A Confluence of Events
December 30, 2008 –
January 2, 2009
SCENE 1
ROB
Opening scene:
Growlers Pub in St. Louis Suburb - Creve Coeur , Missouri Dallas
Rob (on phone): Wesley
Morgan, this is Rob. Are you playing golf?
Wes: No, I just got finished playing. Dave and I are at
Growler’s Pub having a cold one. Let me get to a place where I can hear you a
little better. What’s going on? Wes moves
around and makes his way to the front door and foyer where the ambient sound is
muffled but not eliminated.
Rob: You are
playing today.
Wes: We just finished playing.
Rob is amused at my Wes’
golf obsession. You can hear the smile in his voice but he’s got something to
report. Rob is all business. It is a practical matter – as he’s “the best.”
As a consequence of
being so, he’s closest (of six children) to the aging parents.
Rob: I just thought I should let you know that Dad is
completely flipped. He’s stalking one of Mom’s former caregivers, Bonnie. She
works at Autumn Leaves, the Alzheimer’s
& Memory Care Assisted Living facility Mom was in before we moved her. You
met Bonnie when you were here this summer. Autumn
Leaves was great but we had to move Mom to another place – where she can
get more individual attention. She’s doing great by the way.”
Wes: I remember Bonnie. She’s from Kenya
Rob: Yeah, well he’s completely in love with her or
something. He wants to sue Autumn Leaves.
They won’t let him talk to her. He thinks I’m the worst son because I’m
trying to make him think straight. I know there is nothing you can do. I know
you don’t call Dad that often …so if you did now he’ll just think I put you up
to it. Greg calls him pretty often and Dan calls him once in a while too. It’s kinda
crazy, just wanted to let you know.”
Wes: Okay Rob. Thanks for doing everything you do. Thanks
for the call. A Black and Tan is waiting for me at the bar. Love ya.”
Wes takes his seat at
the bar next to Dave.
Wes (to Dave): My
brother Rob is really putting up with some challenges these days. I’m glad we
got a chance to play today.
Fade to Black
SCENE 2
ROB AGAIN
Living Room the next
day. It’s Wednesday December 31, 2008 – early afternoon.
Wes (answers phone): Hello.
Rob: Guess where I am right now.
Wes: I don’t know Rob, where?
Rob: I’m in my car traveling about one mile an hour behind
Dad. He’s so mad at me - he’s walking home. That’s a three mile walk from our
house in Southlake to his in Keller. He refuses to get into the car. I took his
keys and he’s furious.”
Wes: Oh my.
Rob: Yeah, it’s pretty crazy. I took his car keys. He came
by this house this morning with a cashiers check for $5,000. He wanted me to go
with him to deliver the check to Bonnie’s parents. It sounds like a sweet
gesture but I’ve tried to make Dad aware that he should save his money. He may need
to have funds available for Mom’s care and who knows what might come up for
Dad. And…he just shouldn’t be driving. He doesn’t want to give it up because if
he has no transportation he’s giving up some freedom. I understand that ….He’s
ninety years old and doesn’t always think clearly when he's at the wheel… I’m
afraid for him. He shouldn’t be driving. And the truth is he might be better
served in an assisted care place. Joy and I are researching options.
Fade to Black
SCENE 3
MEGAN AND JOY
Still early afternoon
– later the same day – December 31, 2008
Wes: Joy?
Megan: No, this is Megan. Mom’s on the other phone with my Dad. Do you know what he’s doing? Megan is home from college,
Wes: Yeah I heard, he’s walking home. It’s kinds crazy isn’t
it?
Megan: Yeah.
Wes: Where’s Tara ? Is she
home too?
Megan: Not right now. She got a speeding ticket yesterday.
She’s dealing with that. Oh, Mom’s off the other phone. Do you want to talk to
her?”
Wes: Yes.
Joy: Hey….
Wes: Joy, what’s happening?
Joy: Well, Dad showed up early this morning and was
determined to have Rob help him get to Bonnie’s house to give her family a
check for $5,000. It was a cashier’s check. Rob managed to get his keys and
well…now he’s walking home.
Wes: “You’re kidding me?
Fade to Black
SCENE 4
GREG
Later the same day. December
31, 2008. Living room. Wes calls Greg. Greg lives in Tampa
Wes: Greg. Have you talked to Dad?
Greg: Yes, and he’s completely clear – and very lucid. He’s
never been all that practical when it comes to money. If he wants to give
Bonnie $5,000, we should let him do what he wants. I mean it would be nice if
he’d consider giving money to help out his grand children or something but….. but
that’s not how Dad thinks…ya know?
Wes: Lindsey’s out of school and working and Ben just
graduated from college. They don’t need anything from Dad. And they certainly
don’t expect anything. They hardly know him.
Greg: I know. But it might be nice if he worried more about
his grandchildren than this Bonnie …
Wes: I don’t think this is just about the money. I think Rob
and Joy are trying to look out for Dad. When he has an idea …like a new picture
window for a better view of the Sky Creek Ranch Golf Course or an electrical
socket in the floor in his living room…or a publishing a book of his water
color postcards…All this stuff costs money. Rob is trying to convince Dad to
consider the expenses he may need to incur in the future.
Greg: But Dad’s always been stubborn. Remember when he built
the deck on the roof of Edgewater house? Completely impractical. And as you
have said – kind of dangerous too. Mom and dad were in their sixties when they
would go up those stairs to sit on the roof…remember? Anyway he’s ninety now.
Surely he’s thinking about his own mortality.
Wes: Yeah, I know. You gotta love that creativity and the
stubborn determination. He’s a member of the Greatest Generation. He’s a Hall
of Famer at his college – even though it took John Carroll University over
fifty years to recognize him. I think Uncle David helped get him that honor.
Hey, you should start a petition to get me into the Lakewood High School
Football Sports Hall of Fame.
Greg: Very funny.
Wes: But I was great. Even Dad says I was the best football
player in the family.
Greg: Ha. Ha.
Wes: Yes, I am a funny man. But….seriously, I totally understand
that Rob is just trying to protect Dad from himself.
Greg: When he sets his mind to do something. That’s it. He
said Bonnie has Moxie. When he uses that word …I remember from working at the
studio every time he says someone has Moxie…To him it means something special… Moxie
to him is a trait found in a person who can make things happen. He sees Bonnie
as a person who can make things happen in the world. He wants to help her. He
believes she can better herself. And he believes that to be a good investment.
Wes: Yeah but you told me he spent four hours with Bonnie’s
parents on Christmas Day.
She’s got a 90 year old man stalking her. Imagine him
sitting in the home of her parents on Christmas Day. She stayed away while he
was there for four hours! It has to be a little scary for her – no matter how
good his intentions.
Fade to Black
SCENE 5
JOY AGAIN
Living Room. January
1, 2009 Mid-day.
Joy: Hi Wes.
Wes: Happy New Year. This has been a crazy couple of days
for you. Sorry about that.
Joy: Well Dan and
Nettie are here. They are staying with Dad - so that’s good. Dad’s still mad at
Rob.
Wes: You still have Dad’s car?
Joy: Yes. You know Dad really shouldn’t be driving. I know
it’s hard. Giving up your car is like giving up your freedom. We worry about
him in the car. But if he doesn’t have a
car…
Wes: I might be visiting on business sometime later this
month.
Joy: You are always welcome. Your brother Sundance is
planning on coming to visit later this month. Your sister Lynn ….and Lynn
Kunkle from Key Biscayne are coming sometime. Dan and Nettie are here now and
that’s been good.
Wes: On second thought maybe I’ll wait until the circus leaves town before I come to visit …
Fade to Black
SCENE 6
MARY LYNN MORGAN
Same Living Room – mid
morning- Friday January 2, 2008. Wes is reading the St. Louis University of Miami Miami Ohio
Wes listens to the
message.
Mary Lynn (voice message): Wes, It’s your sister Lynn. I’m
at Jimmy and Susan’s for the week taking care of the dogs. I’m calling from
their phone. Dad’s in the Hospital. Call your brothers.
Wes: Oh my God. Great message from my sister. She said
something about Dad being in the Hospital. I’m sure as hell not calling her
back to find out what’s happening. I think I’ll try Joy.
Fade to Black
SCENE 7
DAN
Same Living Room.
Saturday afternoon, January 3, 2008. Ben and Allison on the couch. Both are
reading books and very relaxed. Football is on TV but its background noise.
Colbie is pacing back and fourth. Lynn
Wes: Hello.
Dan. It’s your brother Dan.
Wes: Yeah, I know your voice.
Dan: Nettie and I are here.
Wes: I know.
Dan: Well this is a difficult situation and Rob is at the end
of his rope. I just want to say, whatever you might be thinking… well Rob knows
what he’s doing. He knows best. He’s around Dad a lot and knows what might be
best for Mom and Dad. You should support Rob.
Wes: I know. Rob is the best.
Dan: But Dad might go on the attack a little because he’s
not happy about losing his car. He might even accuse Rob of trying to steal
from him. All I want to say is that you need to support Rob.
Wes: Right. Of course. I’m glad you are on the scene
Dan.
Fade to Black
SCENE 8
ROB ONCE AGAIN
Living Room. Early
Evening. Wes is surrounded by pieces of the Sunday St. Louis
Wes: Are you watching 24?
Rob: Yes. How did you know? Oh, that’s right you were
talking to Greg. We’re really into it. We are watching the first two seasons
back-to-back. It’s a huge time investment but we’re really enjoying it. Every
once in a while we take a break between episodes and Joy and I start talking
about Dad. He can’t be driving. He is okay living on his own but….Dan and Nettie
have taken the heat off for a while. They are staying with Dad. Dan and Nettie
woke up the other day at Dad’s and he was on the phone. He was calling 9-1-1 to
report his car stolen (again). They already had the report from two previous
two 9-1-1 calls! Then Dad insisted on going to the hospital to get a doctor to
clear him health-wise to be driving a car. Dan and Netti obliged and took him to
the hospital - as requested. His plan backfired though. In checking him out
they noticed something – a spot of pneumonia on his lung. The hospital policy
is to keep him overnight. So that’s why he’s in the hospital. A fairly routine
deal.
Wes: Well he seemed pretty healthy when I saw him in October.
Rob: He is. He swims. He probably would have even made it to
the end of his three mile walk temper tantrum walk home but… A Good Samaritan
finally picked him up and took him home. He wouldn’t get into my car - with
me….He let this stranger drive him home instead. That was the third car that
offered him a ride before he accepted the lift. I followed them to make sure he’d be okay.
Wes: Well tomorrow is a work day. You need to be making
calls and following up with people.
Rob: I know. But I have a few things I have to do for Dad
tomorrow too.
Fade to Black.
EPILOGUE
SUNDANCE
Living Room. Wes is on
couch with Schlitz Beer and a small Cuban Cigar. Ben is on an adjacent couch
listening to a book on CD (Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink), periodically checking his
iPod phone and glancing at living room TV (ESPN hype about Texas
vs. Ohio State
Wes (Calling Sundance – the phone rings about 8 times before it is answered): Sundance. Wes Morgan.
Sundance: Well hello, Wes Morgan.
Wes: Happy New Year. I wanted to thank you for you holiday
package. I also wanted to check to see if you were up-to-date on the Dad.
Sundance: Rob took Dad’s keys. He’s angry at Rob. Dad called
9-1-1 to report his car stolen (several times). Dan and Nettie took him to the
hospital (at his request) to see about getting a doctor to clear him for
driving. That move backfired because they found a bit of pnemonia on his lung
and the hospital’s protocol is to keep admit him for observation. Meanwhile Dad
is accusing Rob of being a terrible person.
Wes: Wow. That pretty well sums it up.
Sundance: And I can tell you that Lynn (sister) is a pretty
bad source of information.
Wes: Well duh.
Sundance: I was hoping to visit Dallas
Wes: What?
Sundance: Do you have Verizon? I can talk to you for free if
you do…
Wes: This is an AT&T cell phone.
Sundance: Oh. Good bye Wes.
Fade to Black.
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