For the Love of David

By Marie Ferris and Eleanor Pat Denise

For the love of David was the first written in the early part of the 1980's and the other soon followed.
Both copywrited before being published. One a family drama, and the latter is a comedy called "quiet!!! Hospital zone!!"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 25, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453569610

Marie Ferris

Resides in Hawthorne, New Jersey with children and grandchildren Has lived there for 40 years before moving from the riverside section of Paterson, New Jersey (Pat Dalessio) Marie Ferris (a k a) Also resides in Hawthorne also with children and grandchildren, Marie lived there all her life. They met in Paterson before she married her husband bill whom is now deceased and was also from the riverside section of Paterson. (Marie Feirro) Pat and Marie are lifelong friends, they co-authored two screenplays, but turned them into books.

Book preview

One

A love letter from

Salerno, Italy

Rosa came in from a visit to the cemetery after daily mass. She sat down and wrote a letter to Teddy:

Mia Cara Teddy,

I miss you so much. Until I see you soon in America, I go to the cemetery like I promise you. Sometimes I think I will never see you again, I get so frightened, but when I am there at David’s grave, I feel much better, my loneliness goes away. There are a lot of branches and when I come to America, I tell my friends to bring them until the flowers bloom. I pray that soon I will be with you again. I went to see the doctor at the unit a few days ago; I wasn’t feeling good last night. I got good news, Teddy; you are going to be a father. We will have a boy, I am sure of it. We can name him David. If it’s a girl, we name it after your mother. Is it okay? I mean the baby. You will make a good father. I wait every day until the time you send for me.

God Bless you.

Love,

Rosa.

Back at the cemetery in Chicago, Teddy followed close behind Grandpa as they hurriedly walked, the wind chilling them.

Here, this way Grandpa said. He turned; Teddy was at his heels with his hands in his pockets. Grandpa stopped in front of a stone, he pats the top and smiled.

Here is Grandma, Teddy. Teddy stood next to him; he looked at Grandpa, and then moved in front of him.

See Ruth, it’s Teddy, he’s home. You can rest easy now. Grandpa said.

Teddy moved his hand on top of the stone.

She would have been thrilled if she could have seen you once more. He said to Teddy.

Teddy began to read the inscription as he came across David’s name. He looked away sadly.

You know we put David here with Grandma, didn’t you.

Yes, Mama wrote and told me.

They’re together and soon I will be with them.

Oh Grandpa! Teddy said putting his arm around him.

I can’t live forever boy.

‘No, but you’ll be around for a while yet."

Yeah, at least until you get married. That girl you wrote about, you serious?

Yes, Grandpa, I love her and soon as the papers go through, she’ll be on her way here. I’m going to marry her.

Good. Grandpa pat Teddy on the shoulder. You need a wife and a family, everyone does.

Stick around Grandpa and I’ll make a great-grandfather out of you.

I like that, yes, I think I’ll take you up on that. Grandma will be patient a little longer.

Teddy was laughing until he looked at David’s name again.

I think I’ll go sit on the bench over there. Grandpa said pointing to a wooden park bench. My legs, they ache and I’ll never make it home. He walked to the bench and sat down pulling up his collar then put his hands in his pockets, he watched Teddy.

He traced his fingers over the inscription as he spoke in a soft whisper. You and I know Grandma, It’s our secret. You would have been so happy Grandma. David and I became good friends. I’d love to tell everybody how strong he really was. He was much stronger then I ever was.

A sharp wind blew as Teddy stood up. He pulled up his collar and looked straight ahead at the flags flapping in the wind. He stared as if in a trance. He saw the image of two boys, the older one is standing at attention, with his hand over his heart and the younger one is tugging at him desperately. Look, they’re coming, see, here they come!

Two

Chicago—1931

November

It was a cool, brisk day. The crowd clapped and cheered as the bands, and the people they knew marched by. The two young boys stood on the curb in front of their house watching with enthusiasm and great excitement.

The dark haired boy, about 11 years of age, stood erect as one particular band rounded the corner playing The Star Spangled Banner. His big brown eyes gleamed as he watched the color guard coming closer. The boy on his right, about 5 years younger, was jumping up and down, excitedly tugging at his brother’s shirt.

Here they come! Here comes Daddy, look Teddy! said the young boy. But the dark hared boy only stood at attention and placed his hand over his heart as they stopped in front of them. Teddy looked proudly at the American flag as it waved and the band continued playing. The frail blond headed boy looked up at his older brother curiously, then turned and asked his mother who stood behind them Why is Teddy doing that?

Shhh, I’ll tell you later David, just do what I’m doing. whispered Teddy. David imitated his brother as the men continued on. Their mother waved at their father, who smiled proudly as he spied Teddy standing straight and tall. Young David moved closer to his brother as Teddy looked from the corner of his eye.

That’s it David. You’re doing fine. Stand a little straighter. He said. David put his shoulders back holding his hand tightly over his heart. When he started to shiver, his mother takes the sweater she is holding and drapes it around his shoulders, patting his back. David looked up at Teddy as he watched the flag pass by.

Someday I’m going to wear a uniform just like Daddy and march with the soldiers. Teddy said proudly to his brother. David watched Teddy’s face and nodded.

Me too Teddy, me too. he replied. Their mother moved closer, in between the boys and put her arms around them as the rest of the parade marched down the street.

Oh God, I hope it never comes to that again she thought silently to herself.

Three

1943

David pulled up his collar, put his hands in his pockets and hurried home. It was almost dark and he was late for supper again. The leaves rustled on the ground as he steps on them. A branch from a tree above snaps. He turned, watched it fall behind him, just missing him. He stared at it for a moment, then shrugged, turned and walked faster. As he approached his house, he was almost at a fast jog. He ran up the stairs taking them three at a time. He opens the door and hesitates before closing it. As he crosses the hallway, he hears his father’s voice. He rolled his eyes, knowing what he will hear for being late.

David, is that you? Gert called out.

Yeah Mom. David said entering the dining room. He tried to avoid his father’s eyes as he pulled up a chair and took his place at the table.

I made homemade chicken soup David, just for you. Grandma told him. David smiled at her knowing she hasn’t been feeling well these days. They all ate silently for a few moments. Finally, his father Abe broke the silence.

So, how come you’re late again? he asked holding his spoon up.

David looked at his father for a second and continued eating without a word.

I could see if you worked, then you would have an excuse to be late, but you do nothing all day. Abe pressed.

Please dear, let’s eat Gert said placing her hand on Abe’s. Grandma spent the whole day making this dinner. Then she turned to David and said, We heard from Teddy today!

David looked up from his plate and looked at his mother and asked, What did he say?

What did he say? Abe answered sarcastically. He is fine. He eats well, has a warm bed to sleep in. He comes and goes as he pleases.

David looked at his father feeling his anger rising. He slammed down his spoon and started to get up from the chair.

Please! Gert said in a demanding tone. Abe, you stop it! David, sit down and eat. David looked at his mother, shocked at the tone of her voice. Even Grandpa’s eye’s widened in response to the scene. Abe just obeyed and sat back down.

Come David, sit, eat the soup. Grandma whispered softly.