Beyond the Rose

BEYOND THE ROSE

JoAnn Flanery

Copyright 2014 JoAnn Flanery

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved

INTRODUCTION

Hello once again. For those of you who don't have a clue as to who I am I will give you a quick run-down. My life has had many challenges. My husband died unexpectedly thirty-five years ago, and I was left to take care of our handicapped daughter Christine on my own. We had to move away from supportive family and friends in Michigan to Flagstaff, Arizona to get the special services she needed.

Beyond the Rose is my first fictional novel and to be honest out of all the books I have written this was the most fun. It was an amazing experience ... the characters themselves seemed to take over, and all I had to do was write down what they wanted to say. Strange I know.

This is the story of Sydney Armstrong, a beautiful accomplished lawyer, who lived with her parents and best friend, their housekeeper, Gretchen, in Atlanta, Georgia. They were a happy busy family. But suddenly tragedy struck, and her whole world was turned upside down. Unanswered questions haunted her, which led to a mystery with shocking results. There are many unpredictable twists and turns, some fun and some very surprising. I hope you like it.

Just a quick note, all the characters in this book are pure fiction dreamed up by me. The cities that are mentioned that the characters are connected with are also fictional. Granted Atlanta, Georgia, Detroit, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio are listed, but only for directional purposes. So if I made up someone who has the same name I am sorry.

CHAPTER 1: FATHER

Courage is grace under pressure...Ernest Hemingway

Father, it's me Sydney can I come in? Father, are you all right? Please open the door. Please, please, let me in.

Panic was setting in, something's wrong. GRETCHEN, GRETCHEN, HELP ME! A minute later she came flying down the stairs.

What happened I could hear you screaming all the way from the third floor? Take a breath you are as pale as a sheet.

It's Father, I found the dogs barking and scratching frantically at the office door and have been knocking and knocking, but he won't answer me. Do you have a key to this door? Gretchen ran her hand over the top of the door fame, grabbed the key, and handed it to me. My hands were shaking so badly I dropped it twice; finally I turned the lock and entered. Sorry to disturb you, Father, but when you didn't answer my calls I was concerned. No response came, so I slowly went through the dimly lit room to his desk. He was sitting in his chair with his head back, the light on his desk cast a strange eerie shadow across his face, and I knew immediately something was very wrong. I looked toward the door where Gretchen was waiting and yelled at her to call 911. Gently I touched my father's arm, I am here, Father, I will help you, please talk to me.

There was a slight gurgling sound, as he tried to speak, but I could not make out what he was saying. Then with what seemed like a great effort, Sydney … look ... beyond … the … rose, and he was gone. Just before the blackness swept over me I heard the sirens. The next thing I remember was a paramedic kneeling beside me and nearby Gretchen was sobbing, What happened?

Miss Armstrong, you passed out, said the man who was holding my hand. I am sorry, but your father has died. There was nothing we could do for him. Are you well enough to get up? We will transport him to the hospital now.

I couldn't move, this was a horrible dream and soon I would wake up and everything would be fine, but deep in my soul I knew the truth. Did he really say 'look beyond the rose' and if so what did it mean? I can't think about that now I just can't.

I can't believe he is gone. I can't believe he is gone. My father, Charles Emerson Armstrong, is dead … how can it be I have never seen him with even a cold. He was only sixty years old. My father would never be old enough to die he was too stubborn and had no time for such a thing. What could have happened? Why, why, why now, my mother has only been gone for three months, and now Father too?

Sydney, honey, are you all right … Sydney?

Sorry, Gretchen, I was just lost somewhere. Honestly, I don't know if I am all right or not, how can this have happened? I feel awful!

Gretchen put her arm around me, Of course you do after the trauma you have suffered, but you will get through this. Just give yourself time. Now get up, you have been huddled in that chair since we returned from the funeral, you must get something to eat. You haven't had a bite or slept since it … happened. Besides, Mr. Edgeworth will be here soon to read the will.

Have the newspaper reporters left yet? I told them my lawyer would make a statement later this afternoon. Why can't they leave me alone?

You know perfectly well why young lady. Your father was a very important man, and as usual they want every detail of what happened. Every move your father made was news.

Yes, every move the famous Atlanta criminal lawyer made was news. He only took on the most challenging cases, and when he entered the courtroom he dominated it just with his presence. In cross examination he did not mess around with flowery speeches, every word he spoke meant something. The courtroom was always packed when he was trying a case, and the press followed him everywhere.

Give me just one more minute. Could you please make me a sandwich, I will join you soon? Stop giving me that look … I promise I will at least try to eat it, but just to get you off my back.

Poor Gretchen, she has had to put up with so much from me. I know she loves me very much and has been almost more of a mother to me than my own. She was my mother's best friend and had lived with us since I was born … so I was told. Her title is housekeeper, but she is my friend, confidant, and the glue that has held our family together–I truly love her. But somehow I felt like there was something she was not telling me, some secret I guess I was not supposed to know. Once in a while, I would see her and my father deep in conversation, but as soon as they saw me they seemed almost alarmed and stopped.

I guess I ate the sandwich, but what it contained I had no idea. The doorbell was ringing and Gretchen bent over and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, straightened her spine, and made a face. We both knew who was there–Mr. Simon Edgeworth. The time had come to muster up what strength I had left and face my father's law partner.

A wave of nausea spread over me, as I entered my father's office, I had not been in that room since….. Swallowing deeply, I walked over to greet the lawyer. He rose and slowly walked toward me. If I hadn't been so un-nerved I would have laughed, here was Ichabod Crane in person straight from Sleepy Hollow. Very tall and very thin, and when he walked his body was as straight as a ram rod, but his legs seemed to have a mind of their own. With each step his knee floated upward, like being manipulated by a puppeteer's string then landed too far from his body, which seemed to lunge forward to catch up. His hair was very short and slightly gray on the sides with what looked like a dark mop plopped on top– never sure if this was planned or a hair piece. But it was always his eyes that un-nerved me, dark as coal and so close together they seemed attached to his beaked thin nose. Those eyes missed nothing–they penetrated right through you. No wonder he was also so good at his job.

Sydney, I am sorry for your loss he was a great man, he said as he took my hand. Then he sat down in the chair ... my father's chair. How dare he, no one but my father ever sat in that chair. As a child I thought of it as a throne, where my father conducted business with so many important and newsworthy clients. Even the room itself fascinated me, perhaps because as a child I was never allowed to even enter his sanctuary. The walls were completely covered in a deep rich cherry wood paneling, except for the one that was all shelves where he kept his law books. Dark maroon velvet curtains seemed to envelop all light that tried to enter, and a thick maroon carpet lined the floor to muffle any sound or conversation. The desk was mammoth and intricately carved, but the dominate feature was the huge black leather chair–his throne.

He picked up a sheet of paper, I received the coroner's report this morning, your father died of a stroke. He was under so much pressure; even he could not stop it from affecting his health. Sydney, are you all right you are very pale?

Yes, I am sorry, please continue. I lied, of course, I was not all right you stupid man.

As you know, you are the only survivor on both sides of your family and are entitled to by law the entire estate left by your father. It includes this house and all its contents, the cars, the monies, and the estate in Michigan that belonged to your mother's family. I have drawn up all the papers including the information on the Michigan house. Here is everything you will need including the keys.

I took the envelope and decided this would be a good time to ask him a few questions that had been bothering me for a long time. Mr. Edgeworth, I have not spoken to anyone about this, but something is bothering me. When I found my father he was still alive, and told me to 'look beyond the rose'. Do you have any idea what he meant?

The man turned even paler than he normally was but seemed to get his control back quickly. My dear, he was probably just mumbling and didn't know what he was saying. I know nothing about what he said.

Somehow I doubted that big time but decided to change the subject. I am sorry, but I know so little about the house in Michigan except my parents went there occasionally on trips. I don't even know much about either side of my family can you please give me some information? All I knew was that Father was an only child, and that my mother had three sisters whom I assume passed away. I do not even know their names or anything about them.

Your mother did have three sisters two of whom married. One died along with her child in childbirth and the other of pneumonia shortly after her son was killed in a car accident. As to the third… Obviously the lawyer was unprepared for my questions and seemed to be quite uneasy. Sydney, your father wrote you a letter the morning he died and had it delivered to me that day. He said he knew he did not have long to live and wanted you to know some important information. Perhaps some of your questions will be answered. He handed me the envelope, but I was almost afraid to touch it. What was in there?

Then Ichabod seemed to have drifted off and his face softened as he said, I can't get over how much you resemble your mother. Immediately, he seemed to regret that statement, straighten his spine, and turned one last time to me. I am going out now to speak to the press and hopefully that will satisfy them for the time being. If there is anything you need, Sydney, please contact me. Good day.

With that he left. What did he mean when he said I resembled my mother? She was short, stocky and had bright red hair and blue eyes. I am 5'7 tall and slim with long dark hair and very pale green eyes. Perhaps he meant in spirit, as we were both driven by our emotions. This is too much to think about now ... I will talk to Gretchen about it later. Finally, the tears that had been threatening to come for the last week came, sobbing tears for myself and my mother and father. My legs could no longer support me, and I slowly slipped to the floor. Help me, someone please help me." At that moment Gretchen entered the room, knelt down beside me, and held me close. She whispered how much she loved me, and that she was there, and we would get through this together. We cried and held each other … no more words were necessary.

Gretchen was once again trying to get some food into me, and I was surprised that I actually wanted to eat, I was hungry. Then it hit me, Where are the girls, I haven't seen them all day?

I thought it best to keep them outside with so much going on, but I will get them now. With that she left and headed for the back door. Within a minute my two wonderful dogs came charging in, and I was covered with kisses and soft fur from head to toe. This was what I needed, and I couldn't help but laugh as Gretchen tried in vain to peel them off of me. She finally gave up and joined in the fun.

That night, as I was trying again in vain to sleep, the thunderstorm that had been threatening all day attacked in full force. The wind and rain pounded against the windows as the lightening sent eerie flashes to every corner of my room. Even the poor old house, seemed to creek and moan at the assault. Perfect, let's add a little more drama to a miserable day. Poor Lilly and Sammy were terrified and jumped into bed with me at the first crack of thunder, or I should say on top of me.

My girls have been with me through everything, and I will never forget our first meeting, about three years ago on a night just like this. Gretchen and I were sitting out on the covered old back porch watching Mother Nature at her best when all of a sudden I heard some soft whining, and two little wet heads popped up from the side of the porch. I had always loved dogs, but my parents decided with our life style it would not be a good idea to have dogs running all over the house with important people coming in and out all day. But that night something strange and wonderful happened. My father appeared on the porch to ask Gretchen something and saw the drenched puppies staring up at us. He told Gretchen to get some towels and food as he opened the porch door and let them in. The dogs immediately began licking his hand and curled up at his feet. My very firm practical father was hooked immediately, and I just sat there in total disbelief. He told me to try to find out where they belonged, but if I cannot then I could keep them if I liked, But they must be kept out of the way. So many times I have wondered how such a miracle could happen, and all I could come up with was that maybe he had a dog as a small boy. I will never know.

Of course, my puppies grew at amazing speed. Lilly turned out to be a Cocker Spaniel, a light honey color with fur as soft as a cloud. She is always on the go and wants to check out everything. Sammy–Samantha is a Golden Retriever mix and the biggest softie on the planet, slightly skittish but always up for fun with her little friend. They have been my constant companions since day one. Gretchen told me one day that they somehow got into my father's office, and she peeked in to see them jumping all over him, and he actually let them and bent over to receive their mounds of kisses.

As the storm progressed, my thoughts drifted back to my parents. My mother, Elizabeth Marie Everett was a very kind person but always involved in some kind of charity project or playing hostess to the many guests we had. I felt like I was in the way, and though she did try at times to help with my childhood problems she didn't really seem to listen. Gretchen became my go to. I guess I loved my mother but wanted more from her than she had the time to give. As I thought about all this, I realized that she didn't even seem to show affection for her husband, my father. Perhaps that was happening in their private moments, but to me they seemed like roommates though I was here. They even slept in different rooms, strange none of this occurred to me until now.

My father was just that, a father, not a daddy or even a dad. How I wished I had a daddy when I was growing up like my friends did. He was stern and very proper, I never saw him in anything but a suit, shirt, and tie. Once in a while I found him staring at me with what seemed like affection, but he rarely showed any. At times it seemed like he couldn't even look at me. So strange, but I did feel a bond between us and did slightly look like him with my height and dark hair though his was changing to a distinguished gray. His eyes were brown though, and I did wonder where I got my unusual pale green ones … probably a distant relative. He seemed proud of me when I got my law degree but, of course, it was overshadowed by the tremendous crowds and news reporters who followed him everywhere. Even the newspaper showed only one picture of the two of us, the rest were of him and underneath, Daughter takes after Atlanta's finest. He did give me a beautiful large heart shaped single diamond pendant, which I will always cherish. I had to just accept that this was the way things were and be content to love him the way he was, which was after all him. Deep down I knew he loved me, but for some reason he almost seemed afraid to show it.

The next day shown clear and bright, but my mood stayed where it was. The girls and I took a long walk back of the house so as not to have to see the reporters, who had not given up yet. We stopped at the gazebo, and I admired the beautiful flowers that covered most of the garden. It was so peaceful and you could barely hear the traffic off in the distance. The grass was so inviting I decided to lie down, which, of course, was a signal for an attack of kisses from my girls. We rolled and played for some time until Gretchen found us. Sydney, I am getting so many flowers and phone calls from your father's clients and friends, what shall I do? Thank you notes have to be written, and I am afraid that is up to you.

The spell was broken … back to real life. We followed Gretchen back into the house, and as she started to make coffee I began writing the notes. This is going to take a long time, as there are over three hundred already. She gave me a homemade cupcake to go with the coffee and that helped a little, but after a couple hours my hand was cramped, and I needed a break. That is it for today, I am tired. Gretchen something is really bothering me, and I need your answers or advice.

OK, fire away, I will do my best, she said as she put away the last of the clean dishes.

When Mr. Edgeworth was here, he told me he couldn't believe how much I resembled my mother. What do you make of it? I jumped at the sound of glass breaking, Gretchen, what happened are you all right?

Yes … I … am … fine, she said very slowly, I just dropped a glass. I wonder why he said that. You were very much alike as far as trying to help people–that must be it.

She was truly shaken up, and since that never happens to Gretchen I was alarmed. What is it, tell me? Also, many times Father looked at me strangely, and I wondered if it had anything to do with the way I looked. Maybe I look more like him than I thought.

It is all coincidence I am sure my girl … nothing to be concerned about. She was back to being herself, yet I was sure she had some answers. Just then the phone rang and Gretchen looked almost relieved as she grabbed for it. OK, something is going on. Obviously, I am not going to get any further with her right now so it is time to change the subject when she gets off the phone.

Do you think I ought to continue with my law practice as it is? I think I would like a change. Criminal law just isn't for me, and I don't think it ever was. I want to help the people who really need help and have few to turn to. I have thought a lot about Elder Law and Special Needs, so do you think that will be a field I can do some good in?

I sure do, said Gretchen as she sat down across from me, You have always had a soft spot for both. Remember when you volunteered at the assisted living home and participated in the Special Olympics? I have never seen you so happy. You have a boundless amount of compassion and that is what is needed.

I don't think Father will approve, but I will talk to him…. My hands went up to my face, and once again the tears began to fall. Oh God, he is dead, he is dead, I screamed. The chair tipped over, as I jumped up and headed for the door. All I could think about was running away– running as far as my legs would take me–away from this house, my thoughts, and my fears. Finally, I had to stop … I could go no further. I yelled at my father for leaving me, and at God for taking him away, but when the storm in my soul passed peace replaced the anger. Right then I realized that I had finally accepted what had happened and knew I was going to be all right in time.

Gretchen let me go. She always seemed to know when to follow and when I needed to do something myself. When I returned, she just smiled at me, and I nodded my head. What would I do without my dear friend, she is truly remarkable.

That night, as I was lying in bed, I started thinking about Gretchen, my Gretchen. It's funny, but I never really thought about her appearance. She is always just Gretchen, and while not a beauty queen she is very pretty, and I remember as a child I loved to pat her round tummy. She was and is not fat just a little rounded. More of me to love, she used to say. Compared to me she is quite short, probably about five feet four inches with reddish brown short soft curly hair. But it is her spirit that I love the most, she can sure pack a wallop when she wants to. Her tongue is sharp, and at times I don't think she even plans out what she is going to say–it just comes out. She has truly devoted herself to my father and me, but I know she is a nurse. I wonder if she ever regrets her decision to come here.

CHAPTER 2: THE MOVE

Yesterday happened, tomorrow waits, today is the time to pack up my memories and move on...Author unknown

Almost a year has passed, the reporters are finally gone, and I am now an Elder Law and Special Needs attorney. Our lives are back into a normal routine, and it is time to think about the future.

Sydney, are you going to stay here in this house or move on? Gretchen asked me one morning as we were eating breakfast. I told her I had been thinking a lot about it.

This house is way too big for us and there are too many memories. I think it is time for me to get out of here and start a new life. I love my attic apartment, but except for the years I spent in college and law school I have not been on my own. This place is so dark and gloomy, there are eight bedrooms for heaven's sake, and the maintenance is ridiculous. I love historic homes but enough is enough. Have you too thought about all this?

Yes, I have, but I have no place to go. I wouldn't know where to start. I would have to find another job and at my age that would be a challenge, but the thought of leaving you is too much to bear. I need you as much as you need me my dear girl.

Gretchen Jane Blanchard, you are not that old– is it fifty-five? There has got to be a way of staying together. Come with me–I have enough money to keep us well fed for the rest of our lives, and I too cannot imagine even for a minute being away from you. Please think about it.

Thank you, Sydney, I will. She turned away quickly as the first tear slid down her face.

That night I was putting some clothes away and found the envelope Mr. Edgeworth had given me. At the time, I was not ready to read it and didn't care at all about the house in Michigan. Now I was curious and at least wanted to know where it was in Michigan.

The girls and I cuddled around the fireplace, and I opened the envelope. The keys spilled out immediately, and when my hand touched them I felt something strange. Maybe it was just the past reaching out to the now, but a calming sensation spread through my body. Now anxious to read all about the house I began at the beginning. The house was built in 1881 and was always lived in by the Everett family (my mother's family). Good heavens, I had no idea it was so old, in my mind I thought maybe about fifty years old. It is on the shore of Lake Huron–wow I have always wanted to live near water. There are twenty acres of land with a guest cottage on the grounds. I was starting to think this is quite a large place. The girls would have a ball running all over. The last Everett sister died recently but left the house twenty-eight years ago and came back only for quick visits, the house has remained empty. That must have been my mother.

The grounds have been maintained by a local neighbor named Eli McGregor and his family, who receive a yearly compensation. His address and phone number was listed. The rest of the papers were legal things, which I was glad I actually understood.

The next morning Gretchen was in the kitchen preparing breakfast when I arrived. She took one look at me and said, Something has happened you are glowing, so what's up?

How would you like to live in Michigan on the shore of Lake Huron?

What in the world are you talking about? she asked as she poured us both a cup of coffee.

Last night I finally read the information Mr. Edgeworth gave me about my mother's family home. Gretchen, it is on twenty acres and there is even a guest house. I know this sounds strange, but I think I HAVE to move there. It is a feeling, like something or someone wants me to be there … I am so excited!

Whoa girl, this is a big commitment. Atlanta is your home, your friends are here, and you have no one there. It would be completely starting over. Let's get packing.

She flew into my arms, and we laughed and cried at the same time. You will come with me, really? I asked in amazement.

Of course, someone needs to watch over you. So what do we do first?

I stood there looking around at our old large kitchen; this for me was the heart of this home it was where Gretchen and I solved all the world's problems. "Sell this old mausoleum that's what we do. I think it will go quickly, as people will be curious as it is the great ones former home. Sorry, Father. We will also need to decide what we want to keep and then have an estate sale or auction. I will need to contact Mr. Edgeworth and quit my practice for the time being. Oh, how exciting! I feel truly alive for the first time in so long!"

One thing at a time girl … take a breath. An old friend of mine is one of Atlanta's best real estate agents, and I will give her a call this morning. I am sure she can guide us through the whole process, and know she will be ecstatic to have it as her top listing.

Our house went up for sale on January 24th and sold on the 27th, which must have been some kind of record. Never did I think the house would sell that fast. We had to be out in sixty days, and all of a sudden I was in a panic. Mr. Edgeworth came through big time for us and contacted a local auction house to take care of the furniture. Gretchen and I went around and picked out what we wanted to take with us, but with all the wonderful treasurers there were very few things that I just had to keep–besides my mother's jewelry. She had worn a single rose around her neck for as long as I can remember, and when I found it I decided it was time that I did too.

The owner of the auction house came by the next week and started making a list of the items that were going to be put up. I knew nothing about where they came from or who made them, but thankfully he did. Every once in a while I would hear a cry of excitement, A Chippendale, worth so and so. The actual catalog took another couple weeks. We were down to only one month until we had to be out of here.

There were packed boxes everywhere, and my poor girls had to spend way too much time banished to the back yard. They would get confused and excited, and between Gretchen and me we had more than enough of that. Thank goodness Mr. Edgeworth took care of my father's office and the paperwork still left.

The time was getting close, and I felt I had to go visit my parent's graves one more time before we left. The grand monument stood out prominently in the centuries old cemetery. It was very ornate, of course, with numerous carvings of angels. I knelt down in front of my mother's grave and said a short prayer then began to talk to her like I had never done before. I thanked her for all she had done for me and told her I was doing all right and soon would be living in her old home in Michigan. Uneasiness was creeping in, Mother, Gretchen is moving with me–she has been such a comfort. You know she will take good care of me. I am very excited about the move and pray you are too. I love you, be happy.

Next to my father's grave. Father, it is me Sydney. I just wanted to tell you that Gretchen and I will be moving to Michigan very soon. Sorry, but I had to sell our house–it is just too big for me. Believe it or not it sold in only three days. I got a very good price and was glad I could understand all the legal things that were involved. I am now an Elder Law and Special Needs attorney, but I wish I could have had your advice on this. For now I am putting my practice on hold until we get settled. I know you loved me, Father, and I love you too. Goodbye and be happy.

Gretchen, I'm home. Get the coffee poured and cut me a piece of cake; I will be down after I change my clothes. Gretchen, are you here? Usually, I get a what took you so long or I am not your servant but there was nothing. I went down the long hall to the kitchen and found her sitting at the table with her hands over her eyes. What is it, what's happened, are you sick? I asked as I put an arm over her shoulder.

She looked up at me with such a sad expression, I have had some bad news. My older sister Louise in Ohio just called and said she needed heart surgery in a week, and because of my nursing background wanted me to come and take care of her while she recovered. Sydney, I have to go.

Of course you do. Don't worry about anything. Everything is all set up for our trip and all you have to do is buy a plane ticket–it looks like we will all be leaving about the same time. The girls and I will go to Michigan, and when your sister has recovered you can join us then. Come on, Gretchen, things just happen sometimes. The main thing we need to be concerned with is your sister's health.

But how will I get there you know very well I can't drive?

No big deal you worrywart, I will come and get you. It is not that far. We can take all your things with us and all you will have to do is decide what bedroom you want and move in. Besides, it will give me a chance to spiff things up before you get there. The old place has been empty for twenty-eight years, and I am sure will at least need a good dusting. Now get yourself up and get me a piece of cake.

I am not your servant, get it yourself, she said with a sheepish grin.

Things were back to normal, and while I was a little unnerved about traveling all that way alone and having no idea what to expect when I got there, deep down I was sure everything would be fine.

The following week was nuts. The auction went well, and as much as I would have liked to have seen it, the auctioneer thought my presence would be distracting because of who I am. Almost everything sold, but what didn't went to an upscale consignment shop. Mr. Edgeworth called to wish us well and said he had contacted the caretakers of the house and told them we would be arriving soon. The cleaners finished their work yesterday just before Gretchen left for Ohio. The poor thing apologized the entire way to the airport promising she would call daily. When we got there, she suddenly had a terrified look on her face, Everything is packed, what are you going to sleep on tonight? To be honest it never occurred to me.

My bed is still there I will just cuddle up in my sleeping bag. There was a big groan from my dear friend as she hugged me tightly and headed for security.

That night I decided it was time to read the letter from my father that he wrote the day he died. A new life was beginning, and I wanted the past left where it belonged, and to be honest I forgot I even had it until I was cleaning out some old papers. There was no way I could have read it right after he died, but even now I was almost afraid to see what was in it. I had made peace with my father and prayed there was nothing that should have been taken care of long ago.

The envelope had his bold unmistakable script. To my daughter Sydney Rose Armstrong.

To my daughter Sydney,

My time here on this earth is very limited, and soon I will die, but before I go I need to tell you some things that should have been spoken of years ago. I know I have been hard on you over the years and pushed you probably too far, but I wanted you to be able to stand on your own two feet and be strong. As you know, I am not a demonstrative man, but I hope you knew I have loved you in the only way I knew how. I also loved your mother very deeply. You are a strong sensible woman, and I am proud of your achievements. I know whatever you do you will succeed.

I learned at an early age what it meant to be strong. Your grandparents, John and Stella Armstrong, my parents, were good people but very poor, and I had to work to help support our family while going to school. It made me determined to achieve something bigger. I decided to become