FanStory.com
"The Farewell"


Prologue
A Final Farewell

By Kaiku

THE FAREWELL
`CONVERSATIONS WITH DAD`
 
THE PREPARATION – ALL THE CHILDREN
`FAMILY IS GATHERED TO DISCUSS THEIR DAD`
 
(All nine children are gathered in the living and dining room, dad is asleep)
 
Setting:  Living room, rather square in size but spacious.  Leather couch against the front windows of the house, a tri-level.  Half wall on the staircase side with a couple sitting chairs, lamp and small round table stand with flowers and knick-knacks. Opposite wall is a recliner and cabinet with glass doors.  Cabinet holds crystal and other family items i.e. pics of the grandkids etc.  In front of the couch is a 60`s style coffee table with snacks and other edible items that the children are sharing.  An open space connects the living room and dining room.  Artwork adorns all the walls where there is room.  Nothing cramped or ostentatious.  Kids are scattered about, some standing, some sitting both in the living room and dining room.
 
Their dad has four days left in his life.  He is home, in his bedroom preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  The nine children have flown in from around the country to say their last goodbyes.  Peggy has gotten the attention of the group.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Nine children are reminiscing about family and their dad.
 
PEGGY in a soft but commanding voice
HEY EVERYONE.  DAD`S TAKING A NAP RIGHT NOW SO I WANTED TO TOSS OUT AN IDEA.  I`VE ALREADY SPOKEN WITH MOM ABOUT THIS.  SHE`S LYING DOWN WITH DAD RIGHT NOW.
 
MARTY rather quickly
AWW...WHAT`S YOUR IDEA, PEGGY?
 
PEGGY kind but factual manner
AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE NURSE, WE REALLY HAVE
NO IDEA HOW LONG DAD WILL BE WITH US.
 
JANET quickly and feeling a little helpless
WHAT DID SHE SAY?
 
PEGGY factually
DAD`S CONDITION IS DETERIORATING.
 
Pause as all gather their composure.
 
DAN offering confidence to Peggy
GO AHEAD PEGGY, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?
 
PEGGY
SINCE WE`RE ALL HERE AND DAD SEEMS TO HAVE THE ENERGY,
WOULD IT MAKE SENSE FOR EACH OF US TO HAVE
A PRIVATE MOMENT WITH DAD, A CONVERSATION?
 
MARIANNE appreciative in her voice
THAT WOULD BE NICE, PEGGY.
 
ALL softly
SOFT AGREEABLE CHATTER
 
CAROL a carefulness in voice
TODAY?  IT`S LATE AND DAD IS SLEEPING.
 
PEGGY understanding in her reply
I WAS THINKING SOMETIME TOMORROW.  LET`S SEE HOW
RESTED HE IS IN THE MORNING AND GAUGE HIS INTEREST.
 
MARTHA a little anxious and expressive
GREAT IDEA, PEGGY!  WHAT DO YOU THINK EVERYONE?
 
DAN a calmness
VERY NICE, PEGGY.  WE`LL AWAIT YOUR WORD
TOMORROW MORNING THEN.
 
ALL
SOFT GROUP CHATTER
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END PREPARATION
 
 
(Peggy- 60, Marianne- 58, Mike- 57, Janet- 56, Martha- 54, Kevin- 52, Carol- 51, Dan- 47, Tim- 42)
 
 
 
THE PREPARATION – B

(Leo`s wife of 55 years, Nancy, is lying next to her dying husband)
 
Setting:  Master bedroom.  Room is spacious and comfortable.  King size bed against the far wall from the entry door. Nightstands on either side with reading lamps. A Lazy Boy positioned at the end of the bed facing the entry to the room. There is another chair, folding, that rests directly opposite the Lazy Boy so that both parties in their respective chairs would be facing each other. A couple feet from the two chairs is the entrance to the master bath. Along the near wall closest to the door sits an extensive dresser and bureau and just past the bureau is a walk-in closet.  Various pieces of artwork hang from the open spaces on each of the four walls.  One in particular, is a painting of the man who is sitting in the Lazy Boy.  It`s an action painting of the man highlighting his career as a professional basketball player.
 
The man has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his room preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  His nine kids have come to say their goodbyes, one-by-one.

Leo is sleeping with strained breathing.  Nancy is lying close in
a spooning position with her arm around her husband.
 
NANCY softly and with effort
WE HAVE HAD SUCH THE TIME, HAVEN`T WE? SUCH A HUSBAND YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH THESE YEARS.  NOT ALWAYS EASY MIND YOU. BUT I WOULDN`T HAVE DONE IT  ANY DIFFERENTLY. OUR CHILDREN…OH MY GOSH LEO, I SWEAR, YOU JUST WOULDN`T STOP. soft laughter with admiration. NOW… NOW THEY`VE BLESSED US WITH 
WONDERFUL GRANDCHILDREN. DID YOU EVER IMAGINE?  
 
Pause, Nancy succumbing to tears.  Lies quietly for a short spell.
 
TOMORROW, EACH OF THE KIDS WANTS TO SEE YOU…SPEND SOME TIME ALONE…HAVE THEIR SAY. THAT`S (deep sigh)…THAT`S…PRETTY….SPECIAL. I KNOW YOU DON`T LIKE THE ATTENTION, SO SET THAT ASIDE  AND LET YOUR KIDS BE YOUR KIDS. OK LEO?
 
Leo is laboring in his sleep as Nancy continues by his side.
 
I DON`T KNOW WHAT I`LL DO WITHOUT YOU.  
 
Nancy takes a deep breath, then whispers in Leo`s ear.
I LOVE YOU LEO ANTHONY KLIER
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END PREPARATION - B

FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete, businessman, devoted father, and husband.  Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sang in the church choir. 
 
MOTHER- 77, beloved by everyone. Never met a person she didn`t like.  The mortar in the family of nine children.  Tremendous athlete, accomplished artist and photographer and an excellent writer.  Indomitable spirit, devoted Catholic, and a loving mother first and foremost.
 

Author Notes A bit unconventional in style. I am not shouting with the caps.

Nine children are preparing for their father`s death. Suffering from congestive heart failure, it is just three or four days before their beloved father succumbs to the affliction. They discuss next steps led by the eldest, Peggy.

The activities are true, the actual conversations are private.

The stage is set up to accommodate two separate scenes that play back-to-back It is set up as Scene 1 and Scene 1B etc. Hopefully I haven`t confused you. It provides an insight into the siblings interactions.


Chapter 1
The Farewell

By Kaiku

 
SCENE I
 
(Peggy, baptized as Margaret, is the eldest of nine children and the first to say Farewell)
 
SETTING:  Master bedroom.  Room is spacious and comfortable.  King size bed against the far wall from the entry door.  Nightstands on either side with reading lamps. A Lazy Boy positioned at the end of the bed facing the entry to the room. There is another chair, folding, that rests directly opposite the Lazy Boy so that both parties in their respective chairs would be facing each other. A couple feet from the two chairs is the entrance to the master bath. Along the near wall closest to the door sits an extensive dresser and bureau and just past the bureau is a walk-in closet.  Various pieces of artwork hang from the open spaces on each of the four walls.  One in particular is a painting of the man sitting in the Lazy Boy.  It`s an action painting of  the man highlighting his career as a professional basketball player.
 
The man has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his room preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  His nine kids have come to say their goodbyes, one-by-one.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
There is a soft knock on the door, no answwer.
 
The door opens and the eldest daughter Peggy slowly walks in. Closes the door behind her.
Her father, dressed in pajamas, sits with strength in the Lazy Boy.
Peggy approaches, sits in the folding chair, reaches out and places her hands into her father`s.
 
PEGGY slightly shaking with moistened eyes, says softly
HELLO DAD
 
FATHER gripping softly the hands of his daughter with focused blue eyes
WHAT DO YOU SAY MARGARET? AND WHY SUCH THE BIG DEAL TODAY? 
I`M NOT GONE YET
 
They both chuckle nervously
 
PEGGY returning her father`s grip and smiling
OH DAD, YOU`RE SO FUNNY.
AND YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE TO CALL ME MARGARET.
 
A pause and a long moment of silence
 
PEGGY
WASN`T THAT A HOOT YESTERDAY WHEN WE ALL RAISED
OUR FUDGESICLES TOASTING YOU AND THE FAMILY?
 
FATHER eyes brightened
OH YEA, WE ALWAYS DID ENJOY OUR FUDGESICLES.  
IN FACT, I THINK I COULD EAT ONE RIGHT NOW!
 
They both laugh.  A slight pause.
 
PEGGY half in jest
SHOULD I GET YOU ONE?

FATHER
NAH, I`M GOOD.  BUT THANK YOU
 
A long pause as both just sit in silence enjoying the moment together.  Smiles being exchanged.
 
PEGGY leaning forward with a firmness in her voice
I LOVE YOU DAD.  YOU HAVE….
 
Peggy´s voice trails off and tears well-up in her eyes.  She lifts her father`s hands in hers and kisses them.
 
PEGGY trying to maintain her composure
YOU HAVE BEEN SUCH A WONDERFUL FATHER AND HUSBAND
TO MOM.  I WILL MISS YOU TERRIBLY.
 
Silence
 
FATHER leaning forward, lowering their hands
IT`S BEEN A GREAT RIDE KIDDO AND I`VE BEEN SO PROUD OF YOU.  BUT DON`T WORRY, I`M NOT GOING ANYWHERE. JUST KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR MOTHER FOR ME.  OK?
 
They both sit in silence and just sit there holding hands until Father gives a Fatherly nod to Peggy.  She kisses her Father`s hands one more time, stands up, kisses her Father on the forehead, turns and exits the room closing the door behind her.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE ONE
 
CHARACTERS
 
FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete, businessman, devoted father and husband. Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sang in the church choir. 
 
PEGGY- 60, eldest of nine.  Married with 2 children.  Master`s degree in Education. High School Art Teacher.  Soft heart, pragmatic, wonderful writer, artist and mother.
 
 
SCENE – IB
 
(Eight children are gathered in the living and dining rooms, Peggy is with her dad)
 
Setting:  Living room, rather square in size but spacious.  Leather couch against the front windows of the house, a tri-level.  Half wall on the staircase side with a couple sitting chairs, lamp and small round table stand with flowers and knick-knacks. Opposite wall is a recliner and cabinet with glass doors.  Cabinet holds crystal and other family items i.e. pics of the grandkids etc.  In front of the couch is a 60`s style coffee table with snacks and other edible items that the children are sharing.  An open space connects the living room and dining room.  Artwork adorns all the walls where there is room.  Nothing cramped or ostentatious.  Kids are scattered about, some standing, some sitting both in the living room and dining room.
 
Their dad has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his bedroom preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  The nine children have flown in from around the country to say their last goodbyes.  Siblings are commiserating, waiting for their turn with Dad.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Eight children are reminiscing about family and their dad. Peggy is with her father.

Marianne and Kevin are paired up.  Mike, Dan, and Tim are around the food and Janet, Martha and Carol are talking with their mom.
 
MARIANNE and KEVIN are in the back of the dining room sitting next to each other.
MARIANNE calm enthusiasm
HOW`S JUDY?  SHE`S THE BEST.
 
KEVIN proudly
GOOD. BUSY WITH THE KIDS.  MAX IS SUCH A WHIRLWIND AND OF COURSE BOTH 
JESSICA AND KATIE ARE LIKE LITTLE SAINTS… DRIVES MAX NUTS.
 
MARIANNE with kindness
THAT MAX, HE`S SUCH A CUTEY. WHAT`S HE NOW, IN SEVENTH GRADE?  
 
KEVIN confidently
YEP, THIS FALL HE`LL BE IN SEVENTH, JESSICA WILL BE A SOPHMORE
AND KATIE WILL BE IN FIFTH.  SUMMER`S BEEN BUSY WITH SOCCER,
SOFTBALL AND JUST THE REGULAR STUFF.JUDY`S MAKING
IT ALL WORK.  PLUS, HER GLASS WORK IS STARTING TO TAKE OFF.
 
LIGHTS FADE AND LIGHTS COME UP 
Mother, Janet, Martha and Carol are together standing near the dining
room.  It`s a straight shot down the hallway to their dad`s bedroom.

MARTHA nervously
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP, MOM?  HOW WAS DAD THIS MORNING?  WILL 
THIS BE TOO MUCH FOR HIM?
 
MOM exhausted.
HE`S TIRED, BUT HE`LL BE FINE.  
 
JANET shaken with tears welling in her eyes.
OH MOM, I`M SO SORRY…WE`RE SO SORRY.
 
CAROL looking away and noticing Peggy.
LOOK, HERE COMES PEGGY.
 
MARTHA surprised.
ARE WE ALL GOING TO BE THAT QUICK?  MAYBE I SHOULD GO NEXT.
 
All eyes on Peggy as she enters the room, composed but visibly shaken.
Mike walks toward Peggy, consoling, puts his hand on her shoulder then
heads toward his father`s bedroom before anyone else can make a move.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END SCENE 
 
Mother and eight children: Marianne- 58, Michael- 57, Janet- 56, Martha- 54, Kevin- 52, Carol- 51, Daniel- 47, Timothy- 42
 
 

Author Notes Forgive the CAPS. Lots of side direction and I didn`t want that to be confused with actual conversation.

There are nine scenes to this story. This is the first one. Two scenes per actual scene as the stage is divided into two rooms to show the conversations between the siblings and the one`s with their dad.


Chapter 2
The Farewell II

By Kaiku

SCENE II

(In Scene I the eldest daughter Peggy is the first to visit her father) 
 
Setting:  Master bedroom.  Room is spacious and comfortable.  King size bed against the far wall from the entry door.  Nightstands on either side with reading lamps. A Lazy Boy positioned at the end of the bed facing the entry to the room. There is another chair, folding, that rests directly opposite the Lazy Boy so that both parties in their respective chairs would be facing each other. A couple feet from the two chairs is the entrance to the master bath. Along the near wall closest to the door sits an extensive dresser and bureau and just past the bureau is a walk-in closet.  Various pieces of artwork hang from the open spaces on each of the four walls.  One in particular is a painting of the man sitting in the Lazy Boy.  It`s an action painting of  the man highlighting his career as a professional basketball player.
 
The man has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his room preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  His nine kids have come to say their goodbyes, one-by-one.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Without a knock, the door opens and in walks Mike.
Door closes behind him.
 
FATHER sitting, hands on knees, comfortable
HELLO THERE KEMOSABE
 
MIKE a strong pace, he sits facing his dad
HOW`S THE LONE RANGER DOING TODAY?
 
FATHER smiling
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, NOT TOO BAD
 
A short pause as they both adjust their sitting postures.  Father takes a deep breath (medical condition) and Mike is trying to find the right posture
 
FATHER
HOW´S JULIE AND THE KIDS?  HOW ABOUT YOUR WORK?  
GOVERNOR BREWER STILL HAPPY WITH YOU AT THE VA?
 
MIKE nodding with a deep breath
GOOD DAD, GOOD
 
More silence, 30 secs or so
 
FATHER almost apologetically
SON, I KNOW WE`VE HAD OUR DIFFERENCES OVER THE YEARS…
 
MIKE abruptly
DAD, IT`S OK…
 
FATHER quickly interjects
LET ME FINISH, IT`S IMPORTANT.  I CAME DOWN HARD ON YOU.  
YOU DIDN`T LIKE ME MUCH…FOR A LONG TIME.  I UNDERSTAND,
BUT I WOULDN`T HAVE DONE IT ANY OTHER WAY.
 
A short pause
 
IT WAS TOUGH ON ME.  MY BROTHER JACK WAS YOUR BEST FRIEND
AND I WAS YOUR FATHER.  IT PAINED ME FOR A LONG TIME.
 
A short pause
 
NOW, I SEE THE MAN IN FRONT OF ME.  I COULDN`T BE PROUDER.  A VETERAN,
A FATHER, A WORLD CHAMPION IN KARATE.  MY SON.
 
A short pause
 
SON, MY FRIEND, I WANT YOU TO SPEAK FOR ME AT
MY SERVICE.  IT WOULD MEAN THE WORLD TO ME.
 
MIKE now sitting very tall 
AN HONOR DAD, IF YOU`RE SURE?
 
FATHER grinning
DO I LOOK LIKE I HAVE A FUNNY FACE?
 
MIKE with an air of confidence
NO, YOU DON`T HAVE A FUNNY FACE.  IF YOU DID,
WHAT DO YOU THINK I`D LOOK LIKE.
 
Both sit and feel very relaxed.  Nothing is said.

LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE II
 
FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete, businessman, devoted father and husband. Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sung in the church choir. 
 
MIKE- 57, strong, powerful, a bad ass that you didn`t cross.  Married (high school sweetheart), three children, trade school, Vietnam Vet, working for the AZ VA under Gov Jan Brewer.  World Karate Champion in Shuri Ryu, runs his own Dojo.  Number 3 in the line-up of nine.
 
 
SCENE – 2B
 
(Eight children are gathered in the living and dining rooms, Mike is with his dad)
 
Setting:  Living room, rather square in size but spacious.  Leather couch against the front windows of the house, a tri-level.  Half wall on the staircase side with a couple sitting chairs, lamp and small round table stand with flowers and knick-knacks. Opposite wall is a recliner and cabinet with glass doors.  Cabinet holds crystal and other family items i.e. pics of the grandkids etc.  In front of the couch is a 60`s style coffee table with snacks and other edible items that the children are sharing.  An open space connects the living room and dining room.  Artwork adorns all the walls where there is room.  Nothing cramped or ostentatious.  Kids are scattered about, some standing, some sitting both in the living room and dining room.
 
Their dad has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his bedroom preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  The nine children have flown in from around the country to say their last goodbyes.  Siblings are commiserating, waiting for their turn with Dad.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Mike is with his father. All are gathered around Peggy to get a sense of how their dad is feeling and his clarity. His deterioration continues as death draws ever closer.  Mother has moved to the kitchen and out of the scene.
 
There is a knock on the front door and it opens with a “Hello” as Linnea Chap enters the house.  Linnea is Dan`s wife, a world renowned Oncologist, and just flew in from Los Angeles.  She wants to be with Dan and the family and to assist with any medical
questions. Linnea will administer the morphine during her father-in-law`s final hours and sign the death certificate.
 
Recognizing the voice, Dan greets Linnea at the top of the stairs with a surprise look on his face.  DAN.
LINNEA, WHERE`D YOU COME FROM?
 
LINNEA sheepishly.
SORRY DAN.  I JUST COULDN`T STAY HOME.  I HAD TO BE HERE.
 
DAN moving to hug Linnea and says happily. 
DON`T BE SORRY.  I`M…WE`RE GLAD YOU`RE HERE.  MIKE IS IN WITH 
DAD.  WE`RE EACH GOING TO HAVE A PRIVATE MOMENT.  big breath I`LL
GET YOUR BAGS.  EVERYONE`S HERE AND I`M SURE YOU CAN BE 
A BIG HELP WITH THEIR QUESTIONS. 
 
Linnea joins the others with group hugs taking place.  Small chatter, 
then Martha and Janet pull Linnea aside.

MARTY amazed and a little shocked.
LINNEA, YOU JUST GOT ON A FLIGHT AND CAME HERE?
 
LINNEA not paying attention searching for Nancy.
WHERE`S NANCY.  I WANT TO SAY HELLO.  She sees Nancy
in the kitchen and leaves Martha and Janet abruptly.
 
MARTHA a little put-off. 
WELL, OK THEN.
 
LIGHT FADES and COMES UP on Peggy and Marianne
 
PEGGY sweetly
SO NICE TO SEE LINNEA.  WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE.
 
MARIANNE approvingly
OH YES!
 
LIGHT FADES and COMES UP Carol, Kevin and Tim.
 
KEVIN purposely
GLAD LINNEA`S HERE.  THESE PAMPLETS THE HOSPICE NURSE
GAVE US ARE A LITTLE OVERWHELMING.  LINNEA CAN CLEAR A 
BIT OF THIS STUFF UP FOR US.
 
CAROL half joking
YOU THINK?  THIS STUFF GIVES ME A HEADACHE.
 
TIM and Kevin nodding in agreement.
 
Mike is seen leaving his father`s bedroom.  Marianne 
heads in just as Martha was turning in that direction.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END SCENE 
 

Eight children and Dan`s wife: Peggy- 60, Marianne- 58, Janet- 56, Martha- 54, Kevin- 52, Carol- 51, Daniel- 47, Timothy- 42, Linnea- 47.
 

Author Notes Forgive the use of CAPS. Lots of side commentary I didn`t want confused with the dialogue.

Mike was bitter toward his dad for many years. In the end, he came to appreciate his father.

Stage is a dual stage to accommodate two different scenes so that conversations between siblings and father and between themselves can be seen alternately.


Chapter 3
The Farewell III

By Kaiku

SCENE III

(In Scene II Mike was the second of nine to visit their father) 
 
Setting:  Master bedroom.  Room is spacious and comfortable.  King size bed against the far wall from the entry door.  Nightstands on either side with reading lamps. A Lazy Boy positioned at the end of the bed facing the entry to the room. There is another chair, folding, that rests directly opposite the Lazy Boy so that both parties in their respective chairs would be facing each other. A couple feet from the two chairs is the entrance to the master bath. Along the near wall closest to the door sits an extensive dresser and bureau and just past the bureau is a walk-in closet.  Various pieces of artwork hang from the open spaces on each of the four walls.  One in par00ticular is a painting of the man sitting in the Lazy Boy.  It`s an action painting of  the man highlighting his career as a professional basketball player.
 
The man has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his room preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  His nine kids have come to say their goodbyes, one-by-one.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Soft knock on the door as it opens.
 
MARIANNE entering holding a glass of water, shuts the door with her foot
HELLO DAD, THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE THIRSTY SO I BROUGHT YOU A GLASS OF WATER
 
FATHER appreciative voice
THANKS MARIANNE.  COME SIT…WATER WOULD BE GOOD RIGHT NOW
 
Marianne hands her dad the glass of water and sits. Father readjusts his sitting posture to be a bit more upright so he can drink from the glass.  He takes a few sips and hands the glass back to Marianne.  Marianne is sitting on the edge of the chair in the ready position.
 
A short pause
 
FATHER clasping his hands together with a pensive look
YOU`VE ALWAYS BEEN MY ALL-AMERICAN.  GOSH, THERE WASN`T ANYTHING YOU COULDN`T DO IN SPORTS.
 
MARIANNE sounding a little choked up
IT`S ALL YOU DAD.  I HAD A GOOD TEACHER
 
FATHER
I SUPPOSE SO, BUT YOUR MOTHER HAD A HAND IN IT AS WELL
 
MARIANNE offering Father the glass of water in which he accepts
YOU AND MOM ARE SOMETHING ELSE…HEY, I TOLD MY KIDS I WAS COMING TO SEE YOU.  THEY LOVE THE STORIES I TELL THEM ABOUT MY DAD.  THEY CAN`T WAIT TO SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LEO KLIER AGAIN
 
FATHER handing the glass back to Marianne
THAT`S NICE…MIND IF WE REST JUST A MINUTE?
 
MARIANNE moving her chair next to her Father
OF COURSE NOT 
 
Marianne is now sitting very close to her Father with her arm intertwined with her dad`s
 
LIGHT FADES
 
END OF SCENE III
 
FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete,00 businessman, devoted father and husband.  Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sang in the church choir. 
 
MARIANNE-58, single, no children, Master`s degree in Education, Special Needs Teacher, all-around athlete excelling in golf and softball. Medium height and slender.  Everything is done by the book.  Reclusive in a way but loves her family.  A devoted friend.  Number two in the line-up of nine.
 
 
SCENE – 3B
 
(Four sisters, Linnea and Nancy are gathered in the living room. Marianne is with her dad)
 
Setting:  Living room, rather square in size but spacious.  Leather couch against the front windows of the house, a tri-level.  Half wall on the staircase side with a couple sitting chairs, lamp and small round table stand with flowers and knick-knacks. Opposite wall is a recliner and cabinet with glass doors.  Cabinet holds crystal and other family items i.e. pics of the grandkids etc.  In front of the couch is a 60`s style coffee table with snacks and other edible items that the children are sharing.  An open space connects the living room and dining room.  Artwork adorns all the walls where there is room.  Nothing cramped or ostentatious.  Kids are scattered about, some standing, some sitting both in the living room and dining room.
 
Their dad has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his bedroom preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  The nine children have flown in from around the country to say their last goodbyes.  Siblings are commiserating, waiting for their turn with Dad.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Marianne is with her father. The boys have stepped outside so it`s just the girls with Nancy.
They are gathered in the living room occupying the chairs and couch.  Small talk and a fingering of food that sits on the coffee table.
 
PEGGY politely
HOW WAS YOUR FLIGHT LINNEA?
 
JANET adding quickly.
SUCH A TREAT TO HAVE YOU WITH US.
 
LINNEA still settling down.
YOU KNOW, LAST MINUTE SCHEDULING.  MAKING SURE THE KIDS 
ARE BEING WATCHED.  THE FLIGHT…GOOD
 
NANCY thankful voice
IT`S SO NICE TO HAVE YOU HEAR LINNEA.  WHAT`S KYLA UP TO THESE
DAYS?   FOR THAT MATTER, HOW ABOUT THOSE HANDSOME BOYS OF YOURS?
 
LINNEA a little embarrassed
HOW`S LEO…HOW`S HE HOLDING UP?  WHAT`S THE NURSE BEEN  
 ABLE TO SHARE WITH YOU?
 
PEGGY getting up and motioning to Linnea.  They walk off
to the side and Peggy explains the situation to Linnea. 
 
CAROL getting up as well.
MOM, CAN I GET YOU SOMETHING, GLASS OF WATER…ANYTHING?
HOW ABOUT ANYONE ELSE?
 
Mom softly shakes her head no.
 
MARTHA gesturing
I`LL TAKE A GLASS OF WINE.
 
JANET 
JUST WATER FOR ME, THANKS.
 
CAROL walking off.
BE RIGHT BACK.
 
Martha notices Marianne exiting the bedroom and makes a beeline to see her dad.
 
 
LIGHTS FADE

END OF SCENE 
 
 
Four sisters, mom, and Dan`s wife: Nancy- 77, Peggy- 60, Janet- 56, Martha- 54, Carol- 51, Linnea- 47
 

Author Notes Forgive the use of CAPS. Lots of side remarks that I didn`t want to be confused as conversation.

Marianne is the devoted daughter and friend.

Just the girls are gathered as the boys have stepped outside to take a break and help Dan with any of Linnea`s luggage.

Carol had a nickname of `Bee`. Martha references that in her response as an endearing gesture to her sister.


Chapter 4
The Farewell IV

By Kaiku

SCENE IV

(In Scene III Marianne was the third of nine to visit their father) 
 
Setting:  Master bedroom.  Room is spacious and comfortable.  King size bed against the far wall from the entry door.  Nightstands on either side with reading lamps. A Lazy Boy positioned at the end of the bed facing the entry to the room. There is another chair, folding, that rests directly opposite the Lazy Boy so that both parties in their respective chairs would be facing each other. A couple feet from the two chairs is the entrance to the master bath. Along the near wall closest to the door sits an extensive dresser and bureau and just past the bureau is a walk-in closet.  Various pieces of artwork hang from the open spaces on each of the four walls.  One in particular is a painting of the man sitting in the Lazy Boy.  It`s an action painting of the man highlighting his career as a professional basketball player.
 
The man has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his room preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  His nine kids have come to say their goodbyes, one-by-one.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Quick tap on the door and it opens.
 
MARTHA (also known as Marty) excitedly enters in a sing-song voice
HELLOOOO…HOW YA DOIN DAD?
 
FATHER looking up with a big grin, low in his chair.
HELLO MARTHA JEAN, MY BEAUTY QUEEN.
 
MARTHA swiftly coming over and hugging her dad
YOU ARE SUCH A STITCH DAD, I LOVE IT.
 
Martha sits down on the front edge of her chair pumped up.
 
MARTHA inquisitive in nature.
YOU OK?  HOW YA FEELIN?  YOU LOOK GREAT!
 
FATHER with a bit of a shrug, arms raised slightly in gesture.
GOOD, CAN`T COMPLAIN.  HOW`S JIM AND THE BOYS?
 
MARTHA ramping up her enthusiasm.
THEY`RE ALL GREAT.  JIM IS PUTTING UP WITH ME, OR SHOULD I SAY, I`M PUTTING UP WITH HIM (loud cackling laugh ending in a snort) OOPS, I HOPE NO ONE HEARD THAT.  THE BOYS ARE FANTASTIC, EVAN IS THE STARTING PITCHER AT SCHOOL AND ERIC IS BEING ERIC, YOU KNOW…SONG AND DANCE.  THEY CAN´T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN…YOU`RE GOING TO PULL THROUGH THIS RIGHT?...  I TALK TOO MUCH…  ARE YOU OK?
 
A pause as they both collect their breaths. Martha continues.
DAD, I KNOW IT WAS TOUGH WHEN I INTRODUCED YOU TO JIM THAT VERY FIRST TIME.  A BLACK MAN.  GUESS WHO`S COMING TO DINNER- RIGHT?  YOU EMBRACED HIM, MAYBE NOT AT FIRST, BUT YOU DID.  I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THAT.
 
FATHER looking a little sheepish.
WELL, YOU DID CATCH ME A LITTLE OFF GUARD.  YOU MADE IT WORK AND JIM IS A FINE MAN. I LOVE HIM LIKE A SON.
 
MARTHA a bit of seriousness in her voice.
WILL YOU LET ME SING SOMETHING FOR YOU DAD?  HOW ABOUT `SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBLOW`?  IT`S OUR FAVORITE.
 
Reaching across, Martha holds her dad`s hands in hers and together they begin singing, 
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW, BLUEBIRDS FLY………..
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE IV
 
FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete, businessman, devoted father and husband. Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sang in the church choir. 
 
MARTHA (MARTY)- 54, manic personality.  Jim is her second husband, 2 children.  Pretty woman and tough, doesn`t back down from anything.  Great voice.  Never met a person she wouldn`t invite into her home.  Over-the-top.
 
 
SCENE – 4B

(Mom, sisters, and Linnea are lying down. Just the boys sitting around the coffee table. Martha is with her dad)
 
Setting:  Living room, rather square in size but spacious.  Leather couch against the front windows of the house, a tri-level.  Half wall on the staircase side with a couple sitting chairs, lamp and small round table stand with flowers and knick-knacks. Opposite wall is a recliner and cabinet with glass doors.  Cabinet holds crystal and other family items i.e. pics of the grandkids etc.  In front of the couch is a 60`s style coffee table with snacks and other edible items that the children are sharing.  An open space connects the living room and dining room.  Artwork adorns all the walls where there is room.  Nothing cramped or ostentatious.  Kids are scattered about, some standing, some sitting both in the living room and dining room.
 
Their dad has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his bedroom preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  The nine children have flown in from around the country to say their last goodbyes.  Siblings are commiserating, waiting for their turn with Dad.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Martha is with her father. The boys have gathered around the coffee table.  The girls are lying down in the other bedrooms.
 
MIKE looking over the snacks on the coffee table.
I HAVE TO HAVE SOME REAL FOOD.  SHOULD WE GET A PIZZA DELIVERED?
 
DAN in agreement.
LITTLE ITALIAN DELIVERS.  THEY`RE THE BEST AND MOM`S FAVORITE.  WE`LL GET A COUPLE
OF THEM. I`LL MAKE THE CALL.  THE `WORKS` OK?
 
Boys nod in agreement and Dan steps away to make the call.
 
TIM quietly.
MIKE, HOW`D IT GO?
 
MIKE matter of fact.
OH, OK.  HE`S GETTING CLOSE. (Big sigh) HE`S A TOUGH DUDE. BUT LIKE HE`S SAID, GETTING OLD AIN`T FOR SISSIES.
 
TIM a little unsettled.
IS HE THERE…I MEAN…DID HE SAY MUCH?
 
MIKE a bit dismissive.
CHRIST, YOU`LL JUST HAVE TO FIND OUT.  HE`S NOT GOING TO DIE 
ON YOU, BUT HE MIGHT NOT SAY MUCH EITHER.

KEVIN a bit mediating.
IT SUCKS, TIM.  IT`S A LONG DAY FOR DAD.  I HOPE HE HAS THE 
ENERGY TO GET THROUGH ALL OF THIS.
 
Dan returns.
 
DAN curious..
PIZZA`S ABOUT 45 MIN. OUT.  WHAT I`D MISS?
 
KEVIN pragmatically.
JUST HOPING DAD HAS THE ENERGY TO BE ABLE TO VISIT WITH
ALL OF US. MIGHT MAKE SENSE TO HAVE HIM TAKE A NAP AT SOME POINT.
 
DAN compassionately.
WHEN I SEE HIM, I`LL BRING THAT UP.  GOOD IDEA.
 
Girls return and Martha has just left her dad.  Janet signals she`s going in.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE 
 
 
The brothers.  Mike- 57, Kevin- 52, Dan- 47, Tim- 42.
 

Author Notes Martha is the middle child. She can get you going and sometimes in the wrong direction. Intentions are typically good, just be careful.

The boys have a moment together. Tim is a bit nervous.


Chapter 5
The Farewell V

By Kaiku

SCENE V

(In Scene IV Martha was the fourth of nine to visit their father) 
 
Setting:  Master bedroom.  Room is spacious and comfortable.  King size bed against the far wall from the entry door.  Nightstands on either side with reading lamps. A Lazy Boy positioned at the end of the bed facing the entry to the room. There is another chair, folding, that rests directly opposite the Lazy Boy so that both parties in their respective chairs would be facing each other. A couple feet from the two chairs is the entrance to the master bath. Along the near wall closest to the door sits an extensive dresser and bureau and just past the bureau is a walk-in closet.  Various pieces of artwork hang from the open spaces on each of the four walls.  One in particular is a painting of the man sitting in the Lazy Boy.  It`s an action painting of the man highlighting his career as a professional basketball player.
 
The man has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his room preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  His nine kids have come to say their goodbyes, one-by-one.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Knock on the door.
 
Door is opening rather reluctantly and Janet peers in.
 
JANET almost in a whisper.
DAD, ARE YOU AWAKE? CAN I COME IN?

FATHER a soft voice of his own, sounding a little tired.
OF COURSE.
 
Janet enters very softly, closing the door behind her, as if her dad was sleeping. Gets to the empty chair and sits on its edge with her hands clasped and arms snug together resting on her knees.
 
JANET tears begin filling her eyes.
OH DAD, I`M SO SORRY.
 
FATHER as only a father could say
BECAUSE I`M DYING OR YOU`RE CRYING.
 
Both chuckle, easing the moment.
 
JANET deep breaths holding back more tears.
THERE`S SO MUCH I WANT TO TELL YOU, I DON`T KNOW WHERE TO START…
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN GET YOU?  YOU LOOK SO TIRED.
 
FATHER in his sense of humor and wide-eyed.
WELL, I WOULDN`T MIND ANOTHR FUDGESICLE.
 
Janet laughs and cries. 
 
JANET a little uncertain.
REALLY? LET ME GO GET ONE FOR YOU.
 
Dad lifts his hand and declines. Dad gestures her to sit closer.  Janet adjusts her chair so that it puts her close to her father.
 
FATHER straightening up a bit.
TELL ME, HOW`D SHE DIE?
 
JANET recalling her parents 50th anniversary when she stood up and recited.
SHE DIED WITH ONE EYE CLOSED, HAIR MESSED UP,
FALSE TEETH OUT STANDING ON ONE LEG WAVING BYE-BYE.
 
They both erupt in laughter.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE V
 
FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete, businessman, devoted father and husband. Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sang in the church choir. 
 
JANET- 56, married, 5 children.  Insecure, and a follower.  Always apologetic.  Very good swimmer and loves to dance.  Graduated high school and is a working mom.
 
 
SCENE – 5B
 
(Pizza has arrived and everyone is in the dining room. Boys are standing.  Janet is with her dad)
 
Setting:  Dining room sits just adjacent to the living room.  Long table with high-backed chairs on the ends, and bench seating on the sides. A cabinet holding crystal, dishware, etc. sits snugly against the end wall.  Mom, Linnea and eight siblings makes for somewhat tight quarters but everyone doesn`t seem to mind. A little break in the action and enjoying some pizza.
 
Their dad has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his bedroom preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  The nine children have flown in from around the country to say their last goodbyes.  Siblings are commiserating, waiting for their turn with Dad.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
MARTY blurts out.
GREAT IDEA ON THE PIZZA, WHOEVER THOUGHT OF IT.  
 
DAN like an Italian. 
YO, THAT`D BE YOUR BROTHER MIKE WHO MADE THE DECISION.
 
Everybody makes a pizza gesture to Mike in thanks.
 
CAROL a little pleading to all.
MAKE SURE TO LEAVE A COUPLE SLICES FOR SISTER JANET.
 
 
MIKE resolutely toward everyone.
DON`T BE LOOKING AT ME.
 
PEGGY a bit teasing looking at Mike.
WE KNOW UNDER THAT HARDENED LOOK, YOU`RE JUST A BIG SOFTY.
 
MARIANNE in agreement.
AMEN TO THAT SISTER, PEGGY.
 
Everyone has a bit of a laugh but quickly subsides.
 
DAN now in gratitude
KIDDING ASIDE, A LITTLE PRAYER IN THANKS. 
 
The room becomes quiet and a short pause before Dan continues.
 
LORD, WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO BE HERE WITH OUR FATHER AS HE MOVES CLOSER TO YOU.
TO BE HERE AS WELL TO SUPPORT OUR MOTHER WHO WITH YOUR STRENGTH AND GUIDANCE WILL FIND PEACE UNDER THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. (a deep breath….pause)  WE THANK YOU LORD FOR A STRONG FAMILY OF NINE SIBLINGS BLESSED WITH THE UNWAVERING LOVE AND AFFECTION OF TWO WONDERFUL PARENTS.  AS OUR FATHER COMES TO A CLOSE ON THIS LIFE MAY HE CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER US IN HIS NEXT LIFE AS HE STANDS IN THE GLORY OF YOUR LOVE. AMEN.
 
Everyone follows up with AMEN.
 
Mother is sitting in silence as each of her children come to her and put their hands on her shoulders.  Heads are down in reverence.  Not a dry eye amongst the siblings.
 
Janet arrives just in time for the group moment with her mother. Carol is next up to see her father.  Shaken.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE 5B

Mother, eight children and Dan`s wife: Nancy- 77, Peggy- 60, Marianne- 58, Mike- 57, Martha- 54, Kevin- 52, Carol- 51, Daniel- 47, Timothy- 42, Linnea- 47.
 

Author Notes Forgive my unconventional use of CAPS. I found it helpful to distinguish conversation from directed emotion. There is no shouting.

Janet lacks confidence and her dad pulls her through a tough moment.

The family has a moment to be thankful.


Chapter 6
The Farewell VI

By Kaiku

SCENE VI

(In Scene V Janet was the fifth of nine to visit their father) 
 
Setting:  Master bedroom.  Room is spacious and comfortable.  King size bed against the far wall from the entry door.  Nightstands on either side with reading lamps. A Lazy Boy positioned at the end of the bed facing the entry to the room. There is another chair, folding, that rests directly opposite the Lazy Boy so that both parties in their respective chairs would be facing each other. A couple feet from the two chairs is the entrance to the master bath. Along the near wall closest to the door sits an extensive dresser and bureau and just past the bureau is a walk-in closet.  Various pieces of artwork hang from the open spaces on each of the four walls.  One in particular is a painting of the man sitting in the Lazy Boy.  It`s an action painting of the man highlighting his career as a professional basketball player.
 
The man has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his room preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  His nine kids have come to say their goodbyes, one-by-one.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Door opens and Carol quickly pops in.
 
CAROL quick happy voice.
HEY DAD, HAVE WE WORN YOU OUT YET?
 
Carol confidently walks over to the chair and sits comfortably.
 
FATHER in a funny way.
WHAT`S HAPPENING?
 
CAROL quick on the response.
YOU ARE LEO.  I BET YOU`RE READY FOR A NAP!
 
FATHER somewhat incredulously.
DO I LOOK LIKE I`M READY FOR A NAP.
 
CAROL imitating her father
DO I HAVE A FUNNY FACE?  HMM.

Laughter shared by both.
 
FATHER
NO, BUT I DO.
 
More laughter and then a short pause.
 
CAROL keeping the air light.
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WHEN YOU'RE GONE?  I`M NOT GOING TO EAT THE REMAINDER OF THOSE PRUNES.  AND I`M CERTAINLY NOT GOING TO DRINK ANYMORE OF THAT COD LIVER OIL!
 
FATHER joining in on the fun.
WELL, I GUESS WE`LL HAVE TO GIVE IT TO THE CAT.  THE NEIGHBOR`S CAT.
 
Dad continues but on a serious note
MAKE SURE YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR MOTHER.  I BELIEVE SHE`S PLANNED ON HAVING YOU AND PEGGY ACT AS POWER OF ATTORNEYS WHEN THE TIME COMES.
 
CAROL  a firm reply.
THAT`S RIGHT DAD.  WE`LL BE IN LOCK-STEP.  DON`T YOU WORRY.
 
FATHER soft but strong.
THERE ISN`T ANYONE LIKE NANCY.
 
CAROL thoughtful but quick on the return
JUST YOU DAD.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE VI
 
FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete, businessman, devoted father and husband. Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sang in the church choir. 
 
CAROL-51, married with 2 children.  Very organized.  BA degree.  Athletic: swimmer and racquetball player, fit and pretty.  Always on a mission of some kind.  A good friend.
 
 
SCENE – 6B
 
(Boys have decided to hang outside and do a little yard maintenance.  Mother, Linnea, Peggy, Marianne, Janet and Martha are chatting in the living room. (Carol is with her dad)
 
Setting:  Living room, rather square in size but spacious.  Leather couch against the front windows of the house, a tri-level.  Half wall on the staircase side with a couple sitting chairs, lamp and small round table stand with flowers and knick-knacks. Opposite wall is a recliner and cabinet with glass doors.  Cabinet holds crystal and other family items i.e. pics of the grandkids etc.  In front of the couch is a 60`s style coffee table with snacks and other edible items that the children are sharing.  An open space connects the living room and dining room.  Artwork adorns all the walls where there is room.  Nothing cramped or ostentatious.  Kids are scattered about, some standing, some sitting both in the living room and dining room.
 
Their dad has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his bedroom preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  The nine children have flown in from around the country to say their last goodbyes.  Siblings are commiserating, waiting for their turn with Dad.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Janet, Martha, and Linnea find themselves a private moment.
 
MARTHA on edge
LINNEA, HAVE YOU BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE HOSPICE NURSE? IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?
 
LINNEA acting as the doctor she is.
I DID. WE JUST NEED TO MAKE YOUR DAD AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE. I HAD A CHANCE TO PEEK IN ON YOUR DAD BRIEFLY.  (deep sigh…pause, uneasiness) IT`S AMAZING THAT HE HAS THE STRENGTH TO VISIT WITH EVERYONE. THIS STAGE OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IS TERRIBLE. (pause) YOU`VE READ THE PAMPLETS…RIGHT? (Janet and Martha nod) BEING HONEST, HE PROBABLY WON`T MAKE IT THROUGH THE WEEKEND. (The girls grab each other`s hand and just sit there holding back their tears)
 
LIGHTS FADE (smash cut to Marianne and Peggy) LIGHTS COME UP
 
MARIANNE carefully speaking.
I WISH I LIVED CLOSER.  MOM`S GOING TO NEED US MORE THAN EVER. (Peggy focused on her sister) FROM WHAT YOU`VE TOLD ME, YOU AND CAROL WILL BE THE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR MOM: CAROL WILL HANDLE MEDICAL ISSUES AND YOU`LL ASSIST MOM IN THE FINANCIALS.  IS THAT RIGHT?
 
PEGGY calm and business-like.
YES, THAT`S CORRECT.  MOM`S SO STRONG AND SHE HAS SO MUCH SUPPORT. I KNOW YOU`LL BE THERE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT.  DAN HAS BEEN GREAT IN HANDLING ALL THE LEGAL ISSUES. CAROL IS LESS THAN AN HOUR AWAY AND OF COURSE I WILL BE MAKING PERIODIC TRIPS AS TIME PERMITS. I BELIEVE MOM WILL BE FINE.
 
LIGHTS FADE (smash cut back to Linnea, Janet and Martha) LIGHTS COME UP
 
MARTHA being a little nosey. Looks at Linnea.
WAS DAN REALLY OK WITH YOU BEING HERE?  GOSH, MAYBE I SHOULD ASK JIM TO DRIVE DOWN.  I WONDER IF PEGGY ASKED JERRY TO COME.
 
JANET a bit disappointed.
BOB WOULDN`T BE ABLE TO BE HERE.  HE`S WORKING AND WE COULDN`T AFFORD IT. LINNEA, YOU`RE A DOCTOR.  YOU SHOULD BE HERE.
 
LINNEA apologetically.
I DON`T WANT TO CAUSE A FUSS BY BEING HERE. IT`S TRAGIC TO WATCH SOMEONE DIE.(Pause...catching a slow breath) I WANT TO BE ABLE TO HELP. YOUR DAD WILL NEED A PAIN KILLER. I`LL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE HIM THE MORPHINE TO EASE HIS PAIN.  AND NOT TO BE MORBID, BUT I WANT TO BE THE ONE TO SIGN THE OFFICIAL DEATH CERTIFICATE.
 
Janet and Martha just look at each other a bit lost.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE 
 
 
Peggy- 60, Marianne- 58, Janet- 56, Martha- 54, Linnea- 47.
 

Author Notes Forgive my use of CAPS. I wanted to make sure the dialogue was not mixed up with all the side commentary.

Carol is very confident: Married to a lawyer who treats her like a queen.


Chapter 7
The Farewell VII

By Kaiku

SCENE VII

(In Scene VI Carol was the sixth of nine to visit their father) 
 
Setting:  Master bedroom.  Room is spacious and comfortable.  King size bed against the far wall from the entry door.  Nightstands on either side with reading lamps. A Lazy Boy positioned at the end of the bed facing the entry to the room. There is another chair, folding, that rests directly opposite the Lazy Boy so that both parties in their respective chairs would be facing each other. A couple feet from the two chairs is the entrance to the master bath. Along the near wall closest to the door sits an extensive dresser and bureau and just past the bureau is a walk-in closet.  Various pieces of artwork hang from the open spaces on each of the four walls.  One in particular is a painting of the man sitting in the Lazy Boy.  It`s an action painting of the man highlighting his career as a professional basketball player.
 
The man has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his room preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  His nine kids have come to say their goodbyes, one-by-one.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Door opens, Dan enters and shuts the door and turns toward his father.
 
DAN asking with permission.
MAY I JOIN YOU?
 
Father weakly lifts his hand and waves Dan over to join him.
Although a big man, 6`7”, Dan sits toward the front of the chair,
slightly leaning forward fully focused on his dad.
 
FATHER eyeing his son.
WHAT DO YOU SAY BIG FELLA?
 
DAN with reverence.
HOW YA HOLDING UP DAD?  DO YOU NEED TO TAKE A BREAK?
 
FATHER
I`M OK.
 
DAN voice with a tone of praise.
SUCH A JOURNEY DAD… WHAT YOU`VE DONE, A WORLD-CLASS CHAMPION ATHLETE, SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN, A WONDERFUL MARRIAGE AND NINE KIDS TO BOOT.  YOU`VE DONE WELL MY FRIEND.
 
Father shrugs his shoulders in acknowledgement.
Short pause and Dan continues.

A COUPLE THINGS YOU HAD ASKED ME TO DO.  GOOD NEWS,
TODAY I HEARD BACK FROM THE NBA.  YOUR PLAYER`S 
PENSION WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO MOM AND PAID UNTIL HER DEATH.
 
Dad nods with eyes closed and mouth`s Thank You.
 
ALL THE LEGAL MATTERS OF THE FAMILY TRUST ARE 
EXACTLY AS YOU HAVE DIRECTED.  MOM`S TAKEN CARE OF.
 
Short silence- Dan continues.
 
SUCH A LIFE DAD.  IS THERE ANYTHING YOU 
WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
 
FATHER thoughtfully.
NO, NOT REALLY.  WOULDN`T DO ME ANY GOOD NOW, RIGHT?
 
DAN  somewhat awkwardly
SILLY QUESTION- WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR?
 
FATHER brows raised somewhat and head tilted.
YOUR MOTHER AND YOU KIDS.
 
DAN pondering.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED?
 
FATHER a little embarrassed.
I DON`T KNOW. ASK ME SOMETHING ELSE.
 
DAN with admiration.
YOU WERE ALWAYS THE MODEST ONE.
 
Short pause.
 
I COULDN`T HELP HEARING YOU AND MARTY SINGING.
MIGHT WE HAVE OUR TURN?

FATHER a pleased look.
ONLY IF IT`S DANNY BOY!
 
DAN AND DAD together.
OH DANNY BOY, YOUR…
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END SCENE VII
 
FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete, businessman, devoted father and husband. Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sang in the church choir. 
 
DANIEL- 47, married, 4 children, lawyer, tall at 6`-7” and Hollywood good-looks.  Athletic-collegiate b-ball, flamboyant, intelligent, passionate, perfectionist, persuasive, successful and a very fine singer.
 
 
SCENE – 7B
 
(Mother and Mike having private time in the far end of the dining room away from all the chatter.  Dan is with his father)
 
Setting:  Dining room sits just adjacent to the living room.  Long table with high-backed chairs on the ends, and bench seating on the sides. A cabinet holding crystal, dishware, etc. sits snugly against the end wall. An opportunity for the eldest son to visit with his mother.
 
Their dad has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his bedroom preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  The nine children have flown in from around the country to say their last goodbyes.  Siblings are commiserating, waiting for their turn with Dad.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Mother sitting in a high-back chair and Mike sitting close on the end of the bench.  Comfortable postures, water goblets sit just in front of their folded hands resting on the dining table.
 
MIKE with reverence.
HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP MOM?
 
MOTHER deep breath and a pause… thinking.
WELL, AS YOUR DAD WOULD SAY, ASK ME TOMORROW.
 
Both have a soft chuckle.
 
MOTHER continues grasping Mike`s hand.
THIS HAS BEEN SOMETHING ELSE. EACH OF YOU KIDS MAKING TIME TO SEE YOUR DAD. HE IS SO THANKFUL. I`M VERY THANKFUL.
 
MIKE matter of fact.
HE`S A GOOD MAN, MOM.  IT TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO FIGURE THAT OUT, BUT HE`S A GOOD MAN.  
 
Mother squeezes Mike`s hand and nods appreciatively.
 
MIKE soft firmness in his delivery.
I DIDN`T MUCH LIKE DAD GROWING UP. WE JUST DIDN`T SEE EYE-TO-EYE. HE WAS SUCH A PERFECTIONIST THAT SOMETIMES I DIDN`T THINK I COULD BREATHE. YOU REMEMBER. NOTHING I DID SEEMED TO PLEASE HIM.
 
MOTHER now holding both of Mike`s hands in hers.
YOUR DAD AND I WERE SO YOUNG BACK THEN. YOU, PEGGY, AND MARIANNE CAME ALONG SO QUICKLY AND OF COURSE GIRLS ARE ALWAYS THE PERFECT ONES. BEING THE FIRST BOY WAS A BIT OF A CURSE. QUITE HONESTLY, YOU WERE PROBABLY HIS ALTER EGO…FREE SPIRITED, CHALLENGING, BOLD. HE WAS LEARNING HOW TO HANDLE FATHERHOOD.
 
Mike relaxing a bit and staying focused on his mother.
 
YOUR FATHER WAS EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE AND ONLY HAD ONE WAY OF DOING THINGS. HIS WAY…GOOD, BAD, OR INDIFFERENT. (Firmly with focus) BUT KNOW THIS, YOUR FATHER LOVED EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU KIDS EQUALLY. HE MAY HAVE BEEN A BIT MORE DEMANDING WITH YOU BUT HE WAS ALWAYS FAIR AND PRINCIPLED.
 
A pause for a few seconds.
 
I REMEMBER WHEN YOU STAYED IN FT. WAYNE TO FINISH YOUR SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL. WE HAD MOVED TO NAPERVILLE BECAUSE OF LEO`S PROMOTION. IT WAS SO DISAPPOINTING FOR HIM TO MISS YOUR SENIOR YEAR OF TRACK AND THEN WHEN YOU ENLISTED IN THE NAVY, IT WAS DEVASTATING. HE THOUGHT HE MAY NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN.
 
MIKE confessing.
I GUESS I WAS BEING A BIT REBELLIOUS.
 
A short pause. Hands still being held by both.
 
I`M SURE YOU KNOW THAT DAD ASKED ME TO GIVE HIS EULOGY ALONG WITH MARIANNE. I MEANT TO ASK HIM EARLIER BUT MAYBE YOU CAN HELP ME.  IS THERE ANYTHING DAD WOULD LIKE FOR ME TO SAY ON HIS BEHALF?
 
MOTHER sharpness in her delivery.
HE WOULD LIKE YOU TO BE MICHAEL CRAIG, HIS VERY DEAR SON.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE

Nancy- 77, Mike (Baptized Michael Craig)- 57
 

Author Notes Forgive the use of CAPS. Wanted to make sure the conversations didn`t get confused with the side commentary.

Dan really enjoyed being the historian for his dad.

Mike had a tough time as a youngster with his father.

Mike is finding peace with his Mother`s help


Chapter 8
The Farewell VIII

By Kaiku

SCENE VIII

(In Scene VII Dan was the seventh of nine to visit their father) 
 
Setting:  Master bedroom.  Room is spacious and comfortable.  King size bed against the far wall from the entry door.  Nightstands on either side with reading lamps. A Lazy Boy positioned at the end of the bed facing the entry to the room. There is another chair, folding, that rests directly opposite the Lazy Boy so that both parties in their respective chairs would be facing each other. A couple feet from the two chairs is the entrance to the master bath. Along the near wall closest to the door sits an extensive dresser and bureau and just past the bureau is a walk-in closet.  Various pieces of artwork hang from the open spaces on each of the four walls.  One in particular, is a painting of the man sitting in the Lazy Boy.  It`s an action painting of the man highlighting his career as a professional basketball player.
 
The man has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his room preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  His nine kids have come to say their goodbyes, one-by-one.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
Door opens, Tim enters closing the door behind him.  Makes eye
contact with his dad.  Both smile.  Walking over, Tim sits down softly
but firm in posture.  Father is relaxed but tired.
 
TIM softly.
HEY DAD.
 
Father smiles and gently nods with acknowledgement
Tim continues.
 
GRACE AND MINDY SEND THEIR LOVE.
 
FATHER a tired voice.
YOU TELL THEM HELLO FOR ME.
 
TIM a bit lost.
HOW`D YOU DO IT DAD?  I MEAN, HOW DID YOU
MANAGE EVERYTHING OVER THE YEARS?
 
FATHER eyes on Tim.
A LITTLE LUCK I SUPPOSE.  BUT MOSTLY BEING FOCUSED
ON WHAT WAS IMPORTANT.  COMMITTED IN EVERYTHING I DID.
A FEW PRAYERS DIDN`T HURT EITHER.
 
TIM hesitantly.
ARE YOU READY?  ARE YOU READY TO SEE GOD?
 
FATHER looking at his hands folded on his lap
I THINK SO.  Then looking up.
I HOPE HE`S READY TO SEE ME.
 
A soft chuckle by both- continuing.
 
YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE THE GOOD LORD
IS LOOKING OUT FOR YOU
 
TIM nervously.
I`M NOT READY FOR THIS.  FOR YOUR DEATH. 
 
A pause of 30 seconds or so.  Tim and his father
are reflecting.
 
FATHER a counseling voice.
REMEMBER THE BOOK, THE GREATEST SALESMAN ON EARTH?
 
Tim nods.
 
IF THERE IS ONE PASSAGE OR SCROLL TO REMEMBER FROM THAT BOOK
IT`S…GREET EACH DAY WITH LOVE IN YOUR HEART.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE VIII
 
 
FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete, businessman, devoted father and husband. Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sang in the church choir. 
 
TIM- 42, married, 1 child, athletic, College degree, handsome, charming, creative, manipulative, pianist, aloof, bi-polar.  The youngest.
 
 
SCENE – 8B
 
(Nancy, Peggy, Carol, and Dan are sitting around the dining room table. Rest of the siblings are scattered about the house or outdoors. Tim is with his dad)
 
Setting:  Dining room sits just adjacent to the living room.  Long table with high-backed chairs on the ends, and bench seating on the sides. A cabinet holding crystal, dishware, etc. sits snugly against the end wall. Visitation and funeral arrangements are being discussed and legal matters.
 
Their dad has three days left in his life.  He is home, in his bedroom preparing to die from congestive heart failure.  The nine children have flown in from around the country to say their last goodbyes.  Siblings are commiserating, waiting for their turn with Dad.
 
LIGHTS COME UP
 
PEGGY very calmly and with purpose. 
THOUGHT WE MIGHT JUST TAKE A MINUTE TO GO OVER A FEW THINGS. THESE NEXT FEW DAYS WILL BE SOMEWHAT HECTIC AND IF WE CAN ALL BE ON THE SAME PAGE THEN EVERYTHING WILL GO SMOOTHLY.  IS THIS OK WITH YOU MOM?
 
NANCY keen-eyed and attentive.
OF COURSE.  YOUR FATHER AND I HAVE PLANNED THIS OUT. GO AHEAD PEGGY.
 
PEGGY tablet in hand.
THIS IS WHAT MOM HAS PLANNED.  I`LL SHARE THIS WITH THE GROUP A LITTLE BIT LATER BUT JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE`VE COVERED ALL THE BASES.  (Posturing up a bit and proceeds) ALL THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE WITH FREDERICH`S FUNERAL HOME.  MOM HAS PICKED OUT A SUIT.  MOM WANTS TO ALLOW THE KIDS TO PLACE SOME KIND OF PERSONAL MOMENTO IN THE COFFIN WITH DAD.  JUST SOMETHING SMALL.  A COUPLE DAYS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR VISITATION.  ONE WILL BE USED.  WE EXPECT QUITE A SHOWING. IT WILL BE IN THE EVENING FROM 5PM TO 8PM.  CHURCH SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT ST. RAPHAEL WITH THE BURIAL AT SACRED HEART CEMETERY IN BENSENVILLE.  THE CHURCH SERVICE WILL START AT 10AM WHEN THAT DAY ARRIVES.  PROCESSION TO SACRED HEART AND BURIAL TO IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW.  THE NAVY WILL BE PROVIDING A FLAG FOLDING CEREMONY AND TAPS IN HONOR OF DAD. (pause) HOW AM I DOING MOM?
 
NANCY approvingly.
SOUNDS GOOD SO FAR.
 
PEGGY continues.
AS FAR AS CHURCH SERVICE:  READINGS HAVE BEEN PICKED OUT.  MARIANNE AND MIKE WILL GIVE THE EULOGY.  DAN AND MARTHA WILL SING AND TIM WILL BE AT THE PIANO.  PALLBEARERS WILL BE MIKE, KEVIN, DAN, TIM, JERRY, AND JIM.  WE`RE STILL LOOKING FOR A SONG TO END THE CEREMOMY. I THINK KEVIN HAS AN IDEA ON ONE. HE`LL GO OVER IT WITH MOM. (Short pause) IT`S SUMMERTIME SO I DON`T ANTICIPATE WEATHER WILL BE AN ISSUE. MOTHER HAS BEEN ADAMANT ABOUT PROVIDING HOTEL ROOMS FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY WHEN THE TIME COMES. A FEW OF US CAN STAY AT THE HOUSE BUT WE ARE LIMITED ON SPACE. I`VE CHECKED AROUND AND ROOMS SHOULDN`T BE A PROBLEM…QUESTIONS?
 
CAROL quickly.
NOTHING FROM ME. SOUNDS GOOD.
 
DAN 
GREAT WORK PEGGY.  AND MOM, YOU AND DAD HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SO ORGANIZED EVEN IN A TIME LIKE THIS.  COUPLE THINGS (looking at Peggy) DAD`S STILL WITH US, HOWEVER, PROBABLY NOT MUCH LONGER…WHAT KIND OF TIMELINE HAVE YOU CONSIDERED UPON HIS PASSING? WHO WILL REACH OUT TO EXTENDED FAMILY AND HAS AN OBITUARY BEEN PENCILED YET? 
 
PEGGY understandingly.
GOOD QUESTIONS. GLAD YOU ASKED. UPON DAD`S PASSING WE HAVE PLANNED FOR ABOUT A WEEK TO TEN DAYS TO BRING FULL CLOSURE. CAROL, MARIANNE AND I WILL REACH OUT TO EXTENDED FAMILY AND OF COURSE I SUSPECT ALL THE SIBLINGS WILL PARTICIPATE. AS FAR AS THE OBITUARY, MOM HAS CREATED AN OUTLINE BUT WOULD LOVE YOUR INPUT. YOU`RE SUCH A GOOD WRITER. WOULD THAT BE OK?
 
DAN nodding.
OF COURSE IT WOULD. I`D LIKE NOTHING MORE. ONE LAST THING FROM ME…MOM, I TOLD DAD BUT I MIGHT NOT HAVE MENTIONED IT TO YOU. (enthusiastically) DAD`S NBA PENSION WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO YOU UPON HIS DEATH.  IT`S NOT MUCH BUT IT SHOULD BUY YOU A BEER AND BURGER NEXT TIME YOU`RE IN IRELAND.
 
Everyone chuckles and Mother smiles approvingly.
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
END OF SCENE
 

Nancy- 77, Peggy- 60, Carol- 51, Dan- 47
 

Author Notes Forgive my use of CAPS. Lots of side commentary that I didn`t want confused for conversation.

Tim had a tough time dealing with his father`s death.

Peggy is super organized.

Peggy is extremely organized as well as Carol. Dan is being the lawyer in the family. Mom and Dad planned well.

Arrangements will be shared with the family after their father`s passing.


Chapter 9
The Farewell - Final

By Kaiku

 
DUAL SCENE - KEVIN/FAMILY
FINAL

(In Scene VIII Tim was the eighth of nine children to visit their father)
 
Setting:  The family farewell had taken place on Thursday.  It was now Friday, and all the children are gathered in their Father`s bedroom keeping vigil. Their mother has not left her husband`s side on the bed.  Their dad`s condition has deteriorated significantly.  His cognitive mind-set is gone and he`s being administered morphine on a regular basis to ease the pain.  His lungs are filling up, death is closing in.
 
The ninth and final child, Kevin, had not said his farewell.  He has stepped away and finds himself outside the house, pacing uneasily.  He is distraught.
 
EXT.  LIGHTS COME UP
 
It`s 2pm and Kevin is pacing the front yard.  Father`s bedroom
faces the backyard.  Nobody can see Kevin.
 
KEVIN grief stricken and apologetic, looking skyward.
I`M SORRY DAD.  I CONVINCED MYSELF THAT YOU AND I WERE GOOD. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER, I COULDN`T BEAR THE IDEA OF SITTING WITH YOU KNOWING IN SHORT ORDER YOU´D BE GONE.  I`M A GUTLESS SHIT!

Pause and still pacing anxiously.
 
YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE FOR ME, MY COACH, MY CADDY…A TEACHER, MY MENTOR.  YOU WERE MY HERO.
 
LIGHTS FADE (smash cut to bedroom) LIGHTS COME UP
 
Everyone except Kevin is gathered around their father. Father is desperately clinging onto his rosary, praying mightily, shaking in pain as his lungs fill and he begins to drown from his affliction.Verses from the Bible are being quoted by each of the children. Linnea administers morphine, now more regularly as the pain intensifies. Father`s feet are becoming discolored; his pupils are shrinking. Once his pupils look like pinpoints, he will be gone. There isn`t a dry eye amongst the family members. Mother has now fully embraced her beloved. Open sobbing is heard by all as father is moments away from God.
 
LIGHTS FADE (smash cut to Kevin) LIGHTS COME UP
 
Silence and re-grouping.
 
I HAD A CHANCE TO TRULY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID AND I FAILED.  Shouting  I FAILED!   SO WHAT IF I WOULD HAVE CRIED LIKE A BABY IN FRONT OF YOU.  YOU`RE MY DAD.  YOU`D UNDERSTAND...DAMIT!
 
    Stopping with a slight pause closing his eyes and looking downward
speaking softly.
 
FORGIVE ME DAD.
 
Looking skyward again, shouting.
 
I LOVE YOU DAD! 
 
Peggy suddenly appears and catches Kevin`s attention.  Motions him over quickly and whispers that their father is moments away from death.  They quickly go back into the house and join their mom, siblings, and Linnea in offering their Final Farewell.
 
LIGHTS FADE (smash cut to bedroom) LIGHTS COME UP
 
Peggy and Kevin enter the bedroom. There is a quick look up by all noticing their entry. Within minutes of their arrival, the sun begins shining through the blinds of the bedroom window and upon father`s face the light shines. Father is gone.
 
 
LIGHTS FADE
 
THE END
 
 
FATHER- 82, former professional basketball player, college All-American, great all-around athlete, businessman, devoted father and husband. Logical, understanding and a disciplinarian. Sang in the church choir. 
 
KEVIN- 52, married, 3 children, B.S. degree, entrepreneur, professional golfer, publisher, salesman, high school and college all-star athlete, principled, disciplinarian, funny, impetuous, stubborn, passionate, introvert 
 
Father- 82, Mother- 77, Peggy- 60, Marianne- 58, Mike- 57, Janet- 56, Martha- 54, Kevin- 52, Carol- 51, Daniel- 47, Timothy- 42, Linnea- 47.

Author Notes Forgive the use of CAPS. Lots of side commentary I didn`t want confused as conversation. The italics was used to show the difference in scenes since this was played out dually on stage.

Kevin was ashamed of possibly crying uncontrollably in front of his dad.

The family is able to say their Final Farewell as a Family.

My father is the player standing behind the woman with the trophy. To the right. He won MVP honors for the game. He was a heck of a player.


One of thousands of stories, poems and books available online at FanStory.com

You've read it - now go back to FanStory.com to comment on each chapter and show your thanks to the author!



© Copyright 2015 Kaiku All rights reserved.
Kaiku has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

© 2015 FanStory.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Privacy Statement