I was so glad to get home. The last week of school was always a struggle. The students were already mentally on summer vacation once their exams were over, and it was tough to maintain any kind of order in the classroom. I understood exactly how they felt. After all, I was the same way when I was their age. But there were still things that needed to be done before school let out, and trying to get the kids to cooperate was quite a challenge.

As soon as I got in the house, I yelled upstairs to let Mom know I was home. Becky was already bounding down the stairs. I grabbed her a few steps from the bottom and swung her around in a high circle.

"How's my little sweetheart today," I asked.

"Fine, Daddy," she said, giggling as I put her down.

As was my habit, I went to check the answering machine. Just one message. I rewound the machine and played it.

"Joe, this is Ozzie," the voice said. "We got Josh's twenty-four-hour urine test results back, and . . . well, please give me a call. I'll be here today until five. Talk to you later."

My mind racing at what possible news Ozzie might have, I quickly sat Becky down in front of the TV, turned on the cartoons for her, then dialed the doctor's number.

As soon as Ozzie was on the line, he didn't waste any time.

"Listen, Joe, I don't like the results of this test. It shows that Josh's kidneys are spilling a lot of protein . . ."

Interrupting, I blurted, "What does that mean, Ozzie?"

"Well, it can mean any number of things, some of which are no big deal. But we should get on it right away and find out more. I hope this is okay, but I've tentatively scheduled Josh for a couple of tests this coming Saturday morning at St. Francis. Will that work for you?"

"Sure, Ozzie. But what kind of tests are we talking about?"

"Well, a series of blood tests for one thing. No big deal for Josh. And a bone marrow test. That shouldn't be too bad either."

"Geez, a bone marrow test? You must think it's something pretty serious!"

"Now, Joe," the doctor replied, "don't go getting all bent out of shape. Many people have high blood pressure and we never can figure out why. Josh may fit into that group. But let's rule everything else out first, okay?"

"Well, sure, Ozzie," I rejoined. "What time should we be at the hospital?"

"The bone marrow is scheduled for eleven. We can do the blood tests after that, so plan on getting there about ten forty-five. You can have them page me when you arrive."

"Right. That'll be fine. Oh by the way, the family surprised me with a trip to Israel for my birthday. We're supposed to leave on July 7th. Do you think we should change our plans? Josh's health comes first, of course."

"Well, Joe, I don't think there'll be any problem with you taking that trip. Whatever this is, I doubt it's anything that would interfere. But let's wait and see what these tests show, all right? Then I can say for sure."

"Okay, thanks Ozzie. Well, we'll see you then, if not before."

"My pleasure, Joe. I'm praying along with you that it's nothing serious. Take care now."

I waited until after dinner before telling Maggie and Josh about the call from Ozzie. Maggie paled, but Josh seemed totally unconcerned. I can't help but marvel at his courage in the face of the unknown.

As Josh helped Maggie with the dishes, he said, "After this I gotta get ready for the youth group meeting at church tonight. I can't wait to find out what Father Kelly's surprise is."

"Do you need a ride, Josh," I asked.

"No, Dad, but thanks anyway. Mr. Johnson's picking me up along with a few other kids."

After Josh left and Becky was in bed, Maggie put some soothing music on the CD player and we sat on the couch. She snuggled close and I put my arm around her. We were both very concerned about Josh and what might lie ahead.

It was one of those times words weren't necessary. Maggie rested her head on my shoulder and we just sat there, drawing strength from each other.

When Josh got home, he burst into the room, shouting, "Wait'll you hear what the surprise was! Father has a cousin who has a big farm in upstate New York, and the guy told Father Kelly we can all come up there for a weekend retreat in July, then another time in August. Isn't that great?"

We both agreed that a couple of weekend retreats on a farm would be a wonderful experience for the youngsters. Maggie wanted to know what weekend in July, as she was concerned it might conflict with our trip.

"Don't worry, Mom. It's the last weekend both months, so I'll be able to do both. Boy, what an exciting summer this is going to be!"

I agreed, but reminded Josh that he'd promised to work part of the summer at his grandfather's print shop.

"Oh, I didn't forget, Dad, and I'm looking forward to that, too. I'll be taking print shop class at school next year, you know, and this will give me a good head start. Besides, Grandpa's such a neat guy. It'll be fun working with him and I'll also learn a lot."

"Why don't the three of us have some cookies and hot chocolate before we hit the sack?" Maggie suggested.

"Well, you could twist my arm, I suppose," I said with a wink.

"All right, Mom!" Josh said, giving her a high five.

We all sat down at the kitchen table and made small talk while sipping cocoa and munching on chocolate chip cookies. I looked at Josh, impressed by his perpetual enthusiasm, not even being the slightest bit concerned about his upcoming tests. I wished I could be more like him. I tried not to let it show, but the uncertainty was gnawing at my insides.








Continue to Chapter 9


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