This is a fictional story involving gay teenagers and will contain some sexually explicit material, but not right away. If you're too young to read this type of story or if it's illegal for you to do so, you should leave or at least don't get caught. This story is copyrighted so please do not duplicate, in whole or are in part, by any means (including electronic) without prior written permission from the author.
This story and its characters are purely fictional, although some things may be based on real events or locations. However, no persons, places or situations in this story are in any way connected to, or associated with, with reality.
Now, here are some songs I like for Chapter 1, sort-of for the "Laramie Rush" soundtrack:
"Hands Open" by Snow Patrol and "Our Town" by Marshall Crenshaw. Feel free to get them however you get your music! Enjoy!
You can email me at laramierush1@yahoo.com if you'd like to comment.
This story is for Matt: Without you I wouldn't be me. Thanks, LR.
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Chapter 1.
Laramie, Wyoming. It's...quite a town! I know, not exactly Chicago, but it's where my life began. Twice.
I can't believe I'm 18. And just graduated high school...on my birthday! I swear, sometimes life just drags on and on, and at other times it seems like yesterday that I was a baby. I know so much about the last 18 years or so. I've heard the stories, asked the questions, and I know the answers. I remember lots of things, too. Pictures...conversations...distant family members.
Alright, I'll admit it...I'm a dreamer. I can't wait to tell you all about the person who makes me dream. And it's all true. But first, I guess I'll start by going back in time...
My Mom and Dad ^Ö Edward "Eddie" Rush and Susan "Suzy" McKenzie ^Ö were high school sweethearts from quiet Westfield, New Jersey. My grandparents were friends and my Dad's brothers and sisters knew my Mom's brothers and sisters and it was like one big family. Some say Mom and Dad were destined to be together. After high school, they stayed close through college, and then boom! The pharmaceutical company Dad still works for hired him even before he graduated, and he was already climbing the corporate ladder and making big bucks at the age of 22! Everybody loved my Dad. With his genuine charm, sense of humor and brilliance, he should have been a politician. My parents got married the week after college graduation, and Mom got pregnant right away ^Ö with twins! My sister Jessica and my brother Jacob. On the fast track, I'd say! Instant family by the time they were 23! Jess and Jake kept Mom plenty busy, so she put her teaching career on hold. And Dad traveled a lot for his job, mostly to Denver.
Dad loved Colorado. He'd be gone a week at a time, usually twice a month. Mom says he was always begging her to come out there with him some time, that she'd love it there too. Two east coast kids seeing the Rocky Mountains! Excitement plus! Mom was always like, "No, I've got the little ones to take care of." But one time, she decided to surprise Dad ^Ö it was his 28th birthday. It wasn't a total surprise, though. She told Dad on Wednesday that she would be there Thursday and arranged that they would fly back to Jersey on Monday night. So my grandparents watched the twins and Mom flew to Denver to be with Dad for the long weekend. Jake and Jess were five, and it was no problem for Grandma and Grandpa Mack to keep them for a few days. Besides, they'd be starting kindergarten the very next week; time-wise it all worked out.
Mom met up with Dad and they had a great time. They went to Colorado Springs and drove up Pike's Peak. They even went to Vail just so they could say they'd been there, too. Saturday they headed up Interstate 25 to Cheyenne, Wyoming, a couple of hours north of Denver. As Mom tells it, there wasn't a whole lot of action in Cheyenne so, they looked at the map and decided the next town, Laramie, wasn't that far away. Maybe Laramie would be a bit more "fun."
They got to Laramie by late afternoon. After briefly touring the town, they grabbed some dinner and a bottle of wine before checking into a motel. Since they were a little tired from driving and sightseeing, they decided just to hang out at the motel and make their own excitement. That's being polite, because I don't want to conjure up any visuals of what those two lovebirds did in that motel room! By the way, I guess it was some mom & pop place called the Starburst. Anyways...happy birthday, Dad! After lunch on Sunday, they took their time driving back to Denver, and spent the night. By Monday evening they were home in Westfield.
On Tuesday, Dad went to work and Mom and Grandma Mack took Jake and Jess shopping. Starting school Thursday was a big deal. Mom wasn't feeling well, and Grandma reminded her that it's common to feel a little let-down after a fun trip. Grandma also assured Mom it was just a slight case of "empty nest" syndrome because her two kids were growing up...leaving the nest, so to speak. Mom and Dad at age 28 were hardly "empty nesters," especially since the kids would only be gone a few hours each day! She told Mom to take advantage of having some "alone time" while Jess and Jake were away in the mornings. Grandma, being both a teacher and a mother, had a way of making Mom feel better emotionally.
Things settled down after Labor Day, and everyone got into a routine. Dad would leave early, Mom got the twins to school and then came home and threw up. She'd lie down for a while, and then felt better by the time Jake and Jess got home. September turned into October, Halloween came and went, and Mom was at the doctor's office the first week of November. Her suspicions were correct. Mom was pregnant! With me!
She couldn't wait to tell Dad and immediately called him at the office. Mom knew she got pregnant that night at the Starburst motel in Laramie. She was sure of it. Dad was ecstatic when he heard the news. He no sooner hung up the phone when his boss, Mr. Rickman, walked in and closed the door. Dad was grinning from ear to ear and told Mr. Rickman to go ahead and fire him, whatever! He said Mom just called with news that she's going to have a baby and that was all that was on his mind.
"Eddie, Eddie, Eddie! You got it all wrong! You're not getting canned...it's just the opposite. First, that's fabulous Suzy's pregnant! But you better call her back with this little bit of news. The board of directors just finished the first of several meetings this week regarding the company reorganization and expansion plan. They've unanimously decided to promote you to Senior V.P. of Operations! I know, I know, you didn't see it coming! But, Ed, you've worked you ass off for this company and everyone knows it. There's not a better man for the job. So...whaddaya say...you in??!!"
For once in his life Dad was speechless. He had no idea he was getting promoted to a Senior V.P. position. Deep down he wanted it and knew he deserved it. He had received several other promotions in the last five years and the company really took care of him salary-wise. They loved him! But this was huge.
"Wow!" Dad eeked out. "Yeah...yeah!! I'm in! Thanks!!!!!" Dad stood up, sat down, stood up, sat down...
"Ummm...but there's one more thing, Eddie. The board wants you based in Chicago. So, yes, you'll be relocating, but you'll also be on the road a lot."
Silence. Disbelief. Dad was like, "What?? Chi...Chi...Chi...ca...go...???"
"Yeah...Chicago...you'll love it...what's the big deal??"
"What's...a lot mean, Jon?"
"You mean...the travel? Well, it's not really a lot...it's just...well... Okay, it's most of the time."
"Oh, I see." Dad sounded skeptical.
"Eddie, the board feels strongly you're the talent this company needs to head up that office, and I agree. You'll be fine."
"But...Jon...does this take effect now??"
Mr. Rickman told him the relocation wouldn't happen until spring, but Dad would be heavily involved in the reorganization process starting immediately. Even more travel would be necessary because, even though Dad would be based in Chicago, he'd also have satellite offices in Denver and at corporate headquarters in New Jersey.
"Don't worry, Eddie. There are lots of details to work out. That's partly why we're meeting this afternoon. This restructuring project is really big, so from what I gather we'll both remain here for awhile. At least until after the first of the year, but in reality I don't think any actual moving will happen before spring. Now come on...we've gotta go!"
"Jon...make me feel good about this. I'm spinning!"
"Eddie, look...everything's good. This is fantastic for you and Suzy, and for you professionally. Let it all sink in! Looks at his watch Okay, has it sunk in yet? Come on, let's grab lunch because we meet with the board at 3:00 sharp! Oh yeah, are you gonna call Suzy or do I have to that, too??!!"
Dad gave his boss a big bear hug. Mr. Rickman meant a lot to Dad, like a favorite uncle.
"Chicago, huh?? Oh, and, uhh, you haven't mentioned salary... it's gonna have to be pretty hefty to get Suzy to agree to all of this!" Dad is so shrewd. He puts on this "I'm so shocked" act, then knows just how to zap people, even Mr. Rickman.
"She'll agree. Believe me, she'll agree! Get her on the phone, and I'll meet you downstairs ten minutes ago! Now move it!!"
"Spring, huh? Okay...spring."
Mr. Rickman winked at Dad and mouthed the words, "Call Suzy!"
So he did. Dad called Mom and sprung the news about the promotion and relocation to Chicago. The two of them, still in disbelief, were overcome with emotion. Laughing, crying, screaming...
"I love you, Eddie..."
"I love you, too, Suzy!"
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The weeks passed quickly. Before you knew it, Thanksgiving was history and Christmas was fast approaching. Dad had been super busy with his new responsibilities, and Mom, Jake and Jess hardly saw him. What a workaholic! By mid-January it looked like the transfer would take place in late May, so it was time for Mom to start house-hunting in Chicago. That's a lengthy process, along with selling the house in Westfield. Plus having the twins and being pregnant, too! Mom had her hands full. Thank God the company relocation department was helping. Mom went alone for the first trip. She looked at a million houses and hated them all. And that was just in two days. She went back, two weeks later and toured more places, and this time was actually liking the northern suburbs. But still nothing. She came back to Jersey to get the ball rolling on selling the house there. The agent assured Mom it would sell quickly, and already thought of four or five possible buyers. Not to worry. If the house in Jersey sold before it was time to move to Chicago, they'd stay with Grandma and Grandpa Mack. They had plenty of room. Besides, Mom wanted the twins to finish the school year.
But the timing of Mom's delivery was a concern. She was due to have me the first week in June, but where?? Jersey?? Chicago?? In a moving van?? On a plane?? Mom's doctor connected her with a very good OBGYN friend of his in Chicago. They would share Mom's medical information, so it wouldn't matter where she delivered. Everyone would be in the loop...in more ways than one! (Get it? The loop??).
Mom finally found a house. In Evanston. In fact, we still live there today. It's a big 2-story colonial on Judson Avenue with high ceilings, 4 bedrooms, a finished basement, a huge family room, three bathrooms, and a music room. It is such a cool house, and much bigger than the bungalow in Westfield. To top it off, both the front and back yards are huge with a million trees. Evanston is a lot different than Westfield, but they both have that same safe, small-town feel.
Everything was on target to move by late May. And yes, the house in Westfield did sell quickly. The new family took possession the first part of May, so Mom, Dad, Jake and Jess were temporarily staying with my grandparents. A lot of the furniture was already packed and being shipped to Chicago. Mom was bigger than ever, and it was already getting hot, humid and miserable. She prayed I'd be born in Chicago so that at least she wouldn't have to recuperate at her parents' home and prolong the move any further.
The day after school was out, Dad and both of my grandfathers drove the cars to Chicago. The last van with clothes and personal stuff left the same day. Two days later, Mom, Jake, Jess and both grandmothers flew to Chicago. Mom was comforted by the fact that if she went into labor on the plane, it could make an emergency landing within minutes in Pittsburgh or Cleveland. Dad and my grandpas made it to Chicago safely, as did the furniture and other belongings. My Dad and Grandpa Rush picked everyone up at O'Hare, got them all to the new house, to find most of everything unloaded and much unpacked. My grandmothers split the cleaning and food-shopping duties and Dad was instructed to get the nursery set up, stat!
So, picture this scenario: Jake and Jess (unsupervised, believe it or not) exploring the new house, yard, and neighborhood...Dad with a bunch of tools putting together a baby crib...Grandpa Rush randomly unpacking boxes...Grandma Rush grocery shopping at Dominick's (God knows how long it took her to find it)...Grandma Mack cleaning, scrubbing and vacuuming an already spotless house, and Grandpa Mack mowing the lawn of the best-landscaped property on Judson Avenue. And Mom, looking for Jessica and Jacob, found her way next door and met the neighbor, Mrs. Timmons.
"Hi! I'm Linda Timmons!
"I'm Susan Rush, and I can see you've met my son Jacob and daughter Jessica!" Jake and Jess were digging in the dirt around Mrs. Timmons' flowers in the front of her house.
"My God, they're adorable! And they aren't hurting a thing, they're fine! I can see there's a little brother or sister about to arrive any minute now!"
Mom smiled. Just then Mr. Timmons came out carrying a tray with glasses of lemonade.
"You must be Suzy, and the little ones are Jacob and Jessica, I gather?"
"Yes, hi, I'm Susan Rush and it's a pleasure to meet you both!"
"Hi Suzy...I'm Harold Timmons...just call me Bud."
"Honey, we were just going to bring over this lemonade and meet the rest of your family. We already met your husband, father and father-in-law. Welcome to Evanston. You're going to love it here, I'm sure." Mrs. Timmons commented.
"Thanks. Look at you two, you're a mess already!"
"So you really are from New Jersey, aren't you? You've got the accent, but it seems like your husband doesn't..." Mr. Timmons said.
"Only when he gets angry!" Mom chuckled.
"Really," Mr. Timmons thought. "So what do you do when you get angry...if that's possible?"
"Well, I glow in the dark!" Mom shot back.
"Oh, you are quite the Jersey girl, aren't you!" They all laughed more.
"Listen, Suzy, we don't want to intrude, but you must have your hands full. Anything we can do to help...don't be shy about asking! For anything! It's so good to have a new family move in, really." Mr. and Mrs. Timmons were so kind-hearted. Mom liked them from the start. It was a nice welcome to the neighborhood. They walked across the yard to our house and Grandpa Mack stopped mowing to have some lemonade. Then Grandpa Rush came out with Dad and four bottles of beer. Grandma Mack followed, and quickly the lemonade was downed by the ladies and kids while the guys drank the beer.
There were six conversations going at once, amidst the pleasantries, introductions and sips of beer and lemonade. Then Grandma Rush pulled in with the car full of groceries and everyone helped carry stuff into the kitchen. And, in what was her typical welcoming style, Mrs. Timmons banged a pan with a spoon to get everyone's attention.
"Okay, I won't take `no' for an answer. Bud and I insist that you all come over to our house for dinner tonight...nothing fancy, just a little picnic, but you are all working so hard ^Ö and it looks like that baby is going to pop out any moment ^Ö so I...I mean...we...insist. Seven o'clock, just come to the back deck. There'll be plenty more beer and lemonade! Now, come on Bud, let's let these people get their stuff done!"
Invitation accepted! All in all, the house took shape fairly quickly, with almost everything put away and arranged. As the day wore on it was time to get cleaned up and go next door. The Timmons' son Rick and his wife Kate were also there along with their two-month-old baby, Jeremy. They didn't stay long, only stopping by to meet everyone. I guess, as Mom always put it, Jeremy's mother was afraid he'd get everyone's germs.
Mrs. Timmons served up the most amazing hamburgers and homemade French fries anyone had ever eaten. Amidst more laughter and multiple conversations, everyone learned everyone else's family story. Mr. Timmons was a political science professor at Northwestern (he enjoyed walking to work), Mrs. Timmons taught first grade in Evanston for 25 years until she retired last year, so that explained her immediate affection to Jake and Jess. And that also gave her much to talk about with Mom, and both my grandmas, who were also teachers! Grandpa Rush, who is an attorney, told Mr. Timmons he majored in political science, then became a lawyer, and Grandpa Mack joked that he and Dad were just fine making money in the business world.
There was plenty of iced tea, soda, lemonade, and beer, you name it. Mrs. Timmons home-made chocolate cake for dessert topped off the evening. Almost.
Around 9:00pm Mom felt a sharp pain. She drank so much lemonade during the evening she got up to use the bathroom. That little pain was actually the first contraction. Then she felt another, this time sharper and longer. She winced but didn't let on that she thought her labor started. She went into the house and used the little half-bath off the Timmons' kitchen. Grandma Mack was helping clean up and yelled for Mom.
"Suzy, honey...everything okay? Are you alright?" Silence. "Suzy????"
"Yes...Mom...I'm o...kay...MOMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!"
Everyone on Judson Avenue must have heard that scream. Probably everyone in all of Evanston! Mom was in labor and it was time to get to Evanston Hospital. Grandma Rush drove Mom, Dad and Grandma Mack. Mr. and Mrs. Timmons followed with my grandfathers and the kids. What a way to get to know the neighbors!
At the hospital, and Dad and Grandma Mack followed where they took Mom. They assured Grandma Mack everything was fine and that Dr. Hennessey, Mom's OBGYN, was on her way. Grandma stayed in the labor room with Mom, while Dad went back in the admitting department.
"Now, Mr. Rush, if this baby is a boy do you and the mother wish to have him circumcised?"
Dad was startled. Speechless once again, in fact, for the second time in his life.
"Uhhh...don't you need my insurance card?" Dad asked.
"Okay, now about having the baby circumcised if it's a boy..." She persisted.
"And don't you want to know what religion we are? Aren't those the first questions they ask at hospitals??
"Yes, Mr. Rush. Now about the circumcision..."
"And for God's sake, the baby's mother is my wife!!! Not just...the mother!"
"Yes, Mr. Rush, please don't get excited..."
"Jesus Christ I'm not excited...just...yes, we want the baby circumcised..." Dad was furious.
"Okay. Now, Mr. Rush, you never gave me your medical insurance card. I need to make a copy of it. And what church do you belong to?"
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It was close to midnight. Soon Grandma Mack joined the others in the waiting area. Grandpa Mack dozed off, and Jake fell asleep across his lap. Jess was curled up in a ball, sleeping between Grandma Rush and Mrs. Timmons, who was exchanging glances between the TV and a magazine. Grandpa Rush and Mr. Timmons were talking politics. And Dad was scrubbed and in green surgical clothes up in the delivery room with Mom. The labor was going smoothly, a slight twist to the last several days and weeks. Dr. Hennessey examined Mom again.
"We're almost there, it won't be long, probably a few more pushes."
"I love you Suzy." Dad kissed Mom on the forehead and held her hand.
"I love you Eddie" Mom said.
Dad thought for a moment, then mentioned to Mom, "You know, we haven't picked a name for the baby, and we don't want him or her to come into the world without a name..."
"I know, Eddie. I know. And we don't even know if it's a boy or a girl. Everything's gone been fine with this pregnancy and we've been so busy. We haven't had time to even talk about possible names. Your promotion and moving and all. But I was thinking. We conceived this tiny guy that night of your birthday in Laramie, Wyoming, you know...so whether it's a boy or a girl, let's name the baby...Laramie."
And so, two minutes and two pushes later, at the stroke of midnight, I was born. Laramie Edward Rush.
Everyone in the waiting room was either asleep or almost asleep when they heard the "ding" of the elevator bell. The doors opened and there stood my Dad, still dressed in green surgical scrubs. Grandma Rush, of course, says Dad was so handsome...he looked like a doctor.
"It's a boy!!!" Dad beamed!
Everyone jumped to their feet, screaming and talking at once, a jumbled mess of words, hugs, kisses and fragmented questions: "How's Suzy?" "How's the baby?" "Congratulations!" "What did you name him?" "How much did he weigh?" "Who does he look like?" You get the idea.
"Suzy's fine and the baby's just beautiful. He looks just like me, Mom!" Dad nodded to Grandma Rush. She smiled approvingly.
He's perfect...everything is all there and working properly! He weighed in at 7 pounds 1 ounce and he's 20 inches long. Even though it's late, the nurse said you can all go up to the nursery in about a half hour and see him. But Suzy's resting and will feel more like seeing everyone tomorrow."
Jessica tugged at Dad's pant leg and asked, "What's baby brother's name?" And Jacob begged, "When can we take him home and play with him?"
Dad knelt down to be at eye-level with the twins and said, "Your baby brother's name is Laramie. And his middle name is Edward, just like Daddy's first name. He and Mommy both will come home in a few days!"
There was not one comment about the unusualness of my name.
At that point, Dad said, "Why don't you all meet me up in the nursery area in a few minutes..."
So, that they did, and everyone gawked at me and the other babies for awhile. By now it was almost two in the morning and even the nurses were yawning. What a night! Mom hadn't even been in Chicago 24 hours and look what happened. That plane ride from Newark to Chicago must have shaken me loose!
Everyone finally went home and went to bed, but I don't know if anyone slept. Soon the sun was up, birds were chirping and a cool breeze was coming in off Lake Michigan. Grandma Mack woke to the sounds of Dad showering and went downstairs to make coffee. One by one, everyone else awoke. Despite the excitement of the last twenty-four hours, and obvious lack of sleep, everyone was surprisingly full of energy. Adrenaline!! At 8:30 the phone rang and it was Mom. Dad said she sounded too perky! She asked him to bring that little bag she packed, preparing for the hospital.
"Laramie's fine! He's so cute!!! I held him this morning and fed him too! He looks like you Eddie!" Whether I did or didn't, Mom always knew the right things to say to Dad.
Dad couldn't wait to get to the hospital, so he scooped up Jake and Jess and was there by 9:30. The grandmas and grandpas followed, getting there by 10:30. They visited again later that day and twice on Monday. Dad brought Mom and me home Tuesday morning. Grandma Rush helped Jake and Jess blow up balloons and make a "Welcome Home" banner while Mrs. Timmons baked another cake. Mom was exhausted and I, of course, slept through the whole thing!
Dad took the rest of the week off, and on Thursday Grandma and Grandpa Rush and Grandpa Mack flew back to New Jersey.
Grandma Mack stayed until the following Tuesday, just to make sure Mom and I were okay since Dad returned to work the next week. It was a sad goodbye. Hugs, kisses and tears amidst thank-you's and reassurances that we'd be alright. There was some mention of Grandma and Grandpa Mack coming for July 4th, and reminders that both sets of grandparents would be happy to have Jake and Jess visit anytime!
"Remember, honey, the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are all still in New Jersey, so there's plenty of family and plenty of room! I don't have to tell you you're always welcome," Grandma Mack told Mom.
"I know, Mom...and thanks. And you know you and Daddy are always more than welcome here, too. And...my gosh...it's such an easy flight, non-stop from Newark to Chicago!" Mom quipped.
But it was time to go, and time to get our new lives started. The cab pulled up to take Grandma Mack to O'Hare and the driver loaded her luggage. As the taxi rolled down Judson toward Dempster Street, there were more smiles, good-bye waves, tears and blown-kisses. Jake and Jess shouted in their little voices, "Bye-bye Grandma! We love you!"
Dad made sure he didn't have to travel that week, and was home every night. His office was on Wacker Drive, close to Sears Tower. It was easier to take the "L" rather than drive every day. Plus, the cost of parking was outrageous and who needs the stress of driving through rush-hour traffic? Mrs. Timmons checked on us several times a day and offered to get anything we needed. She took Jake and Jess to the park and down to the lake everyday so Mom could rest. Mrs. Timmons was wonderful to Mom. If Grandma Mack couldn't be there, Mrs. Timmons was the next best thing!
Mom says I was a really good baby with a good appetite. I burped nice and loud, napped a lot, seldom cried or fussed, and was the talk of the neighborhood. She took me for short walks, sometimes with Jake, Jess and Mrs. Timmons. We met all the other neighbors on Judson and some of the surrounding streets as well. Everyone knew my name even before Mom introduced us. She suspects Mrs. Timmons had something to do with that. Although different than Westfield, our neighborhood in Evanston had a certain hominess to it that made Mom feel very comfortable. She adjusted fast. There was a good balance of older couples who had lived there a long time and raised their families (like the Timmons's), families with high-school age kids, and some younger families with small children, like us!
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Summer was passing quickly. Mom looked and felt great. You'd never know she just had a baby! Grandma and Grandpa Mack didn't come for July 4th. While Mom was disappointed, she understood that they had a lot going on at home.
"Maybe for the holidays, honey. Now, how's my baby boy? Keep sending us pictures...I bet he's growing like a weed!" Grandma said.
"Mom, don't worry about it, it's okay. We'll all see each other as soon as we can. Laramie's fine, and yes, he is growing fast! Jake and Jess said to tell you `hi' and they miss you and Daddy..."
Still Mom felt bad. She and Grandma Mack were almost like friends instead of mother and daughter. Mom was used to having so much family around, but now she was 800 miles away with only Jess, Jake, Dad and me.
The Fourth of July was still a fun time, even if my grandparents didn't visit. Mrs. Timmons, the unofficial president of the so-called Judson Avenue Neighborhood Association, always organized the annual Fourth of July block party in our neighborhood. The city of Evanston actually blocks off the street between Lake and Greenwood and all the families bring their grills, lawn chairs, and picnic tables. There's tons of food, like sausage, burgers, potato salad...typical picnic fare...and every kind of cookie, cake and pie imaginable. They roast marshmallows and make s'mores. There's even a cotton-candy machine and old Mr. Johnston down the street makes home-made caramel corn. Everyone plays games, talks, and laughs, and at night they gather to watch the fireworks.
Because of moving and having me, along with the demands of Dad's work, there was no family vacation that summer. But that was okay. We kept Mom plenty busy! Soon it was time to get Jake and Jess registered for first grade and shop for school clothes and supplies. Dad was traveling, so Mrs. Timmons often joined us on our shopping trips. Soon the kids were all back in school and Evanston filled up with returning Northwestern students. Dad was in New Jersey on his birthday and had dinner with his parents. Grandma Rush was thrilled she could be with her "precious Eddie" on his big day!
That fall, Mom concentrated on redecorating the house. She and Mrs. Timmons grew closer, and the two of them gathered fabric samples, paint chips, and wallpaper books, planning a whole new look for our house. Everything Mom decided was fine with Dad and she did most the painting and papering herself. The weather cooperated and Mom was able to keep the windows open while painting. The next thing she realized it was Thanksgiving!
There was no way my grandparents could visit, with both grandmothers having only a few days off from teaching. Plus, it would have been too hectic for us to fly back east during the most heavily-traveled weekend. It was too expensive, and the possibility of delays with small children in tow - forget it! As for driving thirteen hours each way with a baby in the car? No way. We stayed in Evanston, and had Thanksgiving dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Timmons and Rick, Kate and Jeremy. While Mom helped Mrs. Timmons in the kitchen, the guys watched football and drank scotch and soda in the den. Dad learned Rick and Kate got married while they both were in law school. Kate is an assistant district attorney for Cook County, handling rape and child abuse cases. Rick became an assistant professor of criminal justice at De Paul and doesn't practice law. Quiet Kate kept a watchful eye on Jess and Jake as they played with Jeremy and me. Although he and I were just babies, we played, smiling and laughing with our foreheads together, slobbering all over each other.
Things were under control in the kitchen, so Mom and Mrs. Timmons decided to have a glass of wine before dinner.
"Look at these two baby boys!" Mrs. Timmons exclaimed. "They're best friends already! I think they have their own secret language! Just listen to them, Suzy! Eddie...get your camera!!"
Mom smiled. "Yeah, they're adorable, both of them, aren't they!"
Kate just muttered, "Uh-huh." Later, at home, Mom commented to Dad that, "That Kate sure is a work of art, isn't she?" and Dad replied, "You got that right! Rick's alright, though."
There would be no travel for any of our family for Christmas as well. But there were lots of phone calls and tons of gifts. Dad, however, did manage to see everyone back east while on business, sometimes only for a quick lunch or dinner. Mom hadn't been back to Jersey at all. She was okay with that, for the time being. Christmas Day Jake and Jess got most of the presents. Me ^Ö I got a Big Wheel! I couldn't even walk yet, but somehow everyone expected me to ride a Big Wheel! (I think it's still out in the garage!). Before you could blink, it was New Year's.
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By spring, our family had gotten more into a pattern of routine life. Dad traveled all the time and Mom handled things at home. I was growing, and Jake and Jess were doing well in school. Mom and Mrs. Timmons were as close as ever. But Mom really wanted to go back east for spring break. My aunts, uncles and cousins had never seen me...only pictures. It'd be the first time back to New Jersey for Mom, Jake and Jess since the move, and my first. The long car ride was still out of the question, but since I was a little bigger, the 2 ½-hour plane ride from Chicago to Newark would be do-able.
We left the Saturday before Palm Sunday and were to return home a week later. That way we'd be back in Evanston Easter Sunday, a day to rest before Jess and Jake went back to school. We got up at 4, left the house by 5 (Mr. Timmons drove), got to O'Hare by 6 and flew out at 7! Wow! Grandpa Mack picked us up at Newark International, and we got to Westfield by noon. Grandma Mack had a feast planned and all of the McKenzie's were there. They all made a big deal about our visit and it was one big hug-fest.
We were staying at the McKenzie's four nights and at the Rush's three nights. Mom's sister Cindy planned a girls' day for Tuesday to see a play and have dinner in New York. But she, Mom and Aunt Jennifer had to spend the entire day Monday at the Mall at Short Hills buying new clothes!
I was starting to get a little fussy from being passed around and held by everyone. Grandma Mack no sooner put me down for a nap when Grandma Rush called to make sure we got there and all was okay. Grandma Mack invited the Rush's over that evening...nothing fancy, just a "little" family get-together. Grandma Rush accepted and all the Rush's came!
After my nap, bath and bottle I met the Rush's. Dad has two brothers and two sisters, just like Mom. Altogether I have fifteen cousins. Carrie, on Mom's side of the family, is the oldest. Michael, a year younger than Jake and Jess, was the youngest until I came along. On Dad's side, Ashley is the oldest, and my cousin Todd was the baby until me. Now I really am the baby, and definitely the cutest! Even though the entire family knew the story of why I was named Laramie, it was still the topic of conversation and always seemed to make people smile, especially Mom.
My cousins were running around the house and basement, and eventually people went outside on the patio. Carrie, also the bossiest, and Ashley looked after me. They let me crawl all over the place, and I was sticking everything in my mouth, a habit I'd continue later in life! (Sorry, I'm bad!).
Monday, Grandma got to show me off to some of their neighbors and friends. Tuesday, when the grown-up girls all went in to New York, Grandpa Mack and I were buddies while Dad hung out with his brothers. The rest of the week was pretty quiet, even the time we spent with Grandma and Grandpa Rush. It was just a lot of visiting with family and the cousins all playing, people always around. For them it was laid-back. For us ^Ö me in particular ^Ö that much activity was a bit unusual. Mom said later that having grown up with that busy kind-of family life, she didn't really realize it until she'd been away from it and went back.
"It's great to see the whole family, and I love them all, but I'm just not used to it any more! How did I do that all those years?" she wondered.
"Yeah, now that you mention it, I guess our life in Evanston is somewhat mild," Dad said. "But I guess I'm on the go so much myself with work and traveling, and I'm here so often..."
On Good Friday Mom, Dad and my four grandparents went out to dinner. I went along in my basket! I think my grandparents planned it, not because it was Good Friday...not because it was our last night in New Jersey...but because they had a proposition for Mom and Dad. Everyone ordered beer-battered fish and I was content nibbling on cookies Mom brought for me. Dad tried to give me a slice of Italian bread, but...I don't think so, Dad!! I hate bread! I just slobbered all over it, made a funny face and spit it out. No way was I gonna swallow it!
Grandma Rush spoke up first. "Eddie, Suzy...we've enjoyed having you and the kids this week, I can't tell you how much."
"It's been too long...nine months since you've been home, Suzy...too long," Grandma Mack added. "We love seeing you, Eddie, when you in town for business, but it isn't the same. This week has been just like old times."
"We miss those kids, too," Grandpa Rush said, with raised eyebrows. "Jacob has gotten so tall and that little Jessica's a sweetheart!"
"You got that right, Jim. And this little guy (pointing to me)...we hardly know him! We haven't seen him since he was two days old, the day you brought him home from the hospital," Grandpa Mack exclaimed.
Mom, in particular, felt beat up. She is so cool, but she had to say something without sounding defensive. Before she had a chance, Grandma Rush started in again. "So, you two, what we were thinking is that..."
"You know, Mom, we better eat, because our food's getting cold," Dad popped in.
"Yeah, let's eat. We'll talk about this later," Mom added.
Then Grandma Rush started in again, "I know how it's been hard getting settled in, and with Eddie gone so much. But what Margie's trying to say is..."
"Mom, airplanes fly both ways, you know. You guys haven't been to Chicago to visit us either..." Now Mom was now sounding a little perturbed.
"Oh honey, no...that's not what we meant. As much as we love seeing you guys, we want to talk to you about Jacob and Jessica," said Grandma Rush, looking startled. Her comment was immediately followed by three "Yeahs!"
What an awkward moment. In between bites of food, and with mouths full, everyone talked. The idea was that Jake and Jess should visit the family in New Jersey every chance they got since they were always so close to everyone. So Grandma Mack insisted Mom and Dad send them during the summer.
"We don't want Jacob and Jessica to forget their cousins. I know they're adjusting well in Chicago, but there's no reason they can't come for a week when school gets out. Or two...or..."
Grandma Rush chimed in, "And it's convenient since Eddie flies here so often. He can bring them. I don't know how people send small children on airplanes by themselves. I'd be afraid."
"Sure, Mom. That'll work out great." Dad assured them.
Everyone, including Mom, placed a big importance on family relationships. But somehow, in the back of her mind, she wondered if these little summer visits would ever include me.
"Sounds like a great idea, because who knows when we'll be able to go on family vacations, you know. And just think, when Laramie gets bigger he can come, too. Poor little thing, we gotta get him acquainted with his cousins so he doesn't feel left out!" Mom responded.
"Well, let's get him walking first," Grandpa Rush said. Then Grandma Rush added, "At least potty trained. I love my grandkids, but I'm done with changing diapers!"
And with that everyone laughed and finished dinner. After leaving the restaurant, they picked up Jake and Jess at Aunt Cindy's. We were flying out Saturday around 11, but bright and early, some of my aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides of the family came over to the Rush's to say goodbye. There really weren't any tears this time around, and of course, summer vacation in New Jersey for Jake and Jess was a done deal!
At 9:00, with Grandpa Rush's Volvo station wagon packed, and me strapped in the car seat, we headed to Newark International. We sat on the tarmac a while, so Dad got his camera out (photography is one of his hobbies), and took pictures of us. Soon the captain announced we'd been cleared for departure. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and as we raced down the runway, faster and faster, Dad snapped pictures the whole time! We're airborne!
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We landed at O'Hare about 12:30, central time, and took a taxi back to Evanston despite Mr. Timmons' offer to pick us up. Mom and Dad didn't want to impose. Everyone was starved, and I needed to be changed. Jake and Jess cried the whole afternoon because they missed playing with our cousins, and being with our whole family.
But Evanston was home now, and Mom was glad to be back. It was great seeing her siblings and Dad's family. She loved shopping with her sisters and laughing till they hurt. But now Mom was making her life in Chicago. And I had something to do with that. After all, I was the one in the whole family who was...different. I'm the youngest, I have a really different name, I wasn't born New Jersey and I never lived with any of "them". So I'm the outcast. The different one. Laramie. Laramie Rush. And I meant the world to Mom.
Even though it rained Sunday morning, the Easter Bunny came anyways. Around noon we went over to the Timmons' for an Easter egg hunt and brunch. Rick and Kate brought Jeremy too! Even though the grass was still damp, they let Jeremy and me crawl around looking for eggs. Naturally, our clothes got messy and wet, so we had to be changed.
We went inside, and Kate, of course, let Rick tend to Jeremy. Mom took my clothes off and they let us play in our diapers a while. They even let Jeremy and me eat a chocolate egg. We shared it! What a mess! Chocolate everywhere...on our faces, in our hair, on our legs, on Mrs. Timmons' kitchen floor... And Dad, of course, took pictures. We still have them, I'm sooo embarrassed! Kate didn't say much, although she probably wasn't happy. Mom said she looked like being there was a complete waste of her time. She so much as admitted it, telling Mom she had a lot of work to do and couldn't wait to get into the office on Monday. She had a big trial starting soon.
Mom helped in the kitchen, the dads drank, talked and watched TV, the kids played and Kate just looked at her watch. Jeremy was starting to walk and was teaching me! Mom checked on us and marveled at how Jeremy stood by himself and was pulling me up. I stood, holding on to him...for half a second. Then boom, we both fell, not a whimper, moan or tear. We smiled and laughed at each other. That's what we always did. And we touched. And we slobbered, so much!!! Mrs. Timmons looked in and smiled.
"Suzy, these two boys are something else. They...trust each other. I'm telling you...they communicate!"
"Yeah, it's like a code! God only knows what they'll be like when they get older!" Mom added.
"Come on guys...time to eat! Bud, carry in the spiral ham...Rick, get the sticky buns out of the oven. Jessica, you may sit here next to your daddy. Okay, let's say the blessing! Happy Easter! Now let's eat!"
Oh good! If Jeremy and I thought that chocolate egg was good, wait `til we get our hands on those sticky buns! Mmmmm...delicious!
The next week Kate and Rick had Jeremy's first birthday party...at Mr. and Mrs. Timmons'. They lived just north of the hospital near Ryan field. Kate's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Larson, came from Milwaukee for the party. Mom says they seemed nice, but Mr. Larson was a little standoff-ish ^Ö like Kate. He was managing partner in a big law firm and Mrs. Larson didn't work, she was on several boards and committees. Great career!
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Easter was fun, but after our trip to New Jersey, it helped to get back in familiar territory. At least, Evanston was my familiar territory. Really, I knew Mr. and Mrs. Timmons better than my own grandparents. Jeremy and I were closer than I was to my real cousins, even for babies. It's still that way, you know.
It was spring, gardens were being planted, flowers were blooming, and lawns were being mowed. Before we knew it, it was Memorial Day weekend! A few more days, then school's out! Time for picnics and parties! And one very important party in early June!
To be continued...