Chapter Nine
The Thomas OKeefe family had purchased a rambling three story Victorian home about five miles north of Cape May, New Jersey. It had been purchased when their oldest daughter Jane had been born. It was to be their summer home, filled with family and friends. Thomas had remodeled and restored the mansion until it claimed a noted spot on the beach. It stood proudly facing the stunning view of endless sky and rolling waters.
It was to this elegant retreat that Gail and Thomas fled. Overlooking the cold and biting wind, Gail sat in a high backed rocking chair She was wrapped in a red blanket of cashmere. Thomas stood close beside her, his hands thrust into the pockets of his warm wool jacket. There was not a soul in sight. The Season was over. The natives had heaved a collective sigh of relief.
A tall athletic looking young man pulled into a parking space at the front of this home. He turned up the collar of his black coat and pulled on heavy gloves. Ducking his head against the wind, he made his way around the house, but stopped in amazement. I sure didnt expect to find them sitting outside!
Clearing his throat, hating to break into their solitude, he said, Excuse me for disturbing you, but are you Mr. and Mrs. OKeefe?
Yes. Im Thomas OKeefe. This is my wife, Gail. What can we do for you?
Im Anthony LaGuardia, the new priest at the local Catholic church in town, and
Gail blinked her eyes. A priest? LaGuardia. Perhaps THE LaGuardia family?
Pleased to meet you, sir. Please come up and have a seat. Or, perhaps we should go inside where its warm and we can get some coffee.
I rather like it out here, and it seems you two are comfortable here, too.
Thats fine. Have a seat.
The young priest spread his knees and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. Your priest, Father Kiernan, gave me a call last evening, and asked me to drop in to see you. He thought perhaps I could help you with your concern for your daughters.
I really appreciate that, Father LaGuardia. Gail, do you feel like talking with the father?
What is there to say? Im a failure as a mother. Its plain and simple.
In what way are you a failure, Mrs. OKeefe?
Well, you see, I was raised in a most proper Catholic home where I never questioned my parents or teachers or priests teachings. I obeyed them all. To the letter. When Thomas and I were married, we established a home that was faithful to our religious teachings. We had as many children as the dear Lord saw fit to send us. We had them baptized and confirmed, communed, instructed, and saw that they went to confession. Why, to this very day
This is all faintly familiar and amusing, forgive me, Lord, and I do believe that Mr. OKeefe is somewhat uncomfortable with his wifes pious meanderings.
But just why do you consider yourself a failure? It sounds to me like you are quite satisfied with your parenting.
Why? Why? Because two of myourdaughters haveoh, I cant even say it. It is just too horrid.
Please say, it Mrs. OKeefe. Youll feel better. And remember, it is what they did. Not you.
What? I dont understand. Whats the difference?
Oh, theres a world of difference. So, two of your children have made decisions that do not agree with yours. To be perfectly honest with you, I find that refreshing. I like to see young people thinking for themselves.
You what? gasped Gail. Why I never thought I would see the day when a pr
Come now, Gail. Calm down. Father LaGuardia is here to help us. Remember, Father Kiernan sent him. Now, its getting colder. Lets go inside and have some hot coffee and muffins.
*
As Anthony LaGuardia shook hands with his new friends, he said, Im anxious to meet your son, Brent. I can probably give him a few hints on how to make life in the seminary easier.
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