"He has earned this great privilege not because he is my son; but rather because of his work ethics, integrity, traditional values of honesty and great love of justice and his community. It is my honor to have such a distinguished and gifted attorney call me father." Jacob choked on his emotions and had to pause. He looked down so that the people would not see the tears falling from his eyes. Once he had regain his composure he looked again straight into the audience, continuing his announcement.
"I want to take this time to thank you for allowing me to serve you and for your support and having faith in my ability to act on your behalf. Thank you… Thank you sincerely."
Having ended his speech Jacob nodded his final thank you to the listening audience and then quietly left the stage as a second round of applause and standing ovation occurred. Jacob Ellis had ended his short-lived political career, and now he could concentrate on his failing health.
* * * * * * * * *
"Now this is a first…" Marla exclaimed in her excitement of her son inviting and treating her out to lunch for the first time.
"Mom you act like I've never been good to you…" Jayden said as he sat down across from his mom.
"Well this is the first time my son has called me up asking me out and offering to pay for it too."
"Was I really a neglectful son?" He asked once they had ordered their food and was waiting for the waitress to bring it back.
"Not neglectful… The typical child who thinks a parent's life revolves around him and takes his parents for granted." She teased him.
"Not true…" he immediately pouted and Marla couldn't hide her smile when she saw his boyish ways coming through. No matter how old he was, it was still like he was her little boy.
"Hey mom, can I ask you something?" He mustered up the courage to broach the subject as they enjoyed their lunch.
"Sure what is it?" She asked while peppering her steak and potatoes.
"Why come you never married? Was it because you couldn't get over my father" he cautiously asked and was surprised at his mother's unexpected coughing spell that was brought on by her nearly choking on her food at his inquisition. Quickly Jayden was up on his feet and around the table patting his mother on the back.
"Here… here drink some water…" he offered afraid that his words had startled her. As soon as she caught her breath, she took a few sips of water helping the food to get down the right pipe.