Post by dane on Sept 10, 2008 10:31:26 GMT -5
Terry Dane, due to the pushing of his wife, Ginevra, has headed to Kansas City, Kansas to collect his father’s final possessions from the Catholic Church his father last lived. The rain is pouring down and Terry has already gotten soaked from the car to the door of the church. He steps into the building and see a large room filled with beds. The men in the room are grungy and dirty. Most of them have obvious mental or physical problems. Terry jumps as someone walks up to him.
Priest- May I help you?
Terry- Yes, my name is Terry Dane. My father-
Priest- Yes, I know who he was. I am very sorry for your lost.
Terry- Yeah, well, obviously I didn’t know he was here.
Priest- I would presume that, but I don’t think it would had made a difference if you had. Mr. Dane was a very stubborn man who barely took our help. I get the feeling he would have been offended had his son attempted to take him in.
Terry- Not even to see his grandson, unfortunately.
Priest- Terry, the man was not well mentally and combined with his stubborn streak-
Terry- Listen, no offense, but I’m not interested in excuses for him. I’m simply here to pick up his personal items.
Priest- Of course, but if you feel you need to talk, my office is over there. Is personal items are in the locker room down the hall. Locker 18, here’s the key.
Terry takes the key and walks down the hall. There are men in various degree of undress. Typically, Terry would not take any notice, but the men seem to be changing from dirty clothes to dirty clothes. They all look at Terry like he’s the one who stinks. Finally, he arrives at his father’s locker. Very apprehensively, Terry places the key in the lock and opens it. What Terry sees brings immediate tears.
The locker seems to be filled with the story of Terry’s life. Letters from Ginevra and Tom Stone are in a pile. Terry then sees a letter that says, “To: Terry.” He picks it up and reads it.
Terry is practically weeping. He feels a hand on his shoulder and turns to see the priest.
Priest- You ok, son?
Terry- Yeah. Just wasn’t expecting-
Priest- To see evidence your father loves you? Parents don’t always show it the way we want or expect. Nor do they give encouragement the way we think we need it.
Terry- Well, he certainly tried to convince me to continue my course, but I’m still not sure.
Priest- Fathers, blood or spiritual, can only point you to the path. It’s still up to you to take the road.
Terry- I have a match-I’m a wrestler-I have a match next week. I’m really considering it my last. My tag team partner and my opponents will get the best of me for those moments I am in the ring. I will have nothing on my mind in those moments but winning and making my partner proud. I will make my family and friends proud. I will make my opponents respect me. I will make sure I give it my all, but it maybe all I can give anymore.
Priest- Only you know if that’s true. However, I get the feeling that your father and, I’m guessing, your family know what’s inside you. Perhaps you need to really hear what they have said to you. Truly take it to heart.
Terry and the priest are silent for several moments.
Terry- Well, I’ve got what I came for, now.
Priest- I truly hope so, son. I truly hope so.
Terry looks at the priest. Who gives him a smile.
Priest- I’ll show you out.
Terry leaves the Church gym. The storm has past, but the rain still drizzles.
Priest- May I help you?
Terry- Yes, my name is Terry Dane. My father-
Priest- Yes, I know who he was. I am very sorry for your lost.
Terry- Yeah, well, obviously I didn’t know he was here.
Priest- I would presume that, but I don’t think it would had made a difference if you had. Mr. Dane was a very stubborn man who barely took our help. I get the feeling he would have been offended had his son attempted to take him in.
Terry- Not even to see his grandson, unfortunately.
Priest- Terry, the man was not well mentally and combined with his stubborn streak-
Terry- Listen, no offense, but I’m not interested in excuses for him. I’m simply here to pick up his personal items.
Priest- Of course, but if you feel you need to talk, my office is over there. Is personal items are in the locker room down the hall. Locker 18, here’s the key.
Terry takes the key and walks down the hall. There are men in various degree of undress. Typically, Terry would not take any notice, but the men seem to be changing from dirty clothes to dirty clothes. They all look at Terry like he’s the one who stinks. Finally, he arrives at his father’s locker. Very apprehensively, Terry places the key in the lock and opens it. What Terry sees brings immediate tears.
The locker seems to be filled with the story of Terry’s life. Letters from Ginevra and Tom Stone are in a pile. Terry then sees a letter that says, “To: Terry.” He picks it up and reads it.
Terry,
If you are reading this, then I’ve finally left to meet my maker. About Damn time, too. I decided to write this letter to tell you how proud I am of you. You are a strong man who lucked out with a great lady and a handsome son. That’s something we have in common. Where we separated is what we did after we got those treasures. I squandered it away with pride and alcohol. Then the Damn mental issues started. I figured it better that I stay away from you and your mom. You both were better off without me. I wish I had been there for your mother before she died. I wish I had been there for you through that and more. I fucked up. Too late now to make up for it, but I can tell you this much-never give up on yourself or your family! You are a damned great wrestler. Keep doing it and you’ll make it. Keep that woman and child close and love them. I am proud of you and I want the best for you. Don’t be like your old man. Be a success.
Dad
Terry is practically weeping. He feels a hand on his shoulder and turns to see the priest.
Priest- You ok, son?
Terry- Yeah. Just wasn’t expecting-
Priest- To see evidence your father loves you? Parents don’t always show it the way we want or expect. Nor do they give encouragement the way we think we need it.
Terry- Well, he certainly tried to convince me to continue my course, but I’m still not sure.
Priest- Fathers, blood or spiritual, can only point you to the path. It’s still up to you to take the road.
Terry- I have a match-I’m a wrestler-I have a match next week. I’m really considering it my last. My tag team partner and my opponents will get the best of me for those moments I am in the ring. I will have nothing on my mind in those moments but winning and making my partner proud. I will make my family and friends proud. I will make my opponents respect me. I will make sure I give it my all, but it maybe all I can give anymore.
Priest- Only you know if that’s true. However, I get the feeling that your father and, I’m guessing, your family know what’s inside you. Perhaps you need to really hear what they have said to you. Truly take it to heart.
Terry and the priest are silent for several moments.
Terry- Well, I’ve got what I came for, now.
Priest- I truly hope so, son. I truly hope so.
Terry looks at the priest. Who gives him a smile.
Priest- I’ll show you out.
Terry leaves the Church gym. The storm has past, but the rain still drizzles.