Just Out of Reach

By R. Gerry Fabian

Just Out Of Reach is a coming of age novel. During the end of summer in the early 1960’s, the main character, Jake Johnson, faces various situations which cause him to examine the changes that life hands him. This novel explores themes of love, prejudice, deception and loss as viewed by a twelve year old boy. Set in the suburbs and later on a farm just outside a small town, the main character tries to navigate life in a military family as well as a week with his Great Aunt and Great Uncle on their farm. The novel features the flashes of humor, confusion, trust and sadness that are inherent in childhood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. Gerry Fabian
• Release date: Oct 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798201073978

R. Gerry Fabian

R. Gerry Fabian is a published poet and novelist.He has published four books of published poetry. Parallels,Coming Out Of The Atlantic, Electronic Forecasts,Wildflower Women as well as a poetry baseball book,Ball On The Mound. In addition, he has publishedfour novels part of the Ingenuous Serendipity Series : Getting Lucky (The Story),Memphis Masquerade, Seventh Sense and Ghost Girl.His fifth novel is Just Out Of Reach.He lives in Doylestown, PA.

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Just Out of Reach

by

R. Gerry Fabian

Copyright

© 2023 R. Gerry Fabian

All rights reserved.

RAW DOG PRESS

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations and events portrayed in this story are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage or retrieval system, in any form or by any means whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of R. Gerry Fabian.

CYBER ACTIVE

A CYBER ACTIVE NOVEL EMPLOYS LINKS TO THE INTERNET WHICH ALLOWS THE READER TO GAIN A BROADER SCOPE OF INTERACTION WITH THE WORK. THIS SCOPE MAY INCLUDE PICTURES, AUDIO AND ARTICLES TO PROVIDE THE READER WITH AN EXPANDED VIEW OF THE NOVEL. DUE TO THE FLUID NATURE OF THE INTERNET, THESE LINKS MAY DISAPPEAR OVER TIME. HOWEVER, THE ADVANTAGE OF EBOOK PUBLISHING IS THAT THE INTERNET IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO FURTHER EXPLORATION. (JUST OUT OF REACH) USES LINKS TO YOUTUBE AS A MUSICAL REFERENCE TO ITS READERS.

DEDICATION

TO MY DEAR FRIEND

SUE MCMAHON

Table Of Contents

Chapter 1 Needles and Pins

Chapter 2 Till I Kissed You

Chapter 3 Walk Don’t Run

Chapter 4 Sleep Walk

Chapter 5 Apache

Chapter 6 Passing Breeze

Chapter 7 Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Chapter 8 Summer Set

Chapter 9 Handy Man

Chapter 10 Poison Ivy

Chapter 11 Beyond The Sea

Chapter 12 Stick Shift

Chapter 13 Baby Elephant Walk

Chapter 14 You Got What It Takes

Chapter 15 Theme From A Summer Place

Chapter 16 One Fine Day

About The Author

CHAPTER 1

Needles and Pins

I woke up because I needed to use the bathroom. I remembered my uncle’s instructions to go outside for number one. The house was unfamiliar and spooky in the dark. I slowly made my way to the staircase and walked down. Turning right, I used the moonlight to find the kitchen door. Slowly I opened it only to hear growling coming from the other side of the screen door. Some kind of animal sent a low vicious growl my way. I could not make out the size of the animal. Quickly I slammed the inner wooden door. Then I waited. I could hear the animal growling on the other side. My urge to urinate grew stronger until I had no choice but to go back upstairs and use my aunt’s bathroom. When I finished, I turned out the light and opened the door to find my uncle standing there. But before that happened, there was this.

I had horizontal snow fence bloody scrapes along my back from racing back and trying to catch the long fly ball. As I leaped up, my back impaled onto the V shaped picket tops and I watched as the ball sailed just out of my reach. And just like that, the season was over. Picking up my All-Star hat, I tried to stand up. My father was now by my side as were some teammates. My back was stinging and I could feel blood seeping from the cuts.

Take it slow. My dad cautioned.

Once on my feet, my dad pulled up the back of my uniform top.

We are going to have to get you to the hospital. My dad announced.

I felt weak in the knees but mustered my resolve and started walking with my dad. The spectators were clapping for me and I managed a weak smile of appreciation.

My coach came up to me. You gave it your all.

Sorry, Coach. I heard myself say.

My dad walked me slowly to the car door, opened it and I got in.

Try not to lean back against the seat. My dad instructed.

The ride to the hospital took forever. Now the burning became intense and I fought back tears. Pulling into the parking lot, my dad turned off the engine and we both got out. I looked at my dad for guidance. I had never been to the hospital and I was scared.

It’s going to be all right. They’ll look at your back and fix it up. I’ll be right with you the entire time.

I should ‘ve caught it.

Sometimes in life, things are just out of reach. All you can do, is try your best.

My dad opened the door and we went inside.

There was a counter off to the left with two nurses standing behind it. On the right side, there were rows of red metal chairs. My dad approached the closest nurse. He spoke quietly to the nurse. She nodded and said something else to my dad.

Turn around. My dad instructed me.

Oh my. The nurse exclaimed.

She gave my dad a clipboard with some papers attached and a pen.

Fill this out and I’ll find you a doctor.

She pointed to the red chairs.

My dad and I went over and sat down and again my dad admonished me not to lean back. While my dad filled out the paperwork, I looked around. Off to the right, there was a woman who was holding a bloody cloth against her face. She was quietly moaning while the man next to her held her hand softly and stroked the top of her head gently with his other hand. A few seats farther back, an old man had his foot propped on the red chair in front of him. His foot twisted in a strange direction and it caused me to wince and look away.

Mind your own business. My dad whispered.

A doctor came out and called the man’s name. The man waved. The doctor went over to him, looked at the foot and asked the nurse to get him a wheel chair.

Now how did you do this? I heard the doctor ask.

My back was really stinging and I shuddered.

It won’t be much longer. My dad said and he got up and returned the clipboard and pen to the nurse.

My dad sat down. Tough way for the season to end. A solo homerun. Two outs. Nothing – nothing game.

I nodded to my dad.

Another doctor came out and called my name. I looked over at the woman with the bloody face but my father guided me toward the doctor. We walked down the hall and into an examining room. There was a nurse already there.

Lie on your stomach on that table. The doctor instructed me.

I did what he said but I watched my father.

Get that shirt off him and then call me back. The doctor said.

The nurse who was a negro woman with black hair pulled up into a bun which was under her cap. She had a round kind face with big brown eyes. She smiled at me.

Okay honey, I ‘m going to cut this shirt off your back.

Don’t let her cut my shirt. I implored my father.

It’s his All-Star jersey. My dad explained.

It’s pretty ripped up. The nurse motioned.

I looked at my dad.

I think the nurse is right, Jake. There’s no saving this shirt.

The nurse let that sink in for a minute.

Okay then, the blood has dried into the shirt so as I cut it away, it may sting some as I pull it away. Can you be brave for me?

I nodded, yes.

As the nurse began cutting, I could feel her hands pulling the shirt back. There was a stinging sensation and I could feel blood sliding on my back.

There now, that’s got it. Not too bad. She smiled.

Now she looked at my dad. I’ll get the doctor.

She was back with the doctor in a matter of minutes.

I’m Dr. Callahan. What’s your name? He asked.

Jake.

Well Jake, let’s take a look at your back.

The nurse had gotten a cloth and a basin of water and Dr. Callahan wiped the first slash. I jerked up.

Easy now, Jake. It’s just water. It may be a bit cold.

Dr. Callahan moved to the next slash.

We’re going to need some stitches here. He said to the nurse. When he had finished with the slashes, he said to my dad,

Stitches here and here. The rest are superficial.

The nurse walked over to a light green cabinet and started to take out various sealed items. I looked at my dad.

It might sting a little. My dad offered.

When he was ready, Dr. Callahan told me what he was going to do.

First, I am going to wipe your back again. Then you will feel a little pinch from the needle in two spots. Then I will stitch up the two bad cuts. Are you ready?

Yes, sir. I said but I wasn’t.

I could feel the cold cloth as Dr. Callahan rubbed my back again. I shuddered.

Now you’re going to feel a little pinch

I jerked up.

Steady Jake. Just relax. One more.

This time I grabbed tightly to the side of the table.

That’s the worst of it. Dr. Callahan smiled, "We need a minute or two to let the anesthetic take hold.

While we waited, Dr. Callahan and the nurse unwrapped some instruments.

You may want to wait outside while we do this? Dr. Callahan said to my father.

I’ll be fine. My father replied.

I breathed an inward sigh of relief.

Let me know if you feel this. Dr. Callahan said.

It just feels cold. I stammered.

Good.

When the doctor finished, he let the nurse apply the bandages.

Going over to the sink, he washed his hands carefully and thoroughly dried them. He let the nurse apply the bandages while he watched. Then he went over to my dad.

I want you to change the bandages after his bath each night. I know this is going to be tough but for two weeks I want you to keep him sedentary. No running, no ball throwing – nothing where he will have to stretch his back as he might tear the stitches.

You hear that, Jake? My father asked me.

Yes, sir.

Give him two St. Joseph aspirin for any pain when you get home. Make an appointment to remove the stitches two weeks from now before you leave. Now the front desk nurse may try to schedule you with someone else and if she does, tell her ‘Dr. Callahan 180’. You should have no trouble after that.

Dr. Callahan turn to me. Don’t you rip those stitches or you’ll be in a mess when you come in here.

Then he smiled at me. You were very brave.

He turned to leave when I blurted out, Dad, what about a shirt?

Even the nurse stopped when I said that.

It’s warm out. The fresh air might be good for your back. When you get home, put a shirt on. The kind that buttons in the front. No pullovers for two weeks.

My dad thanked the doctor and he and the nurse left. My dad went over to the table, helped me sit up and then lifted me off the table.

You, okay?

I nodded, yes.

All right then. I should make an appointment at the front desk and then we can go home. Your mother’s probably wondering what became of us.

I stood next to my dad while he made the appointment. I heard my dad strongly say Dr. Callahan 180. I knew people were looking at my back.

A man came in, holding his arm with a bloody wrist and a bone sticking out of a bloodstained towel.

What happened to you? The man asked me.

I wanted to turn away but I said, I fell into a picket fence.

Damn. He barked. Neither of us is having a great day. I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you, sir. I replied.

As we walked to the car, I could feel the air on my back and a slight stinging. My dad started to go to my door but I stopped him.

I can do it.

Suit yourself.

Once we were in the car, I slowly leaned back against the seat. My back hurt and I leaned forward.

Ready?

Yes, sir.

The engine roared and my dad backed out of the parking lot and in a few minutes, we were on the highway. My dad looked at his watch.

Are you hungry or do you just want to go home? It’s past lunch time.

I’m kind of hungry.

As my dad pulled off the highway, just down the road was a McDonalds.

Let’s try this place. He suggested.

Okay.

My dad pulled the car into the parking spot in front of the restaurant. This was a brand-new restaurant and my dad loved to try out new places. We sat for a minute and looked at the menu board which you could see from the parking spot. They didn’t have many choices. They offered a hamburger, cheeseburger, french fries and several beverages. It was a take-out place as there was no seating inside.

"What do you think?’

Hamburger and strawberry milkshake.

Okay.

He got out of the car and went inside. I saw him order and just like that, he had two milk shakes and a bag of food.

He got back in the car and handed me my milk shake. Opening the bag, he took out two wrapped hamburgers and handed one to me.

Wow, that was really fast. I told him.

It sure was. My dad agreed.

 I opened my hamburger and took a bite.

"Well?’

Pretty good. I told him.

He unwrapped his and took a bite. He chewed it and took another bite.

Not bad.

I took a sip of my strawberry milk shake. It was very good.

While we ate, we watched people come and go. I noticed that they had picnic tables off to the left where you could eat if you wanted to.

We should bring mom, Tom and Mike here, sometime. I suggested.

My dad smiled. That’s a good idea.

When we had finished eating, we put the wrappers in the bag and my dad gave me his milk shake to hold.

Now we better get ourselves home.

He started the car.

After the initial hysterics and examinations by my mother, my dad told me to go upstairs and put a shirt on. I did not own any shirts that buttoned down the front so I put on my pajama top and came back down. My dad and mom were in the kitchen sitting at the table. My dad was explaining the whole story to my now calmer mother.

Why didn’t you stop and get bandages? My mother accused my dad.

I thought it was more important to get him home right away.

Of course. I’m sorry.

Now I knew why my dad insisted that I finish the milkshake when we got home and he went and placed all the trash in the garbage can.

I walked into the kitchen.

What about his All-Star jersey? My mother asked.

It was pretty ripped up. My dad and I said in unison

My dad smiled at me’

Why are you wearing your pajama top?

"I am supposed to wear front button shirts and I don’t have any.

My mother took this information in for a minute.

I’ll get you some front button shirts.

"Mom, maybe just pajamas. I don’t really wear front button shirts.

Are you really alright? My mom got up and walked over to me and carefully and gently hugged me.

I’m sorry you didn’t catch the ball. She whispered

My family was a Navy family. We moved every three years whether we wanted to or not. There was my dad, Charles, my mom, Julia, my ten-year-old, younger brother, Tom, my seven-year-old brother, Mike, who everyone called, Mikey, and our Brittany Spaniel, Beau.

Gradually everyone came home and learned about my not catching the ball story. I was sitting on the floor watching television when Beau came up and gave my back a good sniffing.

Beau was the family dog in name only. He was really my dog. I fed him and made sure he had water. He slept in my room. He wasn’t supposed to sleep in my bed but he did so every night. When my mother would come to say, Goodnight, she would shoosh Beau off my bed. He'd jump of and go over to his dog bed and lie down. As soon as she turned out the light and closed the door, he'd sneak over and jump up on the bed.

After dinner my brothers and I watched television until I decided that it was time to take a bath.

I’m going to take a bath. I announced.

My mother and father appeared out of nowhere.

I can do it.

The bandages? My mom snapped.

I’ll take the bath and then you can come change them.

Don’t get them wet. Mom admonished.

I went upstairs to my bedroom. My brother, Mikey, and Beau followed me into the bedroom as I was undressing.

"Can I see?’

I took off my pajama top and turned around.

Gross.

Mikey, get down here and leave your brother alone.

My dad commanded.

Mikey jumped on my bed, jumped off again and went downstairs. Mikey and Tom shared a bedroom while I had a room of my own. Whenever they complained about it, I told them that I shared my room with Beau.

Taking the bath was the easy part. Filling the bath tub, a little less than half full, I got in scrubbed up with soap and used a wash cloth to rinse the soap off. Getting out, I dried myself off and put on my pajama bottoms.

I’m ready. I shouted.

I heard two sets of footsteps come up the stairs. Both dad and mom walked into the bathroom. Two more sets of footsteps started up the stairs.

Unless one of you want to take these bandages off and rebandage the wounds, I suggest you turn around right now. My dad spoke harshly.

My mother looked at my back.

Which ones should we do first? She asked my dad.

Now my dad was only there for moral support. Could he change the bandages if he had to? Yes. However, in his scheme of the world, it was my mother’s job.

"Why don’t you start with the scrapes and see how that goes before you tackle the stitches.? He suggested’

Grasping the top edge of a bandage, she slowly pulled it down and off. Immediately discarding it in the trash can, she put some ointment on her finger, rubbed it on my back and used a tissue to wipe off her finger. My dad had opened the proper size bandage and handed it to her. Placing it gently on my back, she patted around the bandage to be sure it would stick.

There we go. My mother sighed.

She looked at my father who smiled at her.

The other three scrape bandages went on in the same manner. Now it was time to do the bandages with the stitches. Employing the same technique as she used with the scrapes, she gently pulled but this time, it hurt and I jerked.

Sorry.

Moving her hand ever more slowly there was some pulling but now I expected it and stayed still. Finally, the bandage was off. I heard her release a quiet sigh. This time she was much gentler when she applied the ointment. My dad was ready with the bandage. Finally, it was time for the last bandage. I felt my mom’s hand peel away the bandage but it seemed like it took her forever.

Oh my. I heard her whisper.

I looked at my dad but his eyes were looking at my back. My mother put the ointment on this last wound but I could tell she didn’t like doing it. Wiping off her finger with another tissue, she took the bandage from my dad and placed it on the stitched wound. She patted around it once and then again just to make sure. Then she made me swallow an aspirin. This routine went on for the entire week until she convinced my father that she could now do it by herself. I took his place as the bandage opener.

Suddenly my back felt wet and I woke up. Looking at my alarm clock, it was 2:13 am. I remember going to lie down on my bed after my mom changed the bandages. I must have fallen asleep but it was a fitful sleep as I tossed and turned. My wet back was compliments of Beau who had been licking it. Getting up, I went to use the bathroom. Returning to my bed, I went into that fitful sleep again.

My mom woke me up at 9:00. She told me breakfast was ready. I used the bathroom, went back to my bed room, and put on shorts but kept my pajama top on. Then I went downstairs. My brothers were long gone. Beau was lying next to the back screen door. When I got to the table, there were two pieces of toast with honey and cinnamon on them. A small glass of orange juice was next to the plate. This was a special treat from my mom. Usually, I just had shredded wheat with milk in a bowl.

Eating the toast slowly, I was surprised that Beau was still here. He usually was gone by this time. The one good thing about Beau was you could just let him out. He would follow me or one of my brothers or just wander around. He knew where home was and when my mom rang the back porch bell to warn us of the half hour until lunch/dinner time, Beau was usually the first one back. My dad had instituted the bell because he wanted us all to be home and washed up before any meal. The punishment for lateness was confinement to the house the next day and if it was raining, the first clear day that followed.

After I finished my breakfast, I took my plate and glass to the sink. (Another rule.) I wondered if my dad had told my mom that I had to take it easy for two weeks. I wanted to go out but the pajama top was an issue. I went to the back door. Beau stood up and I let him out. Before I could take a step in the same direction, I heard,

Just where do you think you’re going?

Out for a little walk with Beau?

You can watch television down here or go do something in your room. No outside for you.

Mom. I pleaded.

You heard me.

It was a week day morning and there was nothing good on television, so I went upstairs, lay down on my bed and promptly fell asleep.

The ringing of the porch bell woke me up. I felt much better. Sliding off the bed, I went to the bathroom and washed up. Going downstairs, I heard Mikey fly through the back porch and race upstairs to wash up. My mother looked at the kitchen clock. She was now in timing mode. Would Tom make it in time? Beau showed up first. Then right behind him, an out of breath Tom, shot through the door. He went right to the kitchen sink and washed up.

I made it? He implored my mother.

Take your seats, boys. My mom instructed.

She then served us chicken noodle soup and peanut butter and jam sandwiches. I make of point out of using the word ‘jam.’ My father would not let us have jelly. Jam only was his rule. We waited until our mom sat down, said the blessing and then and only then could we eat.

How you feeling? Tom asked me.

My back’s a little sore.

My mother nodded at me in that knowing way of hers.

Can I use your baseball glove? Mikey asked.

My glove. Where was my glove? Did I take it to the car? Was it still in the car?

Dad put it in the garage. I want to teach Sal to catch. I’ll use your glove and he can use mine.

Before I could say anything, my mother chimed in.

Let him borrow the glove. You won’t be using it for some time. You take care of the glove and put it in the garage when you’re finished. I better not find it in the yard. The second part she said to Mikey.

May I be excused? Mikey asked.

When my mom nodded, yes; he took his soup bowl and plate to the sink and bolted out the back screen door.

And what are your plans? She said to Tom.

"I think Pete and me will probably go over to the school.

We lived a block and half from the George Washington Elementary School.

It’s going to be hot, this afternoon, wear your ball hat.

I will. May I please be excused?

Again, my mother nodded and like Mikey, he took his dishes over to the sink. Unlike Mikey, Tom sauntered out the back door.

May I be excused?

Yes, you may.

I got up and reached for my dishes.

Just leave them.

Mom, I can carry my dishes to the sink. I protested.

She smiled at me. Okay.

The house was hot and I went over near the back door to see if there might be a breeze coming in. After doing the dishes, my mom came and sat on the couch. There was perspiration on her face and her hair was damp.

I really think we should get you a front button shirt or two. She suggested.

I knew that she was right. I’d never get outside or be able to go anywhere wearing pajama tops.

Okay. I relented. But please mom, nothing crazy. Just a blue or white shirt.

While I was standing by the back screen door, Beau came up to the other side and stared at me. I opened the door and he came in and went right over to his water bowl. After a long drink, he lay down on the tile floor by the back door.

I sat down by him and slowly started petting him. "Are you okay?’ I asked him as I petted him. This was not like him at all. I looked at my mom. She just shrugged her shoulders as she got up and went upstairs. One thing about my mom was she rarely rested during the day. There was always something to do.

When she came back downstairs, I asked her if I could please go out on the back porch and sit there.

Just sit! First, go get your hat.

As I opened the screen door, Beau shot out the door. I adjusted my hat and went and sat on a porch chair. Mikey was trying to teach Sal to catch the ball. He threw the ball and Sal waved his glove at it and totally missed it. Mikey was frustrated but he was not going to give up. Sal picked up the ball and standing with both his feet in front of him, he kind of side armed his throw and the result was it was nowhere near Mikey. Mikey walked over, picked up the ball and went over to Sal. He told Sal to watch him as he took a step with his left foot, raised the ball with his right hand and then pretended to throw the ball. Then he made Sal try it. And try it again. And try it again. When he was satisfied, he told Sal to just throw the ball. Sal tried and while it was better, his technique needed a lot of practice. Mikey then changed the lesson to catching the ball. After once again retrieving the ball, Mikey tossed the ball underhanded to Sal telling him to catch the ball with the glove. Sal caught on to this immediately. Mikey kept moving back and tossing the ball to Sal. He would catch it and then throw it underhanded back to Mikey. He wasn’t great at the underhand toss but way better than his overhand tosses. One thing I knew for sure, by the end of the week, Mikey would have him throwing and catching the baseball. Mikey was not one to give up on a mission that he started.

Mrs. Rossi came out her back door.

Drinks, boys. She called.

They both dropped their gloves and the ball and went running to the porch.

My mother came to the porch screen door.

I turned to her.

I see. She noted. Your brother tends to get ahead of himself. Now I want you to come in and go upstairs and rest. I looked at my glove which lay on the ground. I felt a tension rise in me.

The doctor said you need to rest to let the stiches help heal you.

My back was sore so I did not resist. I got up, opened the screen door and Beau went charging in. I followed him.

Mom? What’s up with Beau?

You go get some rest. Beau’s fine.

I went upstairs and lay down on the bed. Beau jumped up next to me. I started petting him and then fell asleep.

Chapter 2

Till I Kissed You

A few nights later, Mr Rossi came home with a bag for Sal. Inside was a new baseball glove. Sal immediately came over and got Mikey so he could show him the new glove. True to his calling, Mikey had worked every day with Sal until now Sal could throw the ball overhand and straight and catch almost as well as Mikey.

Apparently, Mr. Rossi had been watching the lessons. He came over one night to talk with my father about buying a new glove for Mikey as well. I was playing around the corner with Beau and I overheard the conversation. My dad thanked him politely but declined citing the fact that he had two other boys to think of. For a moment, I thought Mr. Rossi was going to offer to buy us all new baseball gloves but my father changed the subject before that idea could gain ground.

Mr. Rossi was an interesting man. He always wore a dark suit. I knew he was Italian but no one in the neighborhood knew what he did for a living. He did not play with his kids. Anything having to do with the kids was Mrs. Rossi’s job. He would also be gone for weeks at a time. He had a man come and mow his yard and take care of the flower beds. Every now and then, people in black cars would come and visit. When the black cars came, we could not go near the Rossi house – not even Mikey.

Mrs. Rossi was just the opposite. She loved having swarms of kids in the house. And just like Mr. Rossi, she adored Mikey. Mrs. Rossi was always cooking something. The summer heat did not seem to bother her. One day it was lasagna. The next it was Bolognese. If it was Italian, she could make it. Cacio e pepe, panzanella, ricotta gnudi or filetto di pomodoro. Garlic was her go to ingredient. The house always smelled of gravy and garlic. She called red sauce – gravy. My mother made us spaghetti from time to time but she just used a sauce that she bought from the store. Mrs. Rossi had big pots full of whatever she was making. Weekly, she would call all the kids in for lunch. One of us had to run home and ask our mom if we could eat lunch at the Rossi house. She was always fine with that if we let her know before she started making lunch. My mother made sure to invite Sal over to our house. Sal loved to eat at our house as he got peanut butter and jam sandwiches or grilled cheese or egg salad which his mother didn’t make. As kids, we got to try a variety of different foods.

Mrs. Rossi would sing while she cooked. She listened to an Italian station and would sing along in Italian with the music. When you walked by the Rossi house, you could hear her singing and to tell the truth, she had a beautiful voice.

Something between Mikey and Mrs. Rossi clicked. As soon as she saw him, she would brighten up. His joy for life was infectious and it just lit a spark for Mrs. Rossi. Our family saw it too but to us, he was just being Mikey. Maybe it was the fact that he and Sal were such good friends and Mikey would not do anything without including Sal.

Lying on my stomach across the medical table, I felt Dr. Callahan’s hand gently touch my back in several places.

They look very good. He said to my mother.

Okay, Jake. This won’t hurt. You will just feel a little tug as I remove the stitches.

He was correct. I felt the tugs and after he had the nurse put ointment on and then the bandages on.

Leave the bandages on tonight. Tomorrow, you can remove them for good.

Any questions?

Ask him, mom. Please.

Friday is the pool’s Champions Swim Meet. Is his back well enough to swim in it.

I sat up and looked at the doctor. He knew I wanted him to say, yes.

Generally, I like to wait one more week before resuming regular activity. I think we had better stick to that. Better safe than sorry. Anything else?

When neither of us said anything, he thanked us and left the room.

I looked at my mom and then started to put on the madras shirt she had bought me. I had asked her to buy a blue or white shirt and while she did buy a blue one, she also bought this shirt. It had a variety of colors and lines going both horizontal and vertical. The blue one was for play.

This one was for when we were going somewhere.

When my mother showed the shirts at the dinner table, Tom started laughing at the madras shirt which cost him his Saturday morning - washing the car. Mikey looked down at his plate and said nothing. I politely thanked her. I did not want my first full activity to be washing the car.

The Champions Swim Meet took place Friday night at 6:00 pm. My mom took the three of us and Sal to the meet. There were several groupings. They started with the age nine children and went to age fourteen children. Mikey could have won the age nine event but he wasn’t old enough. Neither was Sal. Tom had a chance in the age ten. I checked out the age twelve. Bob Trowbridge and I would have battled it out. I didn’t see Bob Trowbridge there. Then I found out he was on vacation with his family.

The age ten race was very close. Tom was leading most of the way but another kid, Kent Jones, swam out of his lane to cut Tom off and won by a touch. Some of the parents were upset. One of the officials came over to my mother and asked if she wanted a ruling. My mom asked Tom who was so happy that he won second place that she declined. If my father had been there, he would have asked for a ruling. Fortunately for everyone involved, my father had to work late.

We stayed for the age twelve race which Bill Turner won. Bill Turner! I could have beaten Bill Turner while half asleep.

At the awards ceremony, Tom got a plastic silver medal and an envelope. Inside the envelope was a certificate for a free cheeseburger at McDonalds. My mother kissed him on the cheek.

You would have beaten Bill Turner easily. Mikey said to me.

Mikey and I were the product of my father’s side of the family. Tom was from my mother’s side.

When my father arrived home, later that night, he asked about the meet.

Tom won second place. My mother announced.

Second place. That’s great. Was it close?

Real close. I blurted out.

My mother shot Mikey and me that glance. It was her way of warning us not to say anything else.

And you? He looked at me

Dr. Callahan said he needs to wait one more week before he can ‘resume regular activity’ My mom explained.

Who won the age 12 race?

Bill Turner.

Bill Turner! Bill Turner the pudgy brown-haired kid?

I nodded.

Jake would have slaughtered him. Tom said.

Then my dad turned his attention back to Tom. Tom showed him his plastic medal and his certificate for a free cheeseburger at McDonalds.

McDonalds? Never heard of it. We are going to have to find out where it is and take the whole family.

Tom’s eyes lit up.

Maybe we can go tomorrow?

Sounds like a good idea.

My dad looked over at me and smiled.

"Where’s Mikey?’

He’s over at the Rossi’s. Mom said.

We may have to start calling that boy Mikey Rossi Johnson. My dad quipped.

We all laughed at that.

While getting ready for bed that night, I thought about the conversation we had when my dad came home. How when I said, ‘real close,’ my mom looked at me in a way to say ‘you have said enough, don’t say any more’ and when my dad said ‘we are going to have to find out where it is and take the whole family’ and then shot me a smile. As I got under the covers and