The Many Adventures of Henry and Parker

By Bernard Abbadessa

Following the death of his beloved wife, Pastor Henry Waters loses his memory and disappears. His sister-in-law Lindsay has been searching for him, but it’s nearly impossible considering Henry doesn’t know who he is or where he came from. He works with a therapist to restore his mind while building a new life.

He is given a service dog, Parker, to aid in his recovery. Parker is smart, loving, and heroic. Together, Henry and Parker navigate the many adventures of life, all while Henry seeks answers to his mysterious amnesia.

Parker becomes Henry’s best friend as Henry discovers a passion for painting. His family continues the search, and Henry may finally be within reach. After terrible loss and many a life-changing event, Henry seeks joy with new love, companionship with Parker, and ultimately a return to the past.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jul 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781532078729

Bernard Abbadessa

Bernard Abbadessa was born and raised in New York and moved to Arizona in 2006. This is his first novel, inspired by friends and God.

Book preview

1

Henry will soon begin a new journey filled with drama, friendship and love.

2

In the affluent town of Scarsdale New York Pastor Henry Waters lived with Marina His wife of ten years. They owned an attractive split level brick house. The house had nice windows with custom white moldings. It had a circular driveway and a four car garage separate from the house. It had beautiful French doors leading to the master bedroom.

The house was given to Henry by his dad, who was a senior executive for Con rail.

He was very well off and bought a new house in Darian Connecticut.

3

Henry graduated from St. Johns University in Queens, New York then went on to Bible school. He became the lead pastor in the local Christian Bible Church of Scarsdale, where he managed with compassion and efficiency.

Marina was a petite woman 38 years old.

She had long dark hair, big brown eyes and a striking smile. Marina graduated from Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, and then went on to Beth Israel Medical School in Manhattan, New York for her Medical Degree

She became a successful Pediatrician. Marina had a twin sister named Lindsay who also graduated from Fordham Nursing School Lindsay graduated with honors and was the school Valedictorian. Lindsay accepted a registered Nurse position at Presbyterian Hospital.

4

Henry and Marina were soul mates who adored each other and did almost everything together. They liked to travel, had a fondness for ballroom dancing, and enjoyed classical music. Henry was an amateur acrylic painter Marina also dabbled in painting but preferred oils.

Like Henry Marina was spiritual they began almost every day with this prayer Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in Jesus’s name.

Henry prayed silently for blessings and joy for Marina and asked that they walk in Jesus’s footsteps and love as he does.

5

While Henry was growing up his dad gave him several Lionel train sets and train decorations. Together they set up the trains that ran around the house. As he grew so did his interest in trains. Marina also got interested in trains and they began taking short trips by train. They both enjoyed these trips.

6

On April second it was Marina’s and Lindsay’s 40th birthday. Lindsay and Marina exchanged presents with each other, Lindsay got a necklace and Marina got a bracelet. They both loved their presents. Henry conducted a birthday service at the Church, then they went home and had cake It was lemon meringue. Henry suggested the three of them go to dinner at a restaurant of their choice. They ended up going to a small Italian restaurant called Albertinas which was owned and operated by a local Italian family.

7

Henry said to Marina You don’t think I would forget your birthday.

He gave Marina an envelope In it was two train tickets to Los Vegas. Marina was very happy. Henry said I made reservations at Caesars, got tickets to Celine Dion" Marina’s favorite singer, he made reservations to a five star restaurant also in Caesars.

8

It was a long but enjoyable ride, and a great dinner and fabulous show. After the show they walked hand in hand down the strip and stopped at an Ice Cream stand for desert. They walked back to the hotel ballroom and danced until late in the evening. Then they went back to their suite made love and went to bed. In the morning they ate breakfast and walked around a bit the trip was delightful but it was time to go home as they both had work to do. During the trip back Marina began to feel ill. She had a sore throat and a fever.

9

Two days after their return, tragically after a restless night Marina never woke up from her sleep.

The Doctors determined she died from a pulmonary embolism which is a blood clot in her lung.

Henry and Lindsay as well as her friends and family were filled with sadness and grief. Henry being a Christian somehow found a way to thank God for giving him a wonderful wife for the past ten years.

All of Marina’s friends, colleagues and many parishioners attended her memorial service. Lindsay arrived the morning of the service. For Henry just looking at Lindsay hurt as she looked so much like Marina. Henry led the memorial service He asked Jesus to bless Marina and once again thanked him for letting him spend the last ten years with the woman of his dreams.

Marina was buried in a cemetery in White Plains, New York she was buried on a grassy hill with a nice tree and flowers near the grave.

Henry asked Lindsay if she would like to stay at his home for some time as they were both emotionally devastated. They got along really well and together they will have some time to move on from their heartaches.

Lindsay was worried about Henry, he was seriously depressed he struggled with sadness and seemed to be in a fog.

10

After about a month Henry told Lindsay he felt like he needed to get away for a while. He told Lindsay. He did not know when he would return.

He went and told the Church leader, he would be taking an extended vacation. Everywhere he would look he saw Marina, her clothes, her scent He was going to do some traveling by train. The Church leader told him to take as long as he needs to.

Henry told Lindsay she was welcome to stay there and use or have any belongings she wanted.

Lindsay was concerned and suggested Henry sees a therapist.

Henry said he would consider it if he was still struggling when he gets back Henry packed his duffel bag with some clothes a few travel items and stopped at the bank and withdrew ten thousand dollars for his needs.

On May 3rd Henry asked Lindsay for a ride to the train station."

When she dropped him off he said goodbye and gave Lindsay a big hug.

Henry took a long trip to California spent some time as a tourist. Then he visited Hollywood, did a little shopping in Beverly Hills and took a ride to Yosemite National Park. He enjoyed the trip to California. He then went to Washington DC He toured the sites. He was enjoying it however; his memory was getting worse. He took a trip to Sedona Arizona it was a beautiful area Henry continued on to the Grand Canyon got a room and went on a rafting trip Henry was getting very concerned about his memory it seemed to be getting worse each day. He had been gone about three months.

11

Since He was in Arizona he decided to go toFlagstaff and see a therapist. He arrived in early evening and grabbed some dinner. He took a seat outside the train station.

12

It was totally empty then he saw a woman crying. He realized she was pregnant and went over to her and asked if she was ok.

I am in labor and ready to give birth.

Henry asked her name and where she lived. Her name was Abby and she lived only about a mile from the train station.

She said she is a musician and will be going to Europe in a few days. My sister will come with me and take care of the baby, she is at the house now waiting for me but I can’t wait my water is broken, and I am ready to deliver.

There was a water fountain nearby Henry had a clean blanket in his bag. For some reason Henry knew just what to do. He had Abby loosen her pants and lay on the blanket. He looked at her birth canal and could see the baby was ready to come. Henry told Abby to push as hard as she could

he put his hands out as the head came out and then the rest of him followed. Henry cut the Umbilical cord and tied it with a piece of thin cloth. He gave the baby a slight slap and the baby who had ten fingers and ten toes let out a healthy cry. Henry cleaned the baby with a small blanket which he soaked at the water fountain.

13

Abby it’s a beautiful baby boy Abby started to cry again only this time they were tears of joy. Henry saw a wheelchair outside the office and asked Abby if she could sit in the chair and hold the baby. Abby smiled and said she could. Henry helped her get in the chair and walked down the ramp and down the street.

They had a bit of good luck a police car just happened to be passing they saw Henry and Abby and called EMS who took Abby to the hospital.

The baby seemed fine, Abby asked the policeman, to contact her sister Lily who said I’ll be there in ten minutes .

When Lily got there they asked her to have a seat in the waiting room and Doctor Drew will be out in a few minutes Henry asked if she was Lily and told her he was with Abby when the baby came

Lily didn’t totally understand.

14

Then Dr. Drew came in and brought them to a room to see Abby and the baby. Lily kissed Abby on the cheek and said he is a beautiful baby. Doctor Drew asked Abby how she was and what happened she told him about Henry delivering the baby Dr. Drew said. Henry you did an excellent job he asked if Henry was a Doctor

Henry told him about his memory loss and that he was going to the hospital to see a therapist when he saw Abby at the train station.

Abby had a big smile on and said Henry was wonderful. Lily went and gave Henry a big hug and said thank you so much Henry.

Dr. Drew. Said Henry I could recommend a therapist his name is Doctor Meyers, Henry said I would appreciate that.

15

Abby said to Henry where are you staying

Henry answered I don’t know yet.

Abby said like I told you as soon as the baby is cleared we are going to Europe. I will be on tour playing Cello all over Europe. If you want to stay at my house you are more than welcome.

You can take care of the house while seeing the therapist. Henry said that would be great

We will be gone for a long time so just make yourself at home.

Henry made an appointment with Dr. Meyers. They had a quick meeting and conversation about Henry’s memory. He had little recollection and could not recall anything prior to meeting Abby. Dr. Meyers said lets schedule another appointment and see what we can do to help you

They went to Abby’s house and after three days they saw Dr. Drew who cleared Abby and the baby (who they called "Joel).

The next day they were off to Europe.

16

Henry got a good night sleep and in the morning took a walk when a man came up to him and said,

Hi Henry Henry asked how he knew him? he said my name is Tony I am a friend of Abby. She asked me to keep an eye on you and help your if you need anything

They went to the diner and had a nice conversation. Henry told Tony about his memory loss Tony offered to show Henry around the town.

I appreciate that but I have an appointment with Dr. Meyers the therapist perhaps if you are free after my session we could go.

Sounds good I’ll l stop by your place in about two hours.

Super said Henry

and he was off to Dr. Meyer’s office. The doctor asked many questions about what he remembered and his family; He asked Henry where he was from. He had little recollection prior to seeing Abby at the train station. Doctor Meyers asked how he knew how to deliver a baby Henry could not recall. They finished their session and rescheduled. Henry was off to meet Tony. They took a nice walk which was good exercise recommended by the Doctor. There was a nice park with a manmade lake that was stocked with fish. They watched the people fishing for a while, then walked to town where there were many small shops. There was a craft show going on with some nice merchandise. Henry heard some music coming from a bar restaurant and they stopped in to listen and have a burger they left the restaurant and started walking home. On the way they saw a Church. Tony said, he goes there for services most Sundays. Henry asked Tony if he would like some company this Sunday."

They made a plan and walked home. Henry said thank you Tony and he stayed home for the rest of the day. On Sunday they met for services and Tony introduced Henry to several people including the Pastor. It was a good day filled with joy.

On Monday Henry met with Dr. Meyers who had another doctor with him. He was a linguist and after a brief conversation He said Henry based on your accent and speech patterns I would say for sure you are from New York, north of the City closer to Connecticut.

Henry shook his head and said I don’t know.

17

Henry was alone and even though he met a few people he was still lonely. He took a walk by the train station and sat down He was not sure why but he found comfort watching the trains and looking at the People. On the way home Henry saw an Italian restaurant and stopped in for dinner. The food was excellent and Henry said to himself I may not remember much but I am sure Italian food is one of my favorites.

18

The next day when Henry went to Doctor Meyer’s office the doctor had brought his dog with him (He was a chocolate lab). He introduced Henry and Henry liked him Dr. Meyers asked Henry if he liked dogs and Henry said yes especially Labs"

Dr. Meyers said you know Abby she is not well known in the US but she is famous in Europe. She is one of the highest paid musicians in Europe, She called me and asked if you would like a like certified service therapy dog her cousin breeds and trains them he has two available now, Abby never forgot how helpful you were and the dog would be yours at no cost. Either one would be a great companion, friend and provide emotional support. They are both certified service dogs and could go almost anywhere with you. If you like I will bring them both in on Friday morning and you could choose the one you like better. Henry said that would be great.

This was the first time Henry was excited about something in a long time. On Friday Henry got up early and went to the diner for breakfast. He ran into Tony and told him about the dogs. Tony thought it was an excellent idea and told Henry he had a dog and enjoyed the dogs company. He said that since he retired the dog was a great companion

After they ate Henry walked to Doctor Meyer’s office. They were waiting for Henry, As soon as he saw the dogs he fell in love with both of them. The doctor introduced Henry to both of the dogs. The black one is called Parker and the light one is Duke. They were both beautiful dogs

Henry got along with them right away the doctor said so what do you think Henry Henry said I think I prefer Parker"

The doctor said, why don’t you take him out for a quick walk they put a leash on Parker and Henry took him out for a walk"

In about twenty minutes they came back and Parker gave Henry a fond lick. The dog is great said Henry Doctor Meyers said on Saturday he will arrange a meeting with the trainer"

On Saturday morning they all met and Henry, Mike the trainer, and Parker went out. Mike told Henry a little about service dogs. It didn’t take long for Parker and Henry to become good friends. Within a week Parker was like part of Henry’s family you could see the love in Parkers eyes. At Their next meeting two weeks later Doctor Meyers asked Henry how he was getting along with Parker. Henry smiled and said, He loves Parker.

19

Doctor Meyers said I think it’s time for you to get yourself a cell phone even though you don’t know anyone from your past you have met multiple people here in Flagstaff.

Good idea said Henry"

20

Henry left the office and he and Parker took a nice walk to the park. There were several people standing around including a few police cars. Henry went up to one of the policemen and asked what happened

The policeman said there is a little girl missing.

Parker stood there and seemed to be listening; the Policeman showed Henry a little girl’s jacket. Parker sniffed the jacket and then sat down. When Henry was finished talking they started walking around.

All of a sudden Parker pulled Henry by his shirt a signal to follow him. Parker started walking fast Henry said Parker where are you going.

The dog kept walking. There was a field near by and Parker went in. Henry followed and in the middle of the field they saw the girl. She was unconscious but breathing Henry picked her up and brought her back to where the police were. The policeman saw Henry carrying the girl and brought her to the ems vehicle. There were two doctors there who worked on the girl. She appeared to be dehydrated but otherwise okay. She got up and they