Epilogue

Four Years Later

Claire Bassett

I stole another glimpse out the kitchen window to check on the kids. Isabella, Drew, and Laurel, Tyler’s step sister, ran through the yard playing ball with Muffin, Laurel’s little sheltie. When we had pulled up to the house, I was thankful to see a fenced yard. Both Andrew and I still experienced anxiety when there was a road or driveway near the children.

I moved to peek around the door into the playpen where Peter slept. Such a healing balm to our family. Maybe because he wasn’t there before. He held no associations with that terrible day.

I wish I could have known Pete. Andrew talked of him every day for the first year. Despite his weakness for alcohol, he’d had enough wisdom to know what Andrew needed—whether to talk or to reflect. Andrew loved the old man. He filled the role of father or brother.

The reconciliation with Matthew contributed greatly to Andrew’s healing. Making the trip to Harrisburg amplified our stress, but Andrew knew it had to be face-to-face. Matthew’s slumped posture and lack of energy spoke of the grief he lived out daily. Yet he embraced Andrew, told him he knew it was an accident. We may never return to the close relationship we once had, but for now, it’s enough.

Stella finished pulling the salads from the refrigerator. “Everyone OK? Peter still asleep?”

“He’s zonked. He played himself out. Laurel was great with him. How old did Tyler say she is?”

“She’s ten, almost eleven. She was around six when he first met her. It’s so neat to see how she hangs around him. I think she likes having a big brother.” Stella set the salad dish on the counter.

“Look at this salad! You’re amazing. You brought way too much.”

“Hey, it’s what I do. I love a busy kitchen. Did I hear that you’re doing some cooking for a crowd, volunteering every week to serve breakfast downtown?”

“Yeah, St. John’s. They’re providing a vital need for the underserved population. I enjoy going in and helping.”

Stella arched her back and stretched.

“Why don’t you sit for a while? Your ankles look like they’re swollen. What’s your due date?”

“August sixth. Two more months.”

“Scott said you don’t know if it’s a boy or girl. Are you going to find out or wait until birth?”

“We’ve been having fun with the mystery, but we’ll find out. We decided to ask when I have my next sonogram.”

“And this is the first grandchild?”

“For Scott’s family but not for mine. We have scads of little ones but they’re scattered through Illinois and Ohio. Scott’s parents are still somewhat self-absorbed, but we’re hoping a baby might change that. At least Scott’s made an effort. He’s done what he can to build a bridge.” Stella sat on the closest chair and stretched her legs. A playful grin extended over her face. “I thought his dad would have a coronary when he saw Scott driving a minivan.”

That was hard for me to understand since my parents were so caring. Sometimes overboard, but only because they loved us. Their relationship with Andrew had returned quickly. “I guess we’re only responsible for what we do, no matter how others respond.”

Sam’s wife, Jane, came in to say the DVD and chairs were all ready.

I turned toward her. “Jane, your daughter is a saint. She’s so patient with Drew. She’s not much older than Bella, but sisters don’t always have tolerance for their little brothers.”

“They’re having fun, but I’m about to break that up. We’re ready to eat.”

Once everyone gathered together, we stood in a circle and joined hands. Tyler honored Andrew by asking that he say the blessing. His personality had returned in bits and pieces, bringing back the strong leader that we once knew. He grasped my hand and gave it an extra squeeze. It still brought a rush of comfort when my hand rested in his.

“Let’s pray, and then we’ll take our plates into the family room to watch the salutatorian’s graduation speech.” We all bowed our heads to give thanks. “Father, we give You thanks today for this reunion, such a reminder of Your goodness and grace. Thank You for the accomplishments that we celebrate today, for the strong, reliable man that Tyler has become, for the influence of his father. We give thanks for Scott’s role in his life, in my life, and in Pete’s. Thank You that we can all carry a little piece of Pete’s kindness and contentment.

“Today, You have marked the beginning of a new path for Tyler, a new career in public service, and rewarded his efforts with recognition at the ceremony. We’re all so proud to be part of his life. Please keep Your hand upon him that he may always walk in faith.

“Please bless this food and the hands that have prepared it.”

Everyone said Amen. We took our seats, and Sam turned to speak to the small gathering.

“We wanted to invite each of you to the graduation, but our tickets were limited. We’re glad that you can celebrate it with us tonight. And, I’m not bragging or anything, but I might add that one tenth of a percentage point separated the salutatorian and the valedictorian.” He pushed start on the DVD. We watched as they introduced Tyler and as he approached the podium with confidence.

“My name is Tyler Pulkowski, and I’m standing here today on the shoulders of some significant people in my life, people who believed in me and sacrificed for me. I suspect every person present could make that statement. Whose shoulders are you standing on? We aren’t designed to live in isolation. We’re designed to need people. Every life will have high points and low points, and sometimes the low points look hopeless. I’ve been there, been to the bottom of all hope. But someone looked beyond himself, beyond his dreams, goals, and aspirations. He saw a need and he chose sacrifice.

My challenge to each person here today is this: dream and plan. Set goals and aim high. But never allow those to surpass human need. I was able to achieve this milestone in my life because another person set his goal aside. I want to honor that sacrifice by having eyes wide open to the needs of hurting people.

Today is the day we all begin a new chapter in life. Standing here in all of our regalia, a day of entitlement, of feeling that it’s all about us. It isn’t. It’s all about those who enabled you to be here today. It’s their accomplishment, their victory march. Your accomplishment comes when you rise to the challenge of looking beyond yourself. Ronald Reagan shared this thought with us. ‘You can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.’ Go and find that someone.”

The video finished and Tyler turned his head toward Scott. One by one, Andrew, Sam, and I each glanced in that direction. Stella slid her hand into his. Where would we be today if he hadn’t looked beyond himself? The words of scripture sprang to my mind and I spoke them aloud. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.”