After comforting J.D., who always radiated joy in his mother's presence, Theresa lifted him up, grabbed her keys, and made her way to the school. As she stepped out of the car, Daleann came bounding down the sidewalk, proudly waving a paper adorned with a gold star.
Theresa greeted her daughter, saying, "Hi, princess! What do you have there? Is that a gold star? How wonderful! I'm so proud of you." Taking Daleann's hand, she continued, "Let's go watch your big brother at football practice, and you can show him when he's finished."
She then joined the other parents, cheering for her little athlete with unwavering enthusiasm, as if nothing weighed on her mind.
When practice concluded, a jubilant Max approached her, exclaiming, "Mom, did you see me? I made two touchdowns!"
Theresa, brimming with pride, replied, "Of course I did, my little football star. You're amazing!"
Max's face lit up with joy, and Daleann chimed in, "And I got a gold star!"
Max, thrilled for his sister, exclaimed, "That's awesome!"
Theresa enveloped them both in a warm hug and declared, "Now, everyone in the car; it's almost dinner time."
Once in the car, Theresa exclaimed, "Hey, I think we should celebrate two touchdowns and a gold star! Instead of having dinner at home, how about we go to the Dairy Mart for some hamburgers, French fries, and milkshakes? What do you guys think?" The kids enthusiastically clapped and agreed.
After a satisfying meal, they all headed back home. Snuggled up on the couch, they enjoyed watching their favorite program, The Carol Burnett Show. As the show concluded, Theresa rose to turn off the television. Sitting back down in front of them on the coffee table, she took a deep breath. J.D. had dozed off with his head resting on his brother's lap.
"Okay, Mommy needs to talk to you about something," Theresa began, her eyes welling up with tears.
Daleann rushed to her side, trying her best as a 5-year-old to comfort her mother.
"Mommy went to the doctor, and they found something that could make Mommy very sick if they don't take it out. So, Mommy has to go to the hospital for a little surgery. While I recover, you guys will stay with Aunt Pat," Theresa explained.
Daleann asked eagerly, "Will my cousins be there?" Pat's older daughters were Daleann's favorites.
Theresa replied, "Yes, they will be there, and they are so excited that you're coming!" Daleann looked forward to being with her cousins.
However, Max wore a sour expression and protested, "But I don't like going to Aunt Pat's, and what about football?"
"What if I ask Ted's mom, Ada, if you can stay at their place?" Theresa suggested. "Since you and Ted are on the same team, I'm sure she would be open to it." Ada Wismier being an enthusiastic supporter of the team just like Theresa, would likely agree.
Max, upon hearing this, smiled once more, but then sought reassurance from his mother, asking, "You're going to be okay, right, Mom?"
Theresa responded with certainty, saying, "Absolutely." She then called her two children to give her a hug and get ready for bed, promising to come in shortly to tuck them in.