Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 23:10:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: L Rush <laramierush1@yahoo.com>
Subject: Laramie Rush - Chapter 1

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.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

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!"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

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?"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

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!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

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!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

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!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

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...