The Ten of Them: Chapter 19

In our last chapter, JJ did help Ron and Reese to become multimillionaires, they just needed to complete the sale. Misty and Marshall are going to take over the classes with Kathryn helping, on the day JJ return to school as an assistant teacher. He did this to continue giving the self-defense classes. JJ felt compelled to continue the self-defense classes after hearing the stories Ms. Clark told him. Also JJ helps his father-in-law coach the football team. The universe seems set against him retiring.


My first day at school probably was more nerve-racking for me than any other day I had in school. Today my students’ success depends on me; beforehand all I had to worry about was me. The self-defense classes were the one exception to that. I didn’t grade the students before. Now everything depended on me, they say assistant teacher, but when I looked around I was the only teacher for each class I had.

We started each class for the physical education course with a BMI or body mass index. It is to give each student an idea of how fit they were. I began explaining to them that physical fitness isn’t about a grade it’s about a lifestyle. I said, “If you choose to be physically fit, you will have fewer health issues such as adult onset diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and impotence.” That really got most of the young men’s attention.

A couple of my freshman classes were nerdy young men, out of shape couch potatoes. They spent more time in front of a video console than anything else. Their exercise was walking to the kitchen for another snack.

After my little speech, I could tell they were a little depressed realizing they had made the wrong choices so far. I felt it was a teacher’s job to inspire their student, not to depress them. So I begin a second speech. “Young men I want to help you overcome any problems you have with physical fitness. This class is a required class. I know you’re smart enough to realize that women are more attracted to a physical fit man.” If nerds are one thing they’re into women, they may not like sports but they are all male. Having their full attention I continue, “There is no one in this class who cannot become physically fit. Beforehand your classes favored those who were already physically fit. It’s true it will still be easier for them. I’ll not make it easy for anyone, but by the end of this year you will be on your way to physically fitness with the knowledge of how to maintain your body. I’ll ensure that it’s fair for everyone.”

It seemed like in each one of the classes a young man would blurt out with, “Yeah right like that’s going to happen I’m a nerd, there’s no way I’ll ever look like a jock.”

At that point I decided to challenge their beliefs in what a jock and nerd were. I asked if anyone knew me. Of course someone in the class would say, “You were the quarterback last year for the varsity team, he took us to state and won.”

I ask the class, “Does that make me a jock?” In the class a lot of them shake their head yes and few say yes.

I ask the class a second question, “If someone was the co-valedictorian, 4.0 grade average, and three college Associates degrees before they are thirteen. Would that make them a nerd?”

The class responded the same until I say, “That would also be me. You don’t have to fall into a category if you do not choose to. You are who you make yourself. I will give you the tools to make yourself physically fit. If you are wise you will use those tools for your best advantage. I know this class is physical fitness, but I will also give you some instructions on nutrition, and health because they go along with physical fitness. A poor diet will sabotage any attempt at exercise. They go hand-in-hand, so this class is a little longer than you expected your homework is all day, it’s at each meal. It’s on how much you do after or before school. I’m teaching you a lifestyle change, I’m not going to say that you need to discontinue your video games, merely take a break once in a while to walk, run, climb, swim, or do something that is physically active.

After we finished with the BMIs and getting to know each other, I began teaching them how to do some stretches.

At lunchtime I ran into Kara, she’s a senior now and we went to lunch together. Of course a few students saw us returning and how I gave her a peck on her cheek. Kara was in my last class of the day the advanced self-defense course. By the time the rumors were already flying that Kara and I were having an affair.

During the period before one of my friends, Bobby’s daughter Debs a freshman this year gave me the heads up what was happening. I spoke to Kara at the beginning of the class. I let her know of the rumors and we both laughed at them. During the class I had to ask if anyone would be offended that I was instructing my sister-in-law. I then introduced Kara as my sister-in-law.

One of the rumors instigators blushed heavily realized her mistake, although she never said a word I knew she saw us when we return. Tomorrow I’ll make sure Kathryn meets me for lunch. I had asked the freshman what was she doing in the advanced self-defense course, she hasn’t even taken the self-defense course previously.

The young lady in question simply told me she had transferred from New York State where she had been taking jujitsu and had a green belt. Her name was Janet. I read the letter placing her in the advanced classes, considering some of the girls would be an equal or better.

Kara on the other hand had also been training with me through the summer for the last two years. She could easily be a black belt. I paired up Kara and Janet with the instructions to Kara, “Don’t kill her, and please don’t even put her in the hospital.” Kara laughed but agreed.

Janet asks Kara what belt level she was at to which Kara shrugged her shoulders. When Janet tried a rather sophisticated move Kara easily countered it and had Janet on the floor in a second. Janet has to quickly reappraise Kara’s skills and approaches much more cautiously on the next round. Another fancy move from Janet and a quick counter Kara again landed Janet on the floor. Two falls into the match between the two, and I set them down. Most of the girls, had the classes before and I let them go through their matches, then made them stretch before hitting the showers and that ended my normal day.

I gave Kathryn a quick call before football practice, and she told me her and Sam would be coming by. We had moved the meeting with Jeremy and his son to this evening. The two of them have been working on their proposal for the nonprofit the last two days. The Judge, two of the clergy from our wedding, Parson Jenkins and Rev. Akins have agreed to set on the oversight committee. We contacted Father McCoy and he graciously declined, citing he had too much already on his plate. Considering he did the toys for tots drive almost solo, I can see that.

Football practice was pretty easy. I was working with the junior varsity quarterback and center. The practice just seems to flyby, I did catch Sam and Kathryn watching from the bleachers. After practice I tell Kathryn about the rumor that happened to get started today. Kathryn laughs knowing how well I can be trusted.

Kathryn tells me, “Kara had already told her about it, just after she got home.”

I ask Kathryn, “Honey could you come and pick me up for lunch tomorrow?”

Kathryn reminds me, “Remember I only have a farm license. The school is not on the way to the farmers market.”

I ask, “How did you get here now?”

Kathryn replies, “Your Mom dropped us off.”

We leave to meet Jeremy and his son and the oversight committee for the give a gift of giving nonprofit organization’s first meeting. Which seems to go very well Jeremy and his son Jeremy Junior have the Corporation completely outlined, with its main goals set. With my donation we have exceeded the forecasted donations for this year by several million. When the oversight committee agree to hiring Jeremy as the CEO and Jeremy Junior as the CFO I hand them with the signing bonus checks I have prepared. I also present Jeremy with the bonus for his outstanding work so far. Jeremy nearly falls over, when he sees the bonus check I hand him his for half a million dollars. The sign on bonus checks were for each two hundred thousand. I knew Jeremy Junior certainly can use the money it would be an excellent payment for a new home.

When they suggested the salaries, the oversight committee had a short discussion and quickly increased their salaries but want their salaries to me based on a scale of all their employees. This raise the amount of money we were going to pay out for our annual employment cost, but the four of us knowing it would be the sole support for many families wanted to make it a living wage. Jeremy tries to say that the nonprofit really couldn’t afford to pay out so much money.

Sam stands up and asks me, “Daddy you said I can help. Can I pay it?”

Jeremy looks at Sam before he says, “Sam with the raises the salaries will be more than a million dollars every year. That’s a lot of money for a little girl.” Jeremy statements caused Kathryn to giggle. Kathryn knew that Sam had made the same amount of money I made yesterday.

Sam in a firm voice says, “That’s okay, I made more than that yesterday so I can afford it.”

Jeremy Junior looks a little stunned before he turns towards me and asks, “Did your daughter really make more than a million dollars in a day?”

Kathryn interrupts by saying, “Actually Sam made over fifteen million dollars yesterday.”

Sam still speaking in a firm voice says, “That’s right and I want to help. Daddy did say it was my idea that started it. I wanted to show my family that I love them, so I got to give my birthday present as gifts to them.”

Despite ourselves we chuckle at Sam is just so cute seeing her do that. I am so proud of her. I take Sam into my arms giving her a kiss I tell her, “If you want to help my big girl you certainly can.”

The Judge pulled us over to the side and asks, “Are you trading under Sam’s trust?”

I answer, “Yes Uncle George, we moved fifty million into a trading account for Sam. Her trust fund is being managed like most of the families.”

Uncle George shakes his head, “You know Marshall helped with my trading yesterday and I made fifty million.”

I smile saying, “I knew he was helping you, I’m glad it worked out so well.”

Uncle George reaches for Sam. Sam goes into uncle George is embrace. Uncle George begins, “Sam I know it was your idea in a really good one at that. Could you let me help with the salary?”

Sam surprises Uncle George, like I said she’s a little more intuitive than any four-year-old I know. Sam says, “Of course Uncle George, as long as I get to help too. You don’t get to have all the fun.”

Uncle George chuckles and gives Sam a kiss before he sets her down. He says, “I see you’re like Elizabeth, your great Grandma. No one is going to pull the wool over your eyes.”

Sam jumps up back into my arms smiling she says, “Of course not, I’m a part of this family and we’re all very smart.”

We go back to the others, and Sam slips in my lap as we finished discussing how we want the salary set up. The Judge and Sam share the expense of the salaries as their donation to the nonprofit which is a good tax write off for both of them.

The first thing they need to do is to rent some office space, and begin hiring employees to start managing this year’s program. Where a little late in the game, but will give our best attempt to give away as much is possible. We really only have a couple months. I know Jeremy would like to see this statewide, but with the limited time in our lack of experience maybe a smaller scale to work out the problems would be in order.

I ask a question our two clergy, “How much help and we get from churches in seeing that the program gets to the people who really need it? I’m not just talking about the very poor, will do that for sure but even the people a little better off should be covered with this program. We can provide a little extra help for the families that truly would have nothing.”

Both are thoughtful for a moment, and then Reverend Akins says, “Let me make a few calls.”

Parson Jenkins says, “I’ll do the same, I’m sure we can come up with a few volunteers, and even a few qualified people that Jeremy should look into hiring.”

Jeremy response, “Make it soon, the sooner we get off the ground the more children we can help this Christmas. Jeremy located some space downtown that we can rent is nineteen hundred square feet but should do for this year. With your okay, I’ll rent it for the next six months.”

I looked around at my fellow oversight members seeing no disagreement I nodded my head yes and they followed suit. With that the creation of The Give a Gift of Giving Organization completed. By the weekend Jeremy had phone lines installed, a website up and running.

Jeremy Junior knew of a web page designer in need of work, and had her already working on a page for the organization. An interim page was up on Friday, with only a few items and email. The designer was going to make a much more detailed website for us given the time. Jeremy hired four full-time workers by that Friday as well. Jeremy Junior had brought on board six accountants that would be working mostly from home.

The rest of my week at school was pretty much the same as the first day, teaching the Phys. Ed. Students the basics, both nutrition and exercise. I could tell that most of them were getting this information for the first time. When they commented that they had no books containing this information, I decided that night I would produce handouts with the information for them.

One thing I did enjoy was the homecoming each day. Met at the door by Kathryn and Sam, both gave me lots of kisses saying they missed me. That also was the worst thing about working was being away from Kathryn and Sam. If I hadn’t been busy most of the day I wouldn’t be able to stand the separation. As it is I feel badly every morning when I leave. Like something is missing from me. I tell Kathryn of this and she confessed she felt the same way.

The next week is the same, but on Friday since I’m working with the Junior varsity team, and they had no game tonight or practice I’m off early and I had straight home. I could feel Kathryn’s sadness from nearly a mile away. Sam seemed very sad, she still greeted me warmly but I could tell she had been crying. Looking into Kathryn’s face I also knew she had been crying. I take them into my arms and hold them tightly before I ask, “What’s wrong?”

Sam in a shaking voice says, “Ron gave me the letters today.”

Again with concern I ask, “Sam are you okay?”

Sam puts her face into my chest and begins to cry again, obviously she’s not. Kathryn says, “The letter was beautiful Sam’s Angel Mom wrote to her. She truly loved Sam. It’s no wonder Sam is missing her.”

In the most calming voice I can manage I tell Sam, “Sam we know you still love your Angel Mommy and Daddy, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We love you too Sam.”

Sam with a sniffle says, “I love you and Mommy, but I still miss Angel Mommy and Daddy. Daddy, will that ever change?”

In the same calm voice I say, “Sam I still miss your Grandpa Joseph. Sam I have you and your Mommy, all your aunts and uncles, your grandmas in your grandpa having them in my life helps, and having them around us helps too. You missing them Sam means you truly never lose them. They will always be a part of you.”

Sam sniffles again wiping her eyes she says, “You’re right Daddy. Having our family does help, having you and Mommy helps a lot. With everybody back in school I miss them. Daddy, could I come to school on Monday?”

With a glance at Kathryn who gives me a shake of her head I say, “I’ll ask Mom to bring you guys to school at lunchtime. I’ll have it checked out by then if I can let you stay for the rest of the afternoon. If not we’ll still have lunch together.”

Sam smiles and says, “That sounds like fun Daddy.”

That was the start of the weekend of Alyssa’s wedding, and it will be a lovely ceremony. Mom and Helen arranged everything for Alyssa, and Uncle George would fly them off for two weeks in Hawaii. The next weekend will be the last that Ron and Reese had with us until they separated from the service. I have an interesting part of the ceremony; no one else is available to give Alyssa away. Considering my involvement with her they choose me to walk Alyssa down the aisle and give her away. Before we begin Alyssa says, “I so wish your father was here to do this.”

I smile back tapping my chest as I say, “He’s right here. I carry him with me all the time. He is who makes me want to do better. I try to live by the example he is given.”

Alyssa blinks holding back the tears she says, “Your father would be proud of you.”

The music begins at I say to her, “Let me go give you to George, so you two can start your life together.”

We stand and wait as Mom, Helen Misty and then Kathryn proceed down the aisle. Michael senior is the best man in takes Mom’s arm as they proceed down the aisle. Jeremy also a friend of the Judge takes Helen’s arm and falls in step. Marshall and Misty are next, Kathryn proceeds by herself followed by Sam spreading flowers, Alyssa and I then begin the walk down the aisle. Reaching the end I lift Alyssa’s veil, it’s only then that I believe George begins to breathe again.

Rev. Akins asks, “Who gives this woman.”

I say my reply, “I give this woman.” I then place Alyssa’s hand into George’s hand both their hands shake with excitement. When each hand touches the other I can feel their connection and both smiled broadly.