Honor Thy Mother

By PJ Hoge

Tia Howard had moved from her hometown in Minnesota to begin a life on her own. She had always been close to her family, except for one sister, Desi. She had kept contact with her mother and brother by phone and letter until the response was abruptly cut off after Mother’s Day. All means of contact was thwarted, for no apparent reason. When she checked with her brother, Dave, who lived in Wisconsin, she learned he had the same treatment. Over the Fourth of July, Dave had gone to his mother’s home and was told by Desi’s boyfriend to leave or he would call the police. None of this made sense.
Less than a week before Labor Day, Tia received an invitation to Desi’s wedding and was asked to be a bridesmaid. She called her brother, to find that he and his wife had been invited also. They were shocked, and didn’t want to go. However, because things had been so off in their relationship with their mother, they decided it would be a great opportunity to see what was going on.
What they were about to learn was amazing and distressing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781796083538

PJ Hoge

P J HOGE grew up in Washington state and North Dakota. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, PJ worked as a Cytotechnologist for many years. PJ’s family farmed in central North Dakota until the mid-1980”s when they relocated to Nevada, where she still resides. PJ is the author of the Prairie Preacher series.

Book preview

1

Neil Hamilton looked past the runway and over the central North Dakota land that was the home of his employer, Crandair Charters. All was calm, quiet, and clear. It was about six-thirty, but not yet dark on this August night. The sun would actually set a couple hours later. The little hamlet of Merton, which edged Crandair’s small airport, was very quiet that night in 1973. Neil heard a cricket chirping, a car starting, and kid’s bicycle bell in the distance. A peaceful Friday night in Merton.

The man in his late thirties smiled to himself as he pulled the overhead door to the hangar closed. He checked the phone for messages. There were none. He signed off on the duty roster, initialed, and timed it, before hanging the clipboard back on the nail. He looked over the place to see if everything was copacetic. He gave a satisfied nod before he turned off the lights. Then he locked the side door and walked down the road to a Farmer’s Union grain elevator about a half mile to the north.

Neil had worked for Crandair for about seven weeks. It was a new kind of work for the man who had spent his life in the military. The fair-haired man was Army to the core. He grew up as an Army brat, bouncing from one base to another with his family, which included his dad, mom, and a younger sister. He enlisted in the Army after graduation from college. He served most of his near ten-year stint near Cu Chi, Vietnam.

Maybe that is why Neil had such a strong feeling about family, since it was the only constant in his life. He met a local Missouri girl, Becca Ames. They dated during junior college and then married. She was a bouncy, fun-loving young woman, with a great sense of adventure. Neil loved her and was very pleased that she cared about family as much as he did. To make things even better, the two families got along very well. Becca was an only child, so she and Neil’s sister, Corrine, quickly became best chums.

After school, he enlisted in the Army, partly because of patriotism-partly because it was the family business. Becca was settling in as an Army wife, but still attending college. She wanted to get her teaching degree while he was overseas. Neil got home for leave before his deployment.

The weekend before Neil was to deploy to Vietnam, he and Becca with some friends went diving and swimming on a hot, muggy day. They were having a great time. Becca dove in and hit a dangerous outcropping of rock just below the water’s surface. The blood immediately filled the water. Neil dove in, and with the help of his friends, pulled her out of the water. She was taken immediately to the hospital and survived. However, her injuries were extensive. One eye had been destroyed on the impact that also caused irreversible severe cranial injuries.

The doctors never gave the family an optimistic version of recovery, and felt it would only be a short time before his wonderful Becca would pass away. She was little more than organism, with no chance for recovery, save a miracle. She could not breathe on her own, move, see, hear, or communicate. Her brain function was nearly non-existent. The Army set back Neil’s deployment until things could be settled with his wife.

Six months later, no one had any more optimism. Becca was visibly failing and her body was beginning to waste away. Everyone but her mother was praying for a merciful end. Becca’s mom, a religious woman, had herself convinced that if she prayed hard enough with enough conviction and made promises to God that her daughter would somehow return to her previous vibrant self.

As for her father, he was not only sad at the loss of his daughter, but dealing with his wife lack of acceptance. He was torn. He didn’t want her to lose her last hope, but he hated to watch the futility of his daughter’s struggle day after day.

Neil aged about fifty years during that time. He could have left the service, but he had no other job. He was quietly but surely losing his mind, sitting there day after day, while he watched Becca become a dim, faded shadow of her existence. He finally made the decision to request return to active deployment.

While her mother wasn’t happy with his decision, even she realized the young man couldn’t just sit there forever, watching a machine force air into Becca lungs. Her husband had gone back to work because someone had to. It was her duty and responsibility to be with her precious daughter. She would be with her.

That became Neil Hamilton’s existence. He was either in Vietnam or on leave sitting with the shell of his wife. He rarely went anywhere but to the hospital when he was on leave, and was okay with that. He didn’t want to travel, party, and meet new people. He didn’t want to tempt fate that he might meet some lady that could take Becca’s place. Not that he wasn’t a young, healthy man and wanted love in his life, but he loved her. He had made a commitment to Becca. He couldn’t live with himself if he betrayed her in any way. He couldn’t imagine how devastating that would be if the situation was reversed. What if he had suffered for months or years, to get back to her, only to discover she had gone off and met someone else? That would be devastating.

Probably the whole first year, Neil still held the slightest hope she might come out of it and actually even be able to recognize him, but to communicate would have remained a miracle beyond Biblical proportions. So, he would go home on leave, sit with his wife, and then return to the war. Year after year. As the years went one, Neil repeated the ritual. His own father passed away, while they were living in Missouri. Neil went home for the funeral, visited with his family, and sat with his wife. Then he returned to the war. Afterwards, his mother moved with his sister Corrine and her husband Roger to their home. As time passed, Neil’s mother cared for the grandchildren and made her home with them. Neil rarely spent much time with his family, since he spent most of his free time at Becca’s hospital bedside.

While Neil was a great and sound soldier to his men, he had few close friends. Bolensky served with him for quite a time, and they were close. Neil had developed a bond with one of his radio men, a tall, lanky kid from Minnesota called Swede. That was a good year for Neil. He also became acquainted with Swede’s good friends; Spud, Horse, and Chicago. They were a fine bunch and some of the few that actually kept in touch after they returned home after the service.

He also became close to a Vietnamese man, called by his nickname, Suds. Suds’ family did laundry for the soldiers at Cu Chi. Few knew, but many guessed, that Suds also provided more than clean clothes to the Army. His wife had been murdered by the Viet Cong. After that, Suds loyalty was instilled for the US and South Vietnam. He would do anything he could to rid the Viet Cong from the country.

Suds was also close friends with Spud, Swede, Horse, and Chicago. Amazingly, the five kept touch after the soldiers returned to the States and Suds was suddenly transferred to Saigon.

In Saigon, Suds met a sweet gal and they married. Suds continued his secret work with the US, and his wife helped him. Neil saw them occasionally and they maintained their friendship. Then Neil received word that Suds and his wife were expecting. They were so happy. Neil was glad that life seemed to be rewarding the man for his good spirited perseverance.

When Neil got his leave, he met the couple in Saigon before he flew out to the States. He had a bit of time to chat with Suds. Neil told him that he had been invited to Swede’s wedding in Minnesota. Suds was very excited, especially when he learned that Spud, Horse, and Chicago would also be there. He asked Neil to give them his best wishes and was disappointed when Neil said that he likely wouldn’t attend the wedding.

Suds, who rarely told anyone how to live, said, I maybe should not say. I think that I must. Neil. You love your wife, but her spirit has gone to the other realm years ago. In time, her body will follow. That we can understand. But your spirit is still with your body and they are both here with us. It is good that you see her, but it is also for you to visit your friends. I worry this war will end and you will have nothing or no one. Please, if you can, go visit your friends, even if just for a short time.

Neil was shocked, but took it to heart. After choking back tears, he said, Thank you, Suds. I really needed to hear that! I will go see my friends. I’ll see Becca first and then again after, but I can go to the wedding. Thank you, so very much.

Keep your happy spirit, Neil. I treasure your friendship.

So, last year, when Neil landed in Missouri, he called Swede. He told him that he would be attending the wedding and was looking forward to it. Neil couldn’t have been more pleased. Neil had missed his sister’s wedding because of the war and had not seen his nephew until he was almost two. He wasn’t home when his father died. It seemed that he had missed most of his life. Swede’s invitation to come to the wedding may have given him a chance to enjoy a bit of real life again.

He quickly arranged to get to the Minnesota town of Baudette, on the border with Canada. He was excited and he realized it was a long time since he had been that excited about anything. He visited with Becca, and then left for the wedding. There he was reunited with Andy Spud Schroeder, Jackson Horse Fielding, Leon Chicago Washington, and his old buddy, Bolensky. Also at the wedding was another tunnel rat from that time, Franklin. It was a nice visit. They went on a fishing trip on the Rainy River and enjoyed the lodge that Swede’s family operated. The wedding was beautiful. Because of the medical issues of another wedding guest, the plans after the wedding had to be changed abruptly. Neil’s ride to the airport had to leave without him. Andy and Horse invited him to drive with them to the Dakotas, where they lived. They had a mutual pilot friend who would fly him to St. Louis in time to make the plane. In between, he would have time to visit their home. The two veterans lived with Andy’s parents in a very large farmhouse on the prairies. Neil decided, since it sounded like more fun than sitting on a Greyhound Bus to ride with them to Merton, North Dakota.

He was only there a couple days, but had a ball. He rode horse and met some wonderful people. He was made to feel like family and he loved it. It was great. Then this grouchy, loner pilot named Crandall flew him to Missouri as promised.

Sullen, solo Crandall was not a talker, but was almost a mind reader. He could get information out of a person who likely was never aware that he’d even thought some of the things he found himself telling Crandall. Crandall read Neil’s ‘hideout from reality plan’ as easy as Dick and Jane. He smiled, and then the pilot shared that he used flying to escape himself. Before the two men had landed in Missouri, Neil had his first flying lesson and got a job. As soon as he got out of the service, Crandall would hire him at Crandair. Crandall would look into the necessary insurance to cover Becca’s care. Of course, in the meantime, they kept in touch. Hamilton not only heard from his Army buddies, he heard from Andy’s family and even a brief message from Crandall on occasion.

Things returned to normal. However, the tenor of the war had changed. It was almost a given that it was all but over, and the enemy was winning. There was a growing fear among the citizens that when the North Vietnamese declared victory, retribution would be brutal and complete. It was becoming apparent that citizens that had even dealings as vague as being a tailor for an American, faced death. It was a blatant message. Anyone who had any American ties would pay with not only their lives, but the lives of their families. It was ominous and very effective.

Early in the fall, Neil received word that Suds and his wife had twins, a boy and a girl. Neil was elated, and they planned for a visit before long.

Late that fall, Neil received a call from ‘Agency’ folks in Saigon. They sent someone to retrieve him as soon as possible. His dear friend, Suds, was wounded and dying; and his wife had been murdered by the Viet Cong. The Agency folks set it up so Neil could meet with Suds. Before dying, Suds requested that Neil adopt his children and get them to safety, away from the war. Neil, of course, said he would. It was a couple days later, when Suds passed on. Neil stayed in Saigon to arrange for the funerals and to make certain that Suds’ blind uncle would be cared for in a safe house. However, how he was going to raise four-month old twins escaped him.

With the help of the CIA, they quickly maneuvered through months of paperwork in about an hour. Neil called Andy, who was also close to Suds, to ask if he would take care of the kids until he got out of the service. He said that Suds had suggested him or Jackson, since Chicago was not in very good health himself yet recuperating from war injuries. Andy naturally said that he and Annie would be honored to raise their friends’ children. Arrangements were made for Andy to come pick up the kids from Saigon.

Neil took the kids to the airport to hand them over to Andy and his attorney friend, Fletcher Pearson, a former JAG officer who spoke some Vietnamese. Neil Hamilton handed his adopted children over to them and went back to his war. He was scheduled to get out of the service around July and then would come to North Dakota to care of his new family himself. It was time for him to start a real life.

The end of May, Neil received a call from the hospital in Missouri. Becca’s end was within days. Neil received emergency leave and flew back to Missouri. His family was in transit from Mississippi to their station in Germany and could not be there, but the Schroeders flew down and helped him deal with the relieved sadness of her passing, and helped him get over the horrible guilt that he felt relieved that it was finally over. They also helped with Becca’s father, who had become quite dependent on alcohol, as well as her mother who believed it was her fault because she did not have enough faith to save her daughter. Those were grim days, but as with all things, good or bad, they passed.

The Army did not return Neil to Vietnam, but let him process out from Missouri, since he only had about five weeks left. When he finally processed out, good old Crandall picked his new employee up and flew him to his new home outside Merton in central North Dakota.

Schroeders had ‘his’ room ready when he arrived, and Neil moved in where his children had lived for some time. He began working at Crandair a couple days later. He was learning the ropes, schedules, taking flying lessons, and learning to be an airplane mechanic. He was also learning to be a father to his children who didn’t know him from a fence post. They were very familiar with the rest of the folks at Schroeders and Neil was behind the curve.

As he walked up to the back of the Farmer’s Union, he shook his head. If someone had told me how much my life was about to change this time last year, I would have thought they were higher than a kite!

2

Neil entered the back of the quiet grain elevator and listened. Usually the place was filled with the noise of grinders, conveyors, tills, and customers. Now it was very quiet. He could hear a radio playing softy behind the customer service counter, which meant that Tia was still there. It was the first thing she turned on in the morning and the last thing off at night, except the lights.

Hello? he announced as he walked toward the employee area.

No one answered. He noticed the door was open in the bin area and the scoop shovel was not on its hook. That likely meant Tia was in there. The push broom was hanging on its hook by the back door. He could see the floor had been swept.

He walked out front, where he could see the customer door was locked and the closed sign was in place. He leaned on the counter for a minute and smiled when he saw her doodles by the phone. Tia was notorious for doing that. Whenever she talked on the phone, she scribbled: sketches, doodles, penmanship, or stick people, while she talked. Doug Anderson, her boss, teased he was going to have to dock her pay since the budget for note paper had tripled since she started working there. Tia just answered with a sweet grin and a warm laugh, You have to admit, Bossman, my notes have saved us more than once!

That’s true, but how- I still don’t know. I look at those scribbles and see wasted pencil lead. You look at them and can tell me who you were talking to and what was said.

She just shrugged sweetly, What can I say? I’m gifted.

Neil studied the page of scribbles and tried to see if he could understand anything. He could not. He decided it must truly be a rare talent. He straightened and looked at the clock. It was later than usual. He walked around the counter and yelled, Tia? Need some help with something?

Then he heard a groan from inside the bin area and then her voice, Neil? Hey, could you come back here?

The six-foot three, athletically built man walked back to the bin area and opened the door. There Tia was, dangling precariously on the edge of the chicken feed bin. He frowned, What are you doing?

She scrunched her face, Hanging around.

That’s when he noticed the back of her belt and the jeans loop had become hooked on the large latch hinge to the bin. She could not move forward or backward and was simply standing on the edge of the bin.

He studied the situation and then rolled his eyes, How on earth did you manage to do that?

She almost let a tear slip, but instead grumped, I didn’t do it on purpose.

He found a screwdriver and loosened the hinge so she could become free. He helped her down and then tightened the hinge again. Man, you were really stuck. Really, how did it happen?

Gonna laugh? the twenty-six year old ashen-blonde girl asked.

A grin played on his lips and he shrugged, I can’t make any promises.

Funny man! I was going to clean the back over there and then jump down. When I jumped, I miscalculated and hit that hinge-thing. Of course, I was stuck there. Not to mention, it hurt like the dickens when I hit that hinge.

Neil shook his head, Don’t doubt it. Are you black and blue?

If you think for an instant I am going to let you check my backside for bruises, you are daffy. I’m pretty sure I am, but I’ll survive. She rubbed her backside, The going away dance isn’t tonight, is it?

No. Tomorrow.

Good, because I doubt I could do a polka tonight.

You should feel better by then.

Neil took the shovel and rehung it, while Tia closed the door to the bin room. Then she tried to pull the enormous sliding door to the railroad chute and had trouble. Neil noticed her wince and he said, Here. Let me give you a hand.

Thanks, she said trying to hold the tears in her hazel eyes back. It really hurts.

Better have Grandma check it when we get home.

Neil helped her finish closing up and they walked to Tia’s ancient pickup truck together. It was a Bermuda Blue 1956 Ford pickup. It had seen much better days, but it was Tia’s vehicle. When she arrived in Merton early that spring, the old pickup limped in, shuddering and bellowing smoke. It had made it the long trip of 870 miles from Moose Lake, Minnesota to Merton, North Dakota. She was grateful that it did.

When Tia received her first paycheck, she went to the Schroeder garage and gas station that was attached to the Farmer’s Union Elevator and asked the owner, Elton, to check out her machine. He said he would. He came into the Elevator later that day and said, Ms. Howard, have you ever considered selling your pickup?

Oh no, she giggled. That was my first and only vehicle. We have been through everything together.

Elton grinned, It seems that you fared better than it did. It needs a total overhaul. The only thing that is in good shape is the seat.

I had that replaced last year. I was sitting on springs. Then she got serious, How much? I really can’t afford a new car and besides, it is sentimental.

I understand. I have an old 55 myself, and love it. It’s been redone a couple times. My kids love it, and can’t wait to plant me so they can get their mitts on it! Then Elton thought, How about I give you a deal? If I can work on your machine while you are at work, and use it as a training vehicle for some of my staff, I’ll do all the work for the cost of parts. I will even throw in a paint job!

Tia broke into her wonderful smile, I would love that! I just live over at the hotel, so I could even leave it here overnight.

Okay, Elton shook her hand. Now that we are business partners, I would like to invite you to our home to join us for lunch one day soon. You could meet the family.

I would like that. I have to admit, it is pretty boring at the hotel. The owners are friendly, but I haven’t visited with them much.

Doris and Cal? They are friends of ours. Once you get to know them, you will enjoy them, I know. Elton grinned, Would it be okay if I made an extra key for your rig?

She nodded, Of course.

Let me know if you plan on going further than walking distance with your pickup. Maybe we could set you up with a loaner until it is all fixed up. I don’t trust it.

I will.

Now, in late September, Tia’s Baby Blue was repaired completely, and even was repainted the original color. During the days after their discussion about Baby Blue, Tia did have lunch at Schroeders. She became friends and before long, was part of the family. Since there was a dearth of housing in Merton and no apartments available, she moved into Schroeder’s large home a little later. Now they were her surrogate family. That is where she met Neil’s little twins, and then later, of course, Neil himself. Now that he was out of the service, he lived there, also.

Even though she suffered enormous ridicule about her antique pickup, she and Neil usually drove back and forth to work together. He always gave her grief, and she always pointed out her vehicle was better than the one he didn’t have. She was doing him a favor. He would reply that in fact, he was only riding with her so that when that old Ford’s engine fell out, he could push it home.

Tonight she asked him to drive because she had about all she could handle getting into the pickup. He gave her a hand up and then asked seriously, Do you need to see a doctor?

Nah. It is just sore. Tia giggled, What a klutzy thing to do.

3

The couple talked little on the way to the Schroeder farm, but Neil asked, How long did you hang there?

Not long. I thought I heard you come in and that’s why I jumped down. I never looked to see where the pin for the hatch lock was sticking out. Was it caught on my jeans?

A loop, but also your belt. I never imagined a person could get caught that way.

Me, either. Now, I know. She brushed her bouncy curls back, I must have just landed right.

You make me so proud, Neil teased.

She squinted, If you say that again, you will be wearing it.

He patted her hand, I do feel bad that it happened.

She squinted, And why would that be?

I was going to ask you to go for a walk with me tonight.

I go for walks with you often, but you have never asked me before. What is special about tonight?

I just thought of something today and need your advice.

What is it?

I would rather talk when we’re alone.

Don’t look now, but we’re alone.

I meant have more time. He frowned, Forget it. I’ll talk to someone else.

I didn’t mean it that way. Honest, Neil. Maybe I will feel like a walk later. Does it have to be tonight?’

No. I guess not. Just soon. He turned into the Schroeder yard and stopped in front of the house. Whenever you feel okay. Okay?

Okay. I will get out here and could you put Baby Blue away?

You got it. Need help out, or are you getting it?

Got it.

Neil drove the pickup down to the garage and came out when he saw the milkers returning from the barn to the house. Eight-year old CJ ran up to him, Did you have to work late? Were the planes late?

A bit and Tia was delayed.

Where is she?

I let her out at the house.

Clarissa, who was just seven, asked, Did she lose the sole off her shoe? I did once and Mister let me out at the house because it flipped and flopped when I walked. He thought I would get stones in my feet.

That was nice of him.

Is that why you let her out?

No. She hurt her back. I thought maybe she didn’t want to walk.

CJ got excited, Did she get into a fight with some robber guys and have to use karate lessons on them?

No. It was an accident and she got hurt.

Clarissa narrowed her eyes, Did you hurt her?

Neil made a face, Now just why do you think that I would hurt her? I like her. She is one of my best friends. I’d never hurt her! Honestly, what did you guys eat for supper?

CJ shrugged, We haven’t had supper yet. I hope it is something good, don’t you?

Neil nodded and then stepped back to walk beside Elton, the sixty-seven year old patriarch of the family. Neil gave him a pleading look. Elton patted his shoulder and said sympathetically, I’ve been down that path with the kids more than once.

Will it get better?

No. Something new comes along and you forget all about the last time you were sucked in! Elton chuckled, So what happened to Tia?

Neil explained that Tia jumped off the edge of the chicken feed bin, but got her belt caught on the pin for the latch hinge. Elton nodded, Keith did that same thing once. Those darned pins stick out too far. I guess they nearly have to in order to secure the latch hinge, but they are dangerous.

Maybe you could tell her. She was feeling pretty klutzy about it.

Will do. So, how was your day?

Good. The last flight was a bit late- guess there is weather out west. Then Neil chuckled, I always think that sounds dumb.

What do you mean?

Of course there is weather! There always is. But when folks say weather, they usually mean bad weather, so why not say it?

Elton grinned, Then what would you have to think about?

When they got inside, Grandma was putting a bandage on Tia’s back. Nora relayed the medical report, She has a nasty bruise, but also a scratch over it. She will be up to snuff in a day or so.

Clarissa met Tia when she came back into the kitchen. She took her hand and helped her to a chair at the table as if she was feeble. Then she ran to get her a sofa pillow to sit on. Tia smiled, Thanks, but really, it is just a bump.

It is near her backbone, so it is sensitive, Grandma advised. But it will be fine.

Clarissa was not swayed however, and opened a napkin and put it on Tia’s lap. Would you like me to sit beside you so I can cut up your food?

No, thank you. That was very thoughtful, but you can sit in your regular place.

Okay, Clarissa nodded, and then turned to Neil. Mr. Neil, you can sit by Tia like usual, but make sure her food is in small bites. Okay?

I’ll do that.

Except for the extension on the evening grace at the table by CJ, which included asking God to heal Tia’s broken back, the rest of the meal was thankfully back to normal. Elton relayed that Keith had had the same problem and survived, so everyone felt better.

The conversation went to the next day’s activities, which included moving Autumn into the house she had bought in Merton. Some of the clanners, the loose group of friends that centered around the Schroeder household, had spent time that week painting, lining shelves, and hanging curtains. Tomorrow, the group hoped to have Autumn all moved in before the dance that evening.

The dance would be across the road in Carl Kincaid’s Quonset building. It would serve as the welcome home party for Jackson, who lived at Schroeders and was returning from college. It was also the going-away party for Father Lander’s family from New Orleans and the Standing Elk family from Nebraska. They had been visiting before the school term would start the following week.

That evening was rather quiet. Some of the residents of the Schroeder household went over to the Quonset to decorate for the dance, and Neil went along. The little girls loved to have him help because he was tall and could hang streamers for them. He came home about eight however, and helped feed his twins before they went to bed for the night. He had little time to spend with them and tried to make that ‘their time’ of the day. He got them cleaned up for bed and played with them. The twins were getting used to drinking out of a cup often, but still needed the comfort of a bottle before going to sleep. He liked feeding them.

Tia offered to feed one of the babies, while Neil fed the other. She had been watching television and leaning on a heating pad for a while. She was becoming restless. Neil brought her Linh and her bottle, while he sat down with Tho and his. When Tho, whose name was pronounced Ta, was finished with his bottle, Neil burped him and