“Most of you do not know this because the only people we’ve told were our children, and we made them promise they wouldn’t tell anyone else.” He looked down at his wife, who nodded, signaling him to proceed. Drawing in a deep breath, he turned to the family.
“Maria has early onset dementia, or rather Alzheimer's.”
There were collective gasps of surprise and murmurings as they tried to process what Luke had just said.
“We know it is difficult news to hear, but we also want you to know that we have embraced this and have chosen to live each day as if it is our last. Maria may not be able to remember you guys in the future, but remember now that her love for you all has never wavered. We love you all, and thank you for your support.” With that, Luke stepped down from the porch with Maria and brought her to get something to eat. The family was still in shock, but they all rallied back, ensuring they enjoyed the day so that Maria would have the best memories.
“I’m proud of you, Mom.” Tessa kissed her cheek. “You were really brave opening up like that, letting us in, and I want you to know I’ll always be here for you.”
“Thank you, sweetheart,” her mother said, pulling her face down for a kiss. “As long as I have your support and the rest, I know I will be okay,” she said.
Tessa smiled warmly at the bravest woman she’d ever known. Her heart ached to give her what she truly needed, but she also rejoiced to know she was surrounded by the love of her family and that of her dad.
“There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” She beckoned for him to come closer. “Mom, this is Justin.”
Epilogue
“Hi.”
“Hi.” Tessa smiled warmly as the butterflies stirred in her stomach. She’d already been on a number of dates with him, and she saw him every day, yet every time she saw him, it was like this.
“You look beautiful,” he complimented, handing her a bouquet of pink roses.
“Thank you. You look very handsome.”
“Thank you,” he returned. “Are you ready to go?”
“Let me just put these in a vase, and then we can go.” She turned and brought the roses to the living room and placed them in an empty vase after taking a whiff of their light scent.
She followed Justin to his Audi Q5 and allowed him to open the door for her to slide against the plush leather seat before he closed it. He rounded the driver’s side, got into his seat, and they were off.
“So your mother doesn’t know you guys are throwing her a party. Does she?”
“No, she doesn’t,” Tessa confirmed. “I can’t wait to see the look of surprise on her face,” she beamed.
“I’m sure she will love it,” he added, reaching across to intertwine their fingers. They drove the remaining fifteen minutes in comfortable silence.
“Great, you’re here,” Cora greeted her when she opened the door. “Uncle Luke says they’ll be here in the next ten minutes. That means we need to get into position.”
Tessa and Justin followed her to the living room, where everyone was already waiting. She looked up at the banner that boasted a picture of her mother and the words “We love you.”
“All right, everyone, they're here. Get into formation.” The room fell silent after that as everyone hid in a corner or behind a piece of furniture. Tessa and Justin hid behind the couch. In a few minutes, they could hear Luke’s voice as he walked toward the living room.
“You need to rest, dear; put your feet up until I clear this mess up,” he said. Just then, the lights came on, and everyone sprang up.
“Surprise!” they all shouted. Maria’s hand came up to clutch her chest as she looked at all the smiling faces there just for her.
“Happy Maria's Day, Grandma,” Diane said, hugging her.
“Thanks, dearest.” She kissed Diane’s cheek.
Soon everyone was up and kissing her cheek.
They sang to her, played for her, and gave speeches about how great she was in her youth.
“I must say I am surprised at all of this,” Maria started as she got up to give her speech. “It has been a trying couple of months, but I’m also very thankful because you have all been so supportive of me, and I don’t know what I would have done without you.” She raised her glass, and everyone did the same as they toasted her.
Tessa sat on the couch and looked around the room at all her family, and her heart swelled with pride. Through trying circumstances, they’ve always come together, and when it mattered the most, they threw their differences aside and supported each other one hundred percent.
