last as long as possible. He needed a change, but he did not know what form that change would take.

Finally, the bus arrived at the sprawling, red-bricked Sheraton Park Hotel. He walked out into the night air, hoping it would clear his head. The cold stung his ears but he still felt slightly dazed. He shivered, turned and walked quickly inside to the hotel's expansive lobby. He crossed the newly laid Oriental carpets, with their brand new carpet smell, and walked up to the large carved desk to register.

From across the lobby a familiar voice rang out, a fellow doctor signaling friendly recognition. It was true, he was better known than he had been two years before. Thinking about his rise from obscurity made him feel a little less empty inside. He was becoming more self-assured. But, what did it matter? Who could he really share his feelings of emptiness with?

Robert Mendel, his old friend from Chicago, came over to talk as Doug registered. Hi Doug, How are things? What's happening in 'Frisco? Sorry, I'm not supposed to call it that...or am I?

They both laughed.

Bob, you old rascal! Great to see you! You look as young as ever. Chicago winters must be keeping you young. Or is it chasing a large patient load that keeps you so trim?

As he spoke to Bob, Doug finished registering. He put his credit card away in his wallet and invited Bob to meet him at the lobby bar in 20 minutes. Doug went to his room and quickly unpacked.

He returned to the lobby and found Bob at the bar. A loud, talkative crowd filled the place. The talk was full of Washington gossip, politics and the latest buzz about Federal regulations, program priorities, and the usual acronyms...hew, oeo, pdq, opd, doc, dol, doe, regs, rfp, and stats. Acronyms permeate typical Washington conversations. Using the alphabet soup of the nation marks one as an insider. Fed-shorthand" is a special language extending from one end of town to the other - from Capitol Hill to Georgetown. It is the preferred language of politicians, special-interest groups, lobbyists, and fund seekers.

This time the Doug and his colleague were meeting to discuss Head Start, the still-growing program for poor pre-school children. All too often, Head Start had been kicked around as a political football, but somehow it managed to survive, to sustain support and to grow stronger each year- despite the fact that few politicians were supportive of children. The annual event was vital to all participants. It was now time to gather, to plan strategy, and move forward.

The meeting attracted parents, teachers, social workers, community leaders, enthusiastic poverty workers, and pediatricians from all over the country. They came together with greater diversity and more determination every year. This year, 1968, was no different from any other year, just more stressful than usual because of shifting political turf. Richard Nixon had been elected by a margin of 500,000 votes. Times were changing. War and protests were mounting while communities struggled with tumultuous changes.

Doug fit right into the conclave. He was congenial and professional, a representative of the new elite, the dedicated socially responsible doctor. He was one of the more liberal physicians who actually cared about honest delivery of healthcare services to poor people. He wanted to accomplish something real and make a difference.

People were becoming more and more concerned about the delivery of services, to poor children, especially health care. And of course, all children would ultimately benefit from increased attention to the importance of early education, nutrition and health care. Doug believed in the goals of the program, and was there to prove it.

A handsome man with salt-and-pepper hair and a friendly, outgoing personality, Doug had always done well. His drive and the depth of his concern for children had always pushed him to work hard. Yet, he felt personally incomplete.

Because of this meeting, he was experiencing excitement and a renewed sense of making new things happen. His drive had lain dormant for too long. Still, he felt something major was missing in his life.

Doug and Robert Mendel resumed their earlier conversation. An old professional friend from the University of Chicago, Mendel had for years been Doug's mentor in Head Start and other social causes. The two doctors hoped to plan an effective strategy before the major meeting in the morning.

Bob, is the weather in Chicago as cold as I remember?

Bob laughed, Worse, but that's no excuse for you to live in California. You are missed. I saw your dad not long ago. He is sure you will still open a practice with him in Chicago.

He's still waiting? Doug asked wryly. I don't think I could ever do that now. They ordered drinks and settled back.

Yes, the same old grind! Bob said, But, it's getting a little easier. I brought in a young associate who is willing to work extra hours, nights, and weekends to cover for me while I do the 'socially correct' thing in D.C. I actually get to take a weekend off once in a while, so I started a new book in my free time. This one is going to blow the lid off the medical profession, warts and all.

Bob...you old goat! You will never slow down. I take my hat off to you. They both laughed.

They talked about their work and old friends. Earlier in the day, Bob had talked to physicians from other parts of the country. He briefed Doug on what had been discussed. It was a smoky, noisy, active evening. They spent most of the time discussing the meetings. Over drinks, they told each other their positions on specific issues and exchanged ideas.

Bob, everything is going as we planned. The guidelines seem ready to be adopted. Do you think there will be any hang-ups?

No, replied Bob. We've got the entire country represented now with our delegation from the Academy of Pediatrics. It's a good thing you got here or we would have been one member short from the west. There are a few problems with budget allocations, but it will get cleared by Congress. I'm sure the President will go along with it. It's good politics after all. But, you know 'Tricky Dick' - anything can happen, and it usually does.

Bob told Doug about a meeting he had attended earlier in the day at the headquarters of Health, Education & Welfare. I spent a few hours with Marvin Felder, who is working for James Allen, who, you may recall, is the well-respected Commissioner of the Office of Education, and the former Commissioner of the New York State Department of Education.

"Marv is energetic and smart. He impressed me with his visionary ideas about the importance of early learning. He shares our views about how vitally children need the proposed new community medical services.

"Marv shared with me his visions for childcare and the growing needs of working mothers. They need help to break the cycle of poverty, especially with all the on-going talk about 'Welfare Reform,' which is actually just a euphemism for reducing welfare payments.

Bob went on enthusiastically, "Marv shares our view that more medical people need to be involved. We discussed existing plans for a new national childcare system. The plan is being studied by Congress. It could become a vital program similar to Head Start. Congressmen are trying to figure out how to administer plans and what role pediatricians would have.

I shared our breakout of the proposed budget to show how involving pediatricians early in the programs would save money in the long run and be cost effective. Marv likes the idea and saw many advantages. He thinks like we do!

Bob continued urgently, Doug, listen, this plan is really timely. Marv wants us to meet with his staff to talk with them about specifics tomorrow. Can you get free and join us?

Sure, I'm interested, aid Doug. I've followed you into every other community health program you've asked me to work on. I'm still alive and none the worse for it. They both laughed.

Doug continued, We have made a difference and, despite the politics, maybe we can still make a dent. What time and where?

Bob replied, They arranged for us to meet for lunch at the Embassy Restaurant. They said it's a nice place, a converted Victorian-style house right down from here, on Calvert Street, off Connecticut Avenue - not far from the hotel. It's just before the Calvert Street Bridge. We can easily walk over there together after our morning session. Hey, maybe this is the start of something brand new!

Doug relished the idea of new starts. He liked the beginnings of things a lot—the excitement, the newness, the unknown excited his sensibilities. He had been a top student at the University of Chicago, and had continued doing well at the University of California. The 'docs' in his residency and in the administration saw something special in Doug: dedication and diplomacy. They wanted him to join them. He knew how to handle issues and find ways to solve them. After a few years in private practice specializing in pediatric allergies, he was ready for the challenges of the university system and take on more.

Bob continued, "The meeting is very important since we are all here to talk about the current issues and to see what is needed to launch the plans. It can make a big difference if the initiatives are successfully legislated. We have enough lead-time to get agreement from APA (American Pediatric Association) members.

Bob added, Doug, this program could become another 'Head Start.'

How? asked Doug?

Well, for one thing, Bob continued, laying out the plan, "the kids of working mothers need to see pediatricians for primary care during the day when their mothers are away at work. So let's start the discussion with how to deliver health care services right at the Childcare Center directly to children the way visiting nurses used to do during, and for a while after, World War II. That should get their attention!

This would save a lot of time for moms, not having to take time off from work to go to yet another doctor's appointment. Family practice trained nurses could do the follow up services. The docs can come in, supervise, and review 'paper clipped cases' that need more attention and referrals. The nurses could do initial screenings and manage health maintenance. They can even do 'house calls,' like visiting nurses used to do. Now that's a great idea. Think of identifying more babies at risk, helping to save lives. It's beneficial, sensible, responsible and cost effective. Of course nurses may complain about the extra workload, so we may need to train nurse's aides.

He pauses to see Doug's reaction.

Great concept, Doug agrees. But, who's going to pay for it?

That's what we'll be talking about at the meeting. We feel that the details on delivery can be worked out. It's the costs that are the hang up.

Okay, count me in, it sounds like the right way to go, replied Doug. "The plan should be expanded to provide a health support system for the new comprehensive childcare program.

Bob said, What you might not have heard yet is that Congress has just put together a new childcare legislation package that looks a lot like Head Start. The parents will be able to get trained, participate as they can and work while their kids get education, health care, meals, and lots of other benefits. This seems to be the best way we've heard of yet to help moms be independent, earn money, cut down on welfare costs, and give the benefits directly to kids.

Doug answered, Sounds too good to be true, responded Doug. I'll bet it will be hard to get the whole package passed by Congress. Let's be realistic, it's a long shot. But, you never know. Stranger things have happened. Hey, just look at the Peace Corps.

Of course, the Peace Corps passed under JFK. Kennedy was young and had small children himself. He would pass this package for kids too. He invented the Peace Corp to do original thinking to solve problems in Third World countries, so now he would say 'how come we don't try applying some of that brain power right here to solve problems for millions of our own poor families?' But Nixon is another story. His thoughts are on a war in a jungle called Vietnam. Is he really concerned about poor kids in this country? They shook their heads and laughed.

From their combined experience as medical professionals in touch with community concerns, they understood the deeper complexities involved. They both felt that America needed a fresh and yet realistic model for the delivery of health care services, especially for children.

Doug said, Bob, I will be glad to join you tomorrow to add my two cents into the discussion.

Doug felt good that Bob had included him in what promised to be exciting plans. He knew that the new programs he had put into place at the University of California Community Medicine Program would be helpful. He had learned a lot about cultural diversity, administration of community services, and about mistrust.

Bob smiled at Doug and said, Ok! Let's meet in the lobby at noon and head over.

They quickly finished their drinks, stood up, shook hands, and adjourned for the night, each seeking some much-needed rest.

Chapter 2 Cold Capitol

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dream and endeavors to lead a life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Henry David Thoreau

On the same bitterly cold evening that Doug and Bob were warm inside the hotel bar, drinking iced drinks, and talking freely about the politics of childcare, Shelly Stern was across town in the shadow of the Capitol, finishing up a long day of work. She held a high-pressure job in the Washington headquarters of the Office of Education, Department of Health, Education, & Welfare (HEW

As Shelly prepared to leave her small, windowless, faded, lime-green office, she carefully filled her rapidly expanding briefcase with reports on the need for childcare plus proposals from deserving groups seeking federal support. There was never enough time to do everything during the too-full workday, and she was very tired.

She was hopeful that she could make a dent in