Through The Veil Of Time
Chapter 33. Three Letters and an Obit
Jack put his anniversary truck in second gear and pulled up smoothly to the mailbox. "I love drivin' this truck," he said. "I feel like a gentleman farmer or somethin'."
Ennis grunted as he reached for the mail, pulling out a sheaf of envelopes and magazines. "Huh, you a gentleman. That'll be the day."
"Well, it's hangin' 'round with riff-raff like you that's holdin' me back," Jack quickly countered. He looked at the mail in Ennis's hand. "Looks like we got a bunch a junk there today," he commented.
"We got a Christmas catalog!" Ennis exclaimed, holding up the brightly colored magazine. "It's the fuckin' middle a August and they're sendin' out Christmas crap?"
"Oh, it's from LL Bean…I like that store."
"Yeah, I like it too, but I don't like gettin' their fuckin' Christmas magazines in August. Jeez." He sifted through the envelopes, then held one up. "We got a letter here for Bobby."
"Bobby Twist?"
"No, Bobby Jarrett." Ennis squinted at the return address. "It's from Chrissie. Guess she don't know his address in town."
"I wonder why she's sendin' a letter?" asked Jack. "I thought all kids today communicated by email and cell phone."
"She's at camp, remember? No computers or cell phones there."
"Oh, yeah." Jack put the truck in gear and headed down the road towards the stable. "Might as well go deliver it to 'em. What else we get?"
"Two more letters. One from Jenny and one from KE," replied Ennis, his voice soft. He put the envelopes in his pocket. "I'll read 'em back at the house," he said. "Let's go see Bobby."
Jack parked the truck and they exited, walking into the cool gloom of the stable. Bobby was standing in a stall, currying a large bay mare and whistling to himself. He looked up. "Jack, Ennis! Didn't expect ta see you this mornin'."
"Came by ta invite up for lunch…got some nice turkey, makin' open faced sandwiches."
"You don't need ta feed me, I've got a lunch pail."
Ennis chuckled. "We fed yer brother for ten years, might as well keep the tradition goin'." He held out the envelope. "Ya got a letter."
Bobby wiped his hands on the back of his jeans, taking the letter from Ennis's hand. "A letter? For me?" He ripped it open and began reading, as Jack and Ennis walked back towards the truck, but before they'd had time to open the door, Bobby came up to them, waving the pale blue paper. "Chrissie, uh, she says hi."
"Oh," said Ennis. "Anythin' else?"
"Just how much fun she had visitin', camp is borin' compared ta this, and she uh, invited me to visit her for Labor Day Weekend."
Jack and Ennis both raised their eyebrows. "A visit? In Laramie? That's kinda surprisin'," said Jack.
"Yeah, I thought so too."
Ennis looked closely at Bobby. "Did ya like her that much? Did she like you?"
"Yeah, we got along great, she's a real sweet gal, but I figgered it was just a summer thing, y'know…she'd go home ta Laramie and forget 'bout me."
"Any reason for the visit?"
"A band we both like is playin' at the University. She was thinkin' we could go together."
Ennis paused, gathering his thoughts, then, "Um, Bob…does her momma know 'bout this? Or is this come crazy fool idea Chrissie has cooked up while she's at camp?"
Bobby shook his head. "She says she's written her momma and Mrs. Curtis is gonna call my momma and daddy ta discuss it. How far is it ta Laramie, anyway?"
"'Bout a ten, eleven hour drive. Bit more than seven hundred miles."
"Hm," said Bobby, looking at the letter again. "I doubt momma and daddy would let me drive that far by myself. S'pose I'd need ta take a bus or somethin'."
Ennis nodded. "Yeah, it's a long haul. You ain't had yer license but a year, right?"
Bobby nodded yes.
"Listen, Bobby, did yer parents meet Chrissie while she was here?"
He nodded again. "Remember the night we went to the movies? We stopped by then, had a lil visit. Momma took a shine ta her, daddy was his usual quiet self."
Ennis paused again, then cleared his throat. "Bobby, I um…I gotta ask ya this, 'cause Junior's prob'ly gonna ask me…but, um…you didn't do anythin'…y'know…you didn't have any um,…hanky panky?"
Bobby stopped for a moment, trying to fully understand what Ennis was asking, then as the meaning of his question sank in on him, his eyes widened. "Oh, NO, no sir! Nothin' like that! We, um…y'know, made out a lil bit at the movies, and had a few really long goodbye kisses the night before she left, but that's it and that's the God's honest truth."
Ennis nodded. "Okay, then…I didn't think so and just wanted ta make sure we were doin' a good job a chaperonin'…and I guess we did."
"Ennis, believe me, she's a really sweet girl and I like her a lot, but I ain't ready for that…not with Chrissie or any girl!"
"Well ya are seventeen, Bobby, and ya do have hormones," Jack interrupted. "Ain't a totally ridiculous notion."
Bobby looked at them both, the expression on his face earnest and serious. "Tell ya what, I'm hopin' ta get out a Quanah, mebbe go ta college. Seein' Billy with Scott has made me realize there's more out there than this hick town, much as it's the only home I've ever known. But, gettin' a girl in the family way ain't the way ta do it, 'specially not the boss's granddaughter!"
Ennis chuckled softly, then reached out his hand to Bobby's shoulder. "It's okay, ya don't need ta explain anymore. I just wanted ta make sure. Now, 'bout that invitation…you goin' ta Laramie?"
Bobby looked at them, wide eyed again. "Well, it sure would be nice ta see her…and bein' able ta see the University…I just said I might want ta go ta college…" His voice trailed off.
"Well, you think 'bout it. I have a feelin' we'll be talkin' ta Junior before she talks to yer momma and daddy. If there's anythin' ya need ta know, we'll fill ya in."
Bobby smiled. "Well, yeah, thanks…"
Jack looked at his watch. "En, let's go back up. Bob, c'mon on up for lunch in an hour or so."
"Sure thing, and thanks again."
Ennis took a beer from the refrigerator and twisted off the cap, looking at it in his hand. "Remember when we needed a bottle opener for these?" he mused. "Seems like a long time ago."
"It was a long time ago, cowboy, and we're gettin' old, much as we hate ta admit it."
"I don't feel old and I think a big part a agin' is what's in yer mind." He watched as Jack arranged the sandwich fixings on the counter. "Ya need some help with lunch?"
"Nah, I'm all set. Go read your letter from yer brother, I'm curious ta hear what he has to say."
Ennis nodded and wandered out to the porch, settling into one of the comfortable Adirondack chairs. He pulled out several sheets of lined notebook paper and glanced at the large, childish handwriting. "He writes like me," Ennis thought. "Like a man who never finished school." He sighed and began reading.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Dear Ennis,
I've been meaning to write you a proper thank you since I got home, but things got busy and took up all my time. Finally, it's a quiet Sunday, Cecelia's at church, and I got a few minutes to call my own.
Thank you again for your kind hospitality last month—both for the party and the extended two week visit. It was really great having the time to be there and be with you. Jack's a great guy and I can see why he means so much to you.
You've got a really nice spread there with the farm and the house. I have to say, I'm impressed. We Del Mars seem to have a hard time making something out of life, but you've beaten the odds and I am happy for you. Maybe the only thing that would make it better was to be in Wyoming, but that seemed like an okay part of Texas. The people were friendly, too.
Since I've gotten home, I've made a few decisions and changes. First, I decided to stop the chemo. It didn't seem to be doing anything besides making me sick and the doctor seems to agree. He don't say anything, of course, but I can tell he's knows that it's time to just let this thing run itself out on its own course.
As part of that, we have hospice coming to the house. Ennis, I have to tell you I am very grateful to you for telling me about hospice. I didn't know what it was and when the doctor first brought it up, several months ago, I thought it was like a death sentence or something. Now I know different. I have a wonderful nurse, named Marie, who comes in every day or every other day. She's a lovely lady and actually reminds me of momma. The funny thing is, and I think you said this, too, that with hospice, I am actually feeling better! They do good stuff with pain meds and all, so I am in pretty good shape, for the moment.
I decided to put my house up for sale and moved in with Cecelia and Lewis. I was having a hard time cooking for myself, so it is better this way. Plus, if the house sells before I am gone, I think that would be easier for everyone. The housing market sucks right now, but they tell me there is a demand for "comfortable bungalows." We'll see. If I can get some money out of it, I'd have something to give to my boys. They'd probably appreciate that last gift from dear old dad.
Speaking of gifts…Ennis, do you remember the family pocket watch? This was the one that our great-great-great grandfather brought with him when he moved to Wyoming from Illinois. It has always been passed down to the oldest son so I got it when Daddy got killed. I was going to give it to Rory but thinking on it the past few weeks, I decided you should have it. This is a change of tradition but then we can create new traditions, right? What made me decide is seeing your house, and your family. It made me realize that roots and family are important to you—that's something I never knew. You said it to me that day in the bedroom: in case you haven't figured it out, family is important to me. You're right, family is. So, I want you to have the Del Mar family watch. It's the only thing of value we've ever really had and I am not sure it's all that valuable. More like sentimental, but it is special, and it's old.
Are you and Jack planning on coming to Wyoming for your usual hunting trip in November? I'd like to give the watch to you in person and that might be the time. I know what you're probably thinking, will I still be around then? I think I will. Like I said, hospice is helping and talking with the Marie (my nurse)…well, I still have some loose ends to tie up, and I think I am going to have the time to do that. I know this probably sounds sort of weird, but, Ennis, if anyone understands, you do. You told me about that old guy and the rainbow and stuff. Marie talks like that too! So, anyway, I hope I see you in November. That's what I am trying to say.
Okay, well, I guess I've rambled enough. You're probably like me, not one for writing letters, but if you have a minute, I'd like to hear from you. Or maybe we could talk on the phone. I know you have a computer and send email, but I'm not into that newfangled stuff.
You take good care. Give my best to Jack. I hope to see you in November, and hear from you before then.
Your brother,
KE
He re-read the letter, then folded it up and slipped it in the envelope as Jack came through the door. He felt his eyes stinging with tears and wiped them with the back of his hand. "Hey," he said softly, as Jack lowered himself into the other chair.
"So, did he have much ta say?"
Ennis nodded. "Yeah, he's sellin' his house, stoppin' chemo, livin' with Cecelia…got hospice comin' in now…"
"All that in three weeks? Wow."
"I know. Tyin' up loose ends he said." He paused, then, "He wants to give me my daddy's pocket watch."
"Yer daddy had a pocket watch? You ain't ever told me that."
"Didn't think of it much. It's actually a family thing, belonged to my grandpa three times back. It always got passed down ta the oldest son."
"KE's got a boy, don't he?"
Ennis nodded. "He does. But he says he wants ta give it ta me, 'cause I know family's special."
"Well, that's really nice a him."
"Yeah, but it's sorta…what's the word, y'know…I mean, I don't wear a watch."
Jack looked puzzled, then brightened. "Ironic?"
"That's it. It's ironic that he's givin' me the historic family watch, and I ain't never worn a watch in my life."
Jack chuckled. "Remember Aguirre? When he threw that watch at you?"
Ennis nodded. "And remember what I did? Shoved it in my pocket."
"I still think it's a nice gesture a yer brother ta give it ta you."
"It is. We'll have ta find some way ta display it. It's real pretty if I remember. Gold, with engravin'. Daddy would pull it out and show it ta us at Christmas."
"Is he gonna mail it ta you?"
"He's hopin' ta give it to me in November, if we go up there for huntin'."
Jack raised his eyebrows and Ennis shrugged. "He says hospice is helpin', he's plannin' on stickin' around for a while longer."
"Okay then…guess we're going huntin' in November."
"Guess so. Lunch ready?"
"It is, but don't ya want to read Jenny's letter?"
"If it's all right with you, I think I'm gonna wait til after lunch…give me a chance to think on what KE had ta say."
"All right and perfect timin', 'cause here comes Bobby." He waved to him from the porch. "You look hot, boy. Come on in 'cause I got ya a nice cool glass of lemonade."
Bobby put his fork down, and laid his napkin next to his plate. "Thanks again," he said. "That was great. A whole lot better than the egg salad sandwich my momma packed for me."
Jack smiled at him. "It's fun havin' company for lunch. With just the two of us, we start ta get a lil crochety, don't we, En?"
"Is that what it's called?" replied Ennis, as he stood up and started clearing the plates. Then, looking at Bobby, he said, "We got a coupla lessons this afternoon, right?"
Bobby nodded. "Ricky Phillips, and those twin girls, Shannon and Mackenzie."
Ennis groaned. "That Phillips kid, obnoxious lil twerp."
Jack chuckled. "You really don't like him, do ya?"
Ennis shook his head. "Somethin' 'bout him, he just rubs me the wrong way…but, kids like him are our bread n butter, so I'll just suck it up. Bob, saddle up the gentle ones—Miss Ellie, Dancer, and Blaze. I'll be down in a lil bit."
"Sure thing," said Bobby, as he headed out the door.
They stacked the dishes in the sink and Ennis turned on the faucet, then stopped. He pulled Jenny's letter from his pocket. "Why don't you go read this?" he said. "And I'll clean up."
"But En…"
"It's addressed ta both of us and I think mebbe a lil pre-reading is a good idea. KE's letter kinda knocked me for a loop."
"Okay, then," said Jack, taking the letter and walking into the living room. He settled into the comfortable leather chair.
August 12, 2006
Dear Daddy and Uncle Jack,
I know we've talked on the phone and I have thanked you informally, but sometimes I need to put pen to paper, the old fashioned way. This is one of those times.
Thanks again for the wonderful visit. Seeing both of you always makes me happy and recharges my batteries. While Kelly is the anchor in my life, you are my compass. Thank you for being there for me. In fact, it is your steadying influence that helped me cope with the rest of the trip. I am not sure I would've even tried to patch it up with Mom if I hadn't had five days beforehand with you.
As you know, we spent two days with Junior, then headed up to Riverton. Mom was cordial, but distant. The first hour was tough and I was beginning to think this was a huge mistake, when all of a sudden, Kelly jumped in. And you know what she did? She acted like a daughter-in-law. She realized that Mom likes to cook and they started talking food and recipes. Then they cooked together. And shopped. And talked about babies and being pregnant. And that's how the next two days went. I started to feel like a fifth wheel, to be honest! But Kelly found a good way to communicate and was able to break down a lot of the barriers that existed between us. I realized again how lucky I am to have her in my life.
Mom said an interesting thing which gave me a new insight to all of this: she said I remind her so much of you, Daddy. Looks, temperament, even mannerisms. I realized from that there is a part of her that has never stopped loving you. I know you probably don't want to hear that, Daddy, but it's true. No wonder all this has been so hard for all of us all these years.
We all shed a few tears and when we left, I felt like the door was open, at least part way. Have we worked things out? Not completely, but it is a process and takes time. I am not sure when we'll get together again. Mom is not interested in coming to Massachusetts (too far, she says) and if I am going to make the trek out west, I'd rather see you! But we did agree to talk on the phone monthly, and keep in touch by email. As you know, Kelly is good about sending pictures, and we'll add Mom to the distribution list.
I am still somewhat conflicted in my mind about all of this. I guess I was a little unrealistic to think she'd take me in with open arms and all the hurts of the past would go away. She did like Kelly, which was great, and of course, she was crazy about Evan.
That's it for now. I am busy with work and Kelly is diving in on Valentine's Day food layouts. Evan will start nursery school (3 days a week, half days) in the fall so we've been getting him ready for that. I know it's early, but do you have any idea what you'll be doing for the holidays? I miss you already.
I'll plan to call you in the next week or so, and Kelly is emailing some photos. Take care.
I love you,
Jenny
Jack looked up as Ennis walked in the room, wiping his hands on a towel. "So, how bad was it?"
"Not too bad…except mebbe the part that Alma is still a lil bit in love with you."
Ennis sighed. "I've always thought that, wish I could change it." He reached for the letter and sunk down on the couch, reading silently. When he finished, he looked up. "Y'know what Jack?"
"What?"
"I'm glad a lot of this shit is behind us. We did the hard work we needed ta do thirty years ago. We got ourselves secure in our minds and secure in our lives and we've just been able ta enjoy it."
"Well," said Jack doubtfully, "it hasn't all been a bed a roses."
"I ain't sayin' that. I'm just sayin'…we put ourselves through hell for thirteen years and then we figgered it out. And it's given us the strength we need to deal with whatever life has thrown at us. Lookit this," he said, pointing to the letter. "She calls us her compass. That's a mighty fine compliment if you ask me."
"It sure is."
"And my brother givin' me that watch…that's his way of sayin' somethin' pretty special 'bout us."
Jack nodded. "I agree with that too."
"It's all so fuckin' complicated sometimes."
"To be honest, En, I don't think it's complicated anymore."
Ennis looked at him, his eyes soft. "Yer prob'ly right." He stood up. "I was lookin' at the calendar in the kitchen…y'know what today is?"
Jack shook his head.
"The sixteenth a August…the day I got home from Riverton, from droppin' Jenny and Junior off. Y'know, 'horny as hell day.'"
Jack laughed. "And are ya?"
"You know I am."
"So are we goin' upstairs?"
"No," said Ennis, walking over to the chair where Jack was sitting. He took him by the arms and pulled him up, then pulled him close. "I've got that Phillips kid ta deal with, then the Corona twins. This'll hafta do for now." He took Jack's face in his hands and leaned in for a rough kiss, his tongue forcing Jack's mouth open. Jack's hands slid down Ennis's back, kneading his ass through his jeans. They pulled apart, Jack's face flushed, Ennis's pulse racing. "There'll be more a that, later," he said, his voice husky.
"That a promise?"
Ennis nodded. He leaned in for one more kiss and then, "I love ya, cowboy."
"I love you, too."
"I said it first."
"I meant it more."
Ennis winked at him. "In the game a lovin', I still think I'm in first place."
Published simultaneously in the Casper Star-Tribune and the Quanah Bulletin, February 23, 2007.
Keith Edward Del Mar, Jr.
CASPER—Keith Edward (KE) Del Mar, Jr., 65, died at home on February 20, 2007, after a year long battle against lung cancer. His sister and children were at his side.
Mr. Del Mar was born in Sage on April 22, 1941, son of Keith Edward and Eleanor (Truitt) Del Mar, Sr. He attended Sage schools and began working as a rancher at the age of 16. He married Laurie Gillette in 1963 and had two sons, Rory and Michael. They divorced in 1982.
Mr. Del Mar was proud of his Wyoming roots which went back to 1868 when his great-great-great grandfather, Silas Del Mar, moved from Illinois to settle in the west. Ranching was a family tradition and Mr. Del Mar made his living working on ranches in Sage, Worland, and most recently, Casper. He was active in 4-H, a member of the Wyoming Farm Bureau, loved horses and livestock, and enjoyed being outdoors. Mr. Del Mar was an avid hunter and liked to fish.
He is survived by his sister, Cecelia and husband Lewis Underwood, of Casper; his brother Ennis and husband Jack Twist, of Quanah, Texas; son Rory and wife Lisa, of Sheridan; son Michael, of Rafter J Ranch; two grandchildren; and an extended family of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents who died in 1957.
A memorial service is planned for the spring with a private burial at the Sage Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Del Mar requested that donations be made to Casper Hospice; Hospice of Hardeman County in Quanah, TX; or the American Cancer Society.
The End