Natasha's Legacy

by Heather Greenis

  “Poppa, please,” Hope cried. “I can’t say goodbye. I’m not ready to lose you.”

  Stewart’s gaze shifted to the corner of the room. There was a slight smile on his face. Following the focus of his attention, Hope wasn’t able to see anything but the walls, ceiling, and door leading to hallway. Turning her attention back to her father, his smile became larger.

  “Natasha. I love you. I never stopped loving you.”

  Her father’s hand went limp. “No. Poppa. No-o-o. You can’t leave me. Open your eyes and talk to me.”

  Adam placed his hands on her shoulder, turned toward her, and embraced her. “Your poppa is no longer with us, love. He’s with your momma.”

  Hearing sobbing, Hope looked to see Alex and Sarah embracing. Their son had buried his head between Sarah’s shoulder and neck.

  “My deepest sympathies, love,” Adam whispered. He wiped her tear-soaked cheeks and then his own. “In my heart I’m losing my own poppa, but it was pleasing to see the smile on Stewart’s face. He felt your momma’s presence. She came for him. Stewart loved Izabella, but his love for your momma remained strong.”

  “I miss him, Adam.”

  “Stewart touched my heart. He will be missed by every person within this building.”

  Hope turned her head to look at her father’s still body. “I love you, Poppa. It would have been impossible to have a better Poppa. I can feel Momma’s presence. You’re with Momma now, I know you are.” She looked toward the ceiling. “My humble appreciation for allowing Poppa to remain in my life.”

  Hope put her arms around Adam, needing to be held. Breaking down, she sobbed uncontrollably.

  * * *

  “Papa was more than a grandfather, he was a friend.” Alex pushed himself back from Sarah’s embrace, sat on the edge of the bed, took the picture from his papa’s lap, and placed it on the end table. Then he took his grandfather’s hand and held it against his heart. “Papa,” he sobbed. “I shall miss you, terribly.”

  “The memories you shared will live in your heart forever,” Sarah reminded him.

  “Alex, we must leave this room,” Adam whimpered. “Our family needs to be told.”

  His father kissed the side of his mother’s head, gripped her hand, and walked out of the room. Alex and Sarah followed them.

  Alex and Sarah stood at the doorway to the office. His poppa placed his hands on his momma’s shoulders, kissed the top of her head, and listened as she asked to be connected to the Gregory Carson residence. After only a minute or two, Momma handed the telephone to Poppa, sobbing.

  “Greg assured me he will contact Tessa and Matthew,” Poppa told them.

  “Poppa, I will telephone Rose and Uncle Marcus,” Alex informed Adam.

  “That would be appreciated, Alex. I will take your momma to the parlour. I suggest hanging a sign that states the orphanage is temporarily closed. This family requires privacy to mourn.”

  Alex and Sarah were sitting in the parlour with his parents when the door opened and Rose and Richard rushed in carrying the twins. Rose placed her daughter in Sarah’s arms and ran to their momma.

  “Where is Papa Stewart?” Rose asked.

  “In his room. We will allow you and Richard a few minutes before bringing the children,” his momma responded. “Did you bring clothing for the twins?” she asked, seeing Sarah remove Alisha’s coat.

  “Yes. The clothing is in a bag in the car.”

  “I’ll get it.” Alex walked out the door as Richard followed his wife up the steps.

  Vicki and Greg arrived within the hour and Tessa, Matthew, and their families a short time later. The orphanage children were told Papa Stewart went to heaven to join Izabella. The sound of crying children was almost unbearable for the family, but Jessica was magnificent, comforting them.

  “I owe Jessica my gratitude,” Alex admitted, sitting with his sister and Sarah. “I will ensure she is given a bonus with her next pay.”

  “With a thank you card,” Sarah added.

  It was a long day as they mourned. Alex was sniffling as he said goodnight to his aunt and sister and walked down the hallway to his room. Once changed into their sleeping attire, he crawled into bed and snuggled into Sarah, resting his head on her chest.

  “I will miss Papa Stewart. I am truly privileged to have known him,” Sarah whispered.

  Unable to respond, Alex nodded. Unable to sleep, Alex got out of bed and opened his journal.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The family decided two funeral services would be best, one for business associates and a second for the orphanage. For Hope, it made for a long, difficult day with a large number of people arriving to pay their respects. Shortly before the service started, Hope took her seat between Vicki and Adam with their family behind. Hope looked toward Adam to see him staring at the paper on his lap.

  “Poppa, if you’re not comfortable, I will read the eulogy,” Rose reminded him.

  He never responded. Hope gripped his hand to offer support. Poor Adam. His hands are so clammy. He must be questioning his own ability to stand in a crowded room and speak. She expected her shy, quiet husband to hand the paper to Rose at the last minute, but instead, he stood and walked up to the pulpit. Watching him, his hands trembled as they held the paper. A quivering voice came out of his mouth. Family members knew it was nerves, but to the bulk of the room, he was simply reading an emotional eulogy.

  You could hear a pin drop as Adam spoke of Poppa’s marriage and the premature death of his bride. He spoke of her poppa’s determination as he returned to school, graduated, and with the help and encouragement of his family, raised his daughter.

  This was the ending they expected, but Adam continued. His voice was cracking, quivering, but he looked into Hope’s eyes.

  “I love you, Hope. I’m proud and privileged to have had the honour of being a part of your family, and of Stewart’s life.”

  Sniffling was heard throughout the room. Hope didn’t think it was possible to shed more tears, but she broke down and cried. “I love you, Adam. I miss you, Poppa. I love you.”

  Later that evening, once the twins were sleeping, Hope and Rose joined their family in the parlour. The evening was spent reminiscing.

  “I will never question the love and affection Papa Stewart felt for Izabella,” Sarah said, “but in his last minutes, he reached for Nana Natasha. He held the portrait of his wife holding their infant daughter. Love is truly beautiful. Nana Natasha remained in Papa Stewart’s heart.”

  Alex shifted on the sofa to face Sarah. He smiled and placed his hands on her tear-soaked cheeks and kissed her. With both her hands in his, Alex looked into Sarah’s eyes.

  “Our family required Papa Stewart’s assistance. His job is complete now. Momma, Rose, and I are happy. The family he created with Nana Natasha.”

  It warmed Hope’s heart to hear her son. Crying, she stood, stepped toward her son, and embraced him.

  * * *

  Life was different without Papa. Sarah questioned why Alex wasn’t writing in his journal after Izabella passed, but there were no words to put on the paper. Papa Stewart hadn’t been himself. He’d stopped smiling and avoided the children. Hope had grieved watching Papa, unable to help him.

  After their deaths, it was difficult being in Papa and Izabella’s room. It felt so empty. Alex missed visiting with his papa. Seeing his smile and hearing his voice, his laughter. Alex’s heart ached as did the remainder of his family, but Papa was happy. He was ready to go to heaven and Nana Natasha came for him.

  Alex got teary-eyed just thinking about it. Sarah had followed him into their room that evening, changed into her sleeping attire, and snuggled into him. Sarah was quiet, too quiet.

  “What’s on your mind?”

  She didn’t respond.

  “Sarah. Speak to me. We’re accustomed to talking from our heart after being intimate, but I’m capable of listening at any time.”

  “My thoughts are on our marriage. I must question whether we’r
e to be married. Our anniversary will be a reminder of death, two deaths. Papa Stewart and Izabella weren’t married, but that didn’t affect the love they shared. Perhaps, like your papa, I’m cursed. Your first attempts at proposing were not meant to be.”

  “You are not cursed,” he assured her.

  “I doubt I will be a glowing bride.”

  “Getting married is important to our families, but as long as you remain with me, I’m happy. In Papa’s words, in our hearts, we are married and have been for a long time.”

  “I have mixed emotions,” she admitted.

  “I proposed and I love you with all my heart. That will never change. The decision is yours.”

  “My wedding gown is in the spare room, the flower store is expecting a new date.”

  “The gown is simply material.”

  “Ugh.” She exhaled.

  “Sarah, they believe we are renewing our vows. Only the immediate family knows the truth, the importance of the event. The decision is yours. I will stand proudly at the end of the aisle, waiting for your hand in mine if that will make you happy.”

  “Your family. My family—”

  “Want you to be happy. We are not getting married to please others. They will accept our decision.”

  Sarah rested her head on his chest. She never uttered another word but they both knew they would not be rescheduling the event any time soon.

  * * *

  “Ah man,” Keeghan groaned. “I’m beginning to think this family is jinxed. Poor Sarah. They could use a bit of good luck, Alex.”

  “I’m glad our marriage went off without a hitch,” Will remarked.

  “Without a hitch?” Keeghan extended her hand, showing her rings and then gripped Will’s hand. “We’re hitched. You’re stuck with me.”

  “I’d marry you again in a heartbeat.”

  Alex pointed at the screen.

  * * *

  After church and the noon meal, the family was summoned to the dining room. Hope sat at the head of the table, in Poppa’s chair with her family sitting around her. She looked at the paper in her hands; her poppa’s will. Having read the document the previous evening with Adam, there were no surprises. Today simply made it official. Her father was with her momma and Izabella. Refusing to cry, Hope was determined to remain strong. The only thing left to deal with were Poppa’s finances.

  With Adam sitting to her right, supporting her, and Aunt Vicki to her left, Hope looked across the table where Alex was sitting in Adam’s chair. Richard remained in the corner of the room behind Rose, able to hear, but keeping the twins content with a quiet toy.

  Hope turned her attention back to the paper, took a deep breath, and began. “I am not reading the legalities nor am I reading word for word. If anyone in this room wishes to read the will, you are welcome to. Poppa’s personal investments are to be split between me, Alex, and Rose. A small trust fund is to be established for the twins and any other heirs born.” She stopped for a moment. It was time to speak of the portion pertaining to Poppa’s business. Greg had retired years earlier and Matthew had taken on signing authority for the business account. Carolyn relieved Aunt Vicki of the bookkeeping duties, but Vicki was still involved. She was aware of every aspect of the business. “Full ownership of Poppa’s company is to be transferred to Victoria and Gregory Carson.

  “Hope, we cannot accept this,” Vicki whispered. “Matthew and Carolyn will be honoured to continue managing the business, but the company belongs to you and your family. Allow me to assure you, neither Tessa nor Matthew will struggle financially.”

  “You have remained invaluable in our lives and Poppa cherished your assistance. Poppa loved Alex and Rose, yet appreciated neither are interested in assuming control of the business he owned. It is pleasing to know Matt will continue Poppa’s legacy.”

  “Hope, no.”

  Hope’s eyes swelled with tears. She lacked the energy or inclination to argue. “Aunt Vicki, please. This is what Poppa wanted.”

  She pushed the formal document toward her aunt. Adam reached over and gripped Hope’s hand. The room went silent and then Vicki nodded without reading a single word.

  Sarah declined Alex’s invitation to join the family at the bank, staying at the orphanage to mind the twins. Alex and Rose followed Hope and Adam into Richard’s office and took their seats. There were two thick file folders on his large mahogany desk.

  “My father managed these accounts until the day he retired, leaving them to a senior associate. I was shown the files this morning to review before meeting with you. Papa Stew….” When Richard stopped himself, Hope smiled. At this moment, he was not Rose’s husband but a bank employee bringing the family up to date on the status of the accounts. “Mr. Donovan began a trust account over thirty years ago,” he continued.

  A tear escaped and rushed down Hope's cheek. Her father discussed the trust fund with her and Adam. After two miscarriages, they weren’t planning a family. The children at the orphanage would be cared for.

  “The notes state Mr. Donovan expected his family to administer the fund. There is a formula with arrangements in place, but the administrator must authorize the transfer of funds a minimum of once a year. By the documents set forth in this file, Mr. Donovan was determined the Venderkemp Orphanage would not be forgotten by future generations.”

  Richard opened the file and pushed it toward Hope. His finger rested just above the balance in the trust fund. Four jaws dropped when they saw the amount. Tears ran down Adam’s cheeks. He shook his head slightly and then covered his mouth. Hope squeezed his hand and Alex put his arm around his shoulder.

  “Papa Stewart knew what the orphanage means to you, means to me,” Alex reminded him. “We carry the Venderkemp name with pride, but the Donovan legacy will live on.”

  Alex reached for his sister’s hand. An overwhelming sense of pride filled Hope. “The orphanage is and will always be Momma’s legacy, Natasha’s legacy. Her love and passion for the children drew me here. Momma wrote of the orphanage in her diary. She volunteered at our orphanage, then run by Adam’s grandparents. The building brought me closer to Momma. Poppa’s love has secured the foundation for this business, keeping Momma happy and at peace. I love them both.” With a nod from Adam to continue, Richard closed the first file and pushed the second toward Hope.

  “Mr. Donovan’s personal investments. My notes state it is to be equally divided between Hope Elizabeth Victoria, Alexander Stewart, and Rose Alisha Venderkemp.”

  Opening the file, he allowed his finger to rest on the current dollar value. Hope smiled.

  “You aren’t surprised by this, Momma?” Alex questioned.

  “No. I assisted with the bookkeeping when Matthew and Tessa were born. Poppa was well compensated for his ability. Both Poppa and Izabella assisted Adam and me financially. He paid for your education and our family’s food, clothing, and special treats. I did not attempt to discourage him when he spoke of special gifts for you or Rose. He could afford them and it made him happy.”

  “The automobiles,” Richard remarked.

  “Yes, and the piano. He offered to assist with the purchase of your home, Rose, but I said no.”

  “Papa Stewart was far too generous,” Rose admitted.

  Hope and Alex signed the appropriate documents and walked out of the office, leaving Rose to speak with her husband.

  * * *

  Alex was still numb when they returned home. With his parents offering to take the twins outside, Alex led Sarah into the parlour and sat on the love seat. Alex spoke of the conversation at the bank and the amounts.

  “Sweet mother of God. What are your intentions?”

  “What are our intentions?” he corrected.

  “Leave it to the orphanage,” Sarah responded without a moment of hesitation. “So we can continue to look after the beautiful children in this building.”

  “Music to my ears. I love you, Sarah.” He leaned toward her and gave her a gentle kiss.

  Chapter Sixte
en

  Alex sat in his room and read his momma’s journal entries after the death of Papa. Sarah entered the room and sat beside him.

  “You haven't been writing lately.”

  “No. Momma has been writing. There is nothing more to add,” he informed Sarah.

  Life at the orphanage continued. Sarah resumed teaching, children were adopted, babies born. Jessica was perfect, assisting him as Tom had, but it was different without Papa Stewart and Izabella. There were empty spaces where their chairs would fit at the dinner table. Evenings were the worst. Alex missed visiting his grandfather.

  The day at the cemetery was difficult, more so than he expected. Momma had received a phone call when the stone was in place. Leaving Jessica at the orphanage, Alex assisted Momma and Sarah into the car. Once his father took his seat, Alex started the engine. They arrived just ahead of Richard and Rose.

  His parents took the twins in their arms allowing Alex, Sarah, Richard, and Rose to walk ahead. They walked together, hand in hand. Alex released his sister’s hand when she and Richard stopped to admire their great-grandparents stone, Willard and Elizabeth Donovan. Alex stopped at Papa Stewart’s resting place as his parents remained behind. There was an etched angel on the corner of the grave marker. It brought a smile to his face. Papa Stewart always believed Nana Natasha spoke to him and that she watched over her family.

  Alex turned his attention to the words of his nana’s engraving. Smiling, he appreciated the change. Nana Natasha’s middle name had been added as well as her surname. Papa’s surname. Choked up, Alex’s heart filled with pride. After all these years, their marriage had been acknowledged. The love they shared was acknowledged. It was the proper decision. He shifted his attention to his papa’s information and began reading. Within seconds he choked back tears. Struggling to breathe, he sobbed.