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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 8
PJ struggled to open his eyes, but they didn't want to open, so, so tired, just sleep a little longer.
There was sound, he knew that, but where, it seemed to be all around him, he couldn't work out what it was, where he was, it had a rhythm, just sleep.
He heard random words, Lenny, Love, Poppa, Lover, Friend, Stay, Rest,
It was some sort of machine, beep, beep, beep, beep.........sleep.
Warm, soft, holding his hand, that smell, he knew that smell, perfume, it was Lenny's perfume, he'd croaked almost inaudibly, "Lenny", then sleep.
It was back, the noise, warm air by his ear, "Poppa it's Woody, we're all here Poppa, you have to come back to us Poppa, we need you".
Woody, Woody, he needed to tell him, it was a croak, hardly a word at all, "Soyee".
"Poppa, I'm here what is it, say it again".
He was so dry so tired, then a straw was between his lips, ahhh heaven, water, beautiful water, but the straw was pulled away.
A strange voice, "Not too much, he has to keep it steady, a little, often, but not a lot, give him more if he's conscious, every couple of minutes is ok, but only small amounts".
The straw was back, beautiful water, and then it was gone again.
"Poppa it's Woody, can you hear me?, what did you want to tell me?, squeeze my hand if you hear me".
He squeezed, then the straw was back, oh so beautiful, gone again.
He could make sound better now, his mouth was wet, "Soyee Woowy, l lu u, elm pees"
There was silence, the straw was back, yes, more, then it was gone again.
Silence, then, "I've got it, I know what he's saying, Poppa squeeze if I'm right, you want me to take the helm".
PJ squeezed as hard and as many times as he could.
"Okay Poppa, no problem, I'm already in place, so relax, I'm keeping your chair warm for you, and if you dare to apologise again I swear I'll slap you, sick bed or not".
He was smiling, he knew he was smiling, but only one side of his face felt like it was smiling, he didn't understand, it didn't make sense, he was too tired, sleep.
Lenny had been at the hospital on and off for over 2 weeks, Billy, Beth, Pete and Pauly had done the same alternating between PJs private suite and the apartment.
Woody though had not moved from his fathers side, it was like he was a guardian, in Woody's mind his father couldn't go anywhere if he was here watching over him, he'd refused to leave, Jacqueline had been sent back to the apartment to rest, she was now close to her due date, but Woody stayed put, 'I'll rest when I know he's okay, not before', no one was going to argue, it wouldn't have mattered, he wouldn't have listened.
It was over 2 weeks, PJ had seemed to stir, only to lapse into sleep again, but that day as Lenny and Woody sat talking, he'd turned his head towards Lenny, he didn't open his eyes, but they would swear he said her name, then he was asleep again.
Woody's brothers and sister had come back to the hospital bringing Jacqueline who hugged Woody, reassuring him she was okay.
Woody had leaned in close to whisper in his fathers ear, he'd been doing it on a regular basis for two weeks, there hadn't been any response but that didn't matter, Woody wouldn't give up, and suddenly he got a shock.
Everyone in the room fell silent, every face turned to the prone figure in the bed.
It was only one word but it was a response, it sounded like 'Sorry'.
Woody saw his fathers lips were dry, he'd placed the straw between his lips and it was like a lifeline had been attached, his father sucked water and almost hummed.
At just that point a doctor entered the suite and took the straw from PJs lips, telling them how to give him what he wanted so as not to cause problems.
Woody continued placing the straw to his fathers lips for a few seconds every minute or so, in between he bent low by his fathers ear and whispered.
"Poppa it's Woody, can you hear me?, what did you want to tell me?, squeeze my hand if you hear me".
They were all ecstatic as they watched the movement of PJs hand on Woody's as he squeezed.
He croaked out a few sounds, "Soyee Woowy, l lu u, elm pees"
There was silence in the room as Woody pondered what his father was trying to say, putting the straw back to his fathers lips.
"I've got it, I know what he's saying, Poppa squeeze my hand if I'm right, you want me to take the helm".
PJ squeezed as hard and as many times as he could.
"Okay Poppa, no problem, I'm already in place, I made you a promise, so relax, I'm keeping your chair warm for you, and if you dare to apologise again I swear I'll slap you, sick bed or no sick bed".
PJ hadn't opened his eyes, but it didn't matter, they all saw the smile as he lapsed back into sleep.
His doctors had run a barrage of tests over the two weeks since he'd been admitted.
Beth, Dave, Billy, Julia, Josh and Bryan had been with Lenny when the doctors had presented their initial findings.
PJ had suffered a double blow, a massive heart attack and a simultaneous stroke.
For the first few hours the doctors told them they seriously doubted he could survive, it was probable that his heart would fail of its own accord, and then came the dreaded question, should they try to resuscitate or not, Lenny had been in a fog, her precious PJ on the verge of death.
But survived he had, in a coma, but he was alive, Lenny and the others were silent as they waited for Woody, Pete and Pauly to arrive.
When Woody, Pauly, Pete, Reece and Jacqueline arrived the doctors had repeated their findings, but to their dismay, this time they didn't get quite the same response.
Woody stood up to leave the office they'd been ushered into, intending to get back to his fathers bedside.
"Rubbish, my father is most certainly not going to die, don't ever dare to exhibit this negative attitude again, and don't send anyone into that room with anything other than positive thoughts, unless you want them to come back out head first, plan his recovery, use this time wisely while he is resting, because I assure you, he will recover, it may be a while, but he will recover, and when he does he'll be as prickly as a bear, he'll need to be helped back to full health as quickly as possible, because I guarantee, none of you will want him, or me, here for very long, and I'm here for as long as he is".
Woody had been right.
After languishing in a coma for more than two weeks, PJ made slow but steady progress back to the world of the living.
Thankfully, the stroke had done no discernible damage, but the doctors warned without pulling any punches, his heart was damaged, the large pumping chamber had suffered badly, he would certainly feel the effects of exertion, he must heed the signs in future if he wanted to avoid another attack, there would be no chance of returning to his work for at least six months, he must rest.
With PJ on the mend Woody had finally bowed to pressure and gone back to the apartment, where, in their room, sat head bowed on their bed Jacqueline held him tight as he cried like a baby, the first tears he'd shed since arriving at the hospital two weeks earlier, his steely resolve had finally crumbled, he'd allowed himself, in private, in Jacqueline's safe embrace, to acknowledge he'd almost lost his precious Poppa.
At Woodruff next morning he penned a brief email to staff and the press worldwide.
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A Message from Woody.
'I'm ba-ack guys'.
He's on the mend folks!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, my father, your Chairman, PJ Thorn, after a little over two weeks in a coma, is finally conscious, he's on the mend.
Two weeks ago my father suffered a massive heart attack and stroke simultaneously, in that two weeks, I, my mother and my brothers and sister have been strengthened by all of your messages of love.
Well he's awake now, and yes, he's already holding me to account.
Three years ago I relinquished my position on the Woodruff Board, expressly against the wishes of my father, but, at that time I did make a solemn promise, if there were ever a need, I would return, I am reminded, it seems, the time to honour that promise has come to fruition.
My father has requested that I take the helm, become Chairman until he can resume his duties.
His medical team have dictated that he must not be involved in any work related matters and must have complete rest for a minimum of six months whereupon they will re access the situation.
I am choosing not to follow exactly the path my father has requested.
Using my powers of attorney as granted, and in the position of Chairman at this time, I am today asking Josh Hartnet to vacate his role as Vice Chairman and assume the role of Chairman Woodruff Corporate and all of its subsidiaries, further I am asking Bryan Fielding to assume the role of Vice Chairman.
WFC, although under Woodruff Corporate ownership, operates as a totally separate division which, under and attributable solely to the hard work and expert guidance of, William Fielding Snr, is a magnificently successful division.
I am today asking William Fielding Snr to vacate the position of President WFC and promoting him to the position of Chairman WFC, I am creating a Vice Chairman position within WFC which the new Chairman will be responsible for filling.
I will be asking both of the new Vice Chairmen to establish a Chair Committee comprising of an additional three persons which the Vice Chairman will head, this Chair Committee will deal with the everyday tasks normally expected of the Chairman leaving the Chairman to focus on the overall performance of the company.
I will shortly be announcing a similar structural change for Woodruff Banking.
I have taken this route because I feel our Chairmen should be at the helm, guiding the ship, (excuse the pun) not swabbing the decks.
When my father returns he will take up a supervisory role over the entire Woodruff/WFC/Woodruff Banking structure.
This positional restructuring leaves vacant the post of President North American Operations Woodruff Leisure.
I am intending to ask someone to assume this role who three years ago I expressly denied a similar role, someone I didn't believe had the leadership qualities required by both our staff and our guests, my opinion has now changed, I have listened to you (the true lifeblood of Woodruff/WFC/Woodruff Banking) and you tell me he has changed, very much for the better, as you know, I listen to and trust your opinions, therefore I am pleased to ask Will Fielding Jnr, to take on this role.
There could be mutterings of nepotism, I dare say there will be, but that will be only by the ignorant and ill informed, anyone who actually knows and trusts me will understand, nepotism doesn't exist in my world, you either cut it or you don't, it's that simple.
The aforementioned posts will leave me to assume the role I occupied all those years ago before I left Woodruff, to examine and investigate projects, to advise and steer Woodruff on a safe course.
I will take the role, Executive Adviser to the Chairmen, there will be no salary or remuneration attached to my role, I am performing a service for my fathers benefit whilst he is unavailable, upon his return, it will be his choice to evaluate and retain or retire my services.
To each and every one of you that gave us your love and best wishes, on behalf of my mother, my brothers and sister, but most of all from my father, sincerely, thank you.
God bless to all.
Woody Thorn Favourite Son of PJ and Lenny Thorn, (Lol). (May the Lord help me when my siblings read this)
P.S. I've reinstated 'askWoody@woodruff.com
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Woody had called an emergency Board Meeting and as all of the Board Members had gravitated to New York as soon as PJ's condition became apparent, everyone was present.
He'd asked his brothers and sister along with Bryan and Billy Fielding to join them, then surprising everyone, Will Fielding was also asked to be present.
Taking the Chairmans seat Woody called the meeting to order.
"Ladies and gentlemen thank you for attending today.
My father, your Chairman, has requested a particular task of me and I cannot comply without your approval.
Is your approval required legally?, no, but in order that this business, this company, continues as it always has, your approval would be appreciated.
You are all family in my eyes and therefore you will already know why we are here.
My father, your Chairman has asked that I assume the role of Chairman in the interim, whilst he is incapacitated.
I have considered his request and have decided against doing exactly what he wanted, though I feel he will agree with my plans.
There will be changes, some people will be giving up their positions, some moving position, there will be at least one position vacant and I will be taking up a temporary position until my father is back to full health, at which time we can re-evaluate the situation".
Around the table some were nodding, some were looking puzzled, one in particular was looking decidedly down.
Will rose from his seat.
"I'll save you some time Woody, I resign, I'll leave now, I should have known, however much I tried to change, show I was sorry, you wouldn't accept me".
Will had started for the door when Woody spoke.
"Do you honestly think I would ask you here today just to publicly humiliate you Will?, if you do then by all means leave, otherwise please sit back down".
Will could be seen giving it thought before he resumed his seat allowing Woody to continue.
"As I said there will be changes, I want what we agree today to be the catalyst for even greater change.
I fully believe my fathers current condition is a result of the years spent in this seat, we cannot allow that to happen again, the person occupying this seat, or seats, must have much better support from the people around this table.
I have prepared an employee information release which will double as a press release, rather than bore you with my droning on I'll let you read it".
The secretary passed copies of Woody's memo around the table.
There was an initial silence as everyone read the memo, punctuated by giggles and open laughter, then a 'Bloody Hell', and finally from Will, "Oh fuck, now I've got to apologise again".
Beth spoke up, "Save it Will, when we finish with Mr Favourite there won't be much worth apologising to", the assembled company, including Woody burst into laughter.
When the laughter subsided Woody went on.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I meant what I said earlier, in the past we have relied upon the person occupying the Chairmans post to be the decision maker, problem solver, networker, business gatherer, well that has to change, this chair is a hard and lonely place, I aim to change that, my first project will be to design a Chair Committee, it will present its findings with recommendations to the Chairman for decision-making, leaving the Chairman free to attend to other issues".
He paused.
"And now I need your input, you've heard what I want to do, the changes I want to implement, firstly if anyone I've mentioned doesn't want to accept the role I've outlined please speak up now".
The room was completely silent.
"So, I'm pleased to say, it would appear I now need your approval, would someone please second my recommendations as a motion, we can then get to a vote, I will say that for today only, and legally administered, I have divided my parents share voting block between my siblings, with the exception of myself, I will not vote".
The motion, second, and subsequent vote, carried all of Woody's proposals.
As the meeting ended refreshments were carried in and set out.
Back at the apartment, whilst his mother was visiting with his father, Woody found himself surrounded by his siblings, Billy and Bryan Fielding and Josh.
Josh asked why he'd not taken the Chairmans role, Billy Fielding wanted to know why Woody had felt the need to elevate him to Chairman, Pauly asked why he'd insisted they (his siblings) vote instead of Woody.
As they were relaxed with drinks, sitting with his arm around a very uncomfortable Jacqueline, he set out to explain, but just as he did, a face appeared in the doorway, one which caused him to frown.
Woody had some really conflicted feelings seeing the person who'd appeared, but he knew he had to do something as the face retreated back towards the exit.
"Will, I'm glad you could make it, I was just about to explain my actions today and you feature in that explanation so grab a drink and settle down".
He'd effectively told Will he was welcome, it hurt a little to do it, but he knew Will deserved it, he'd changed, he'd humbled himself to prove he'd changed, to ignore that change would have made Woody a spiteful hypocrite, and that he wasn't.
"Where to start, Uncle Billy, I think I gave you the reason already when I said you were the one, the only one, responsible for the phenomenal success of WFC, you've built it, and from scratch I might add, you've been Chairman from day one, it's time we all acknowledged your achievement".
Billy was beaming, "That's why you're my favourite nephew".
The laughter was loud and continuous with Woody's siblings slapping both him and Billy.
"Uncle Josh, your question, why didn't I take the Chairmans role, that's easy, I don't have the knowledge you have, I have so much more to learn and I have commitments elsewhere which I cannot shirk, it would be unfair, so I looked at you as the person who had trained for just this situation, for years you've performed the role in the shadows, it's fitting and proper that you occupy the Chair".
Josh was beaming as well, "I agree with Billy, you're my favourite too".
Again uproarious laughter and more slapping.
"Bryan, oh Bryan you are so going to hate me, you see I want you to form the committee to deal with the crap that normally lands on Josh's desk, then I want you to be the bridge to Josh, it won't be easy, you have to make him accessible, approachable, but protect him from the daily crap that bogs him down, no easy task, sorry".
Bryan was looking glum, "I disagree with Billy and Josh, I think I could easily hate you".
Again uproarious laughter, but this time no slapping.
Will looked apprehensive, he guessed he might be next.
"I reckon it's time you and I did some plain speaking Will, I meant what I said today, I'm sorry, I didn't realise until afterwards that I had publicly advertised our spat without your approval".
Will wasn't smiling but he wasn't looking down now either, it seemed he was pleased that Woody was at least talking to him.
"Seems to me Woody, if anyone didn't know we'd had problems after you used me as a human cannon ball to demolish several plate glass windows, they'd have to be a little slow, don't you reckon?".
Everyone laughed.
"Yeh, I guess you're right there, I meant what I said today Will, our guests are important, but our employees, the men, women, boys and girls who work for us, work alongside us, they are just as, if not even more important, they are the lifeblood of this company, they deserve to be treated well and from what they tell me, the leopard has been able to change its spots, you've earned your reward, but remember who gave it to you, not me, I only put you where they wanted you to be, it's to them you owe your gratitude, don't be afraid to show it".
Will was trembling as if on the verge of tears when Woody rose from his seat and beckoned both Will and Billy to follow him into his fathers office, closing the door behind them.
Will spoke then, when they were alone and seated on the sofas.
"You're wrong Woody, you have given me this, and god knows why after what I did, I've thanked God so many times that you were in the Boardroom that day to finally put an end to my antics, okay you were a little brutal, but in all honesty it was nothing compared to the realisation that my parents loved me, but didn't really like me. That day it took my Dad to show me, just by asking you a simple question, you are so honourable you would have suffered a prison sentence rather than lie and lose my fathers respect. You started the change in me that day and for that I'll always be grateful".
He stopped and there was silence, neither Woody nor Billy said anything, sensing there was more.
"I'm sorry Woody, you were my friend, I treated you badly, but above all I caused the end of a life that was precious, I'll never get over that, I see Rosy all the time, she was so sweet, so trusting, I was cruel, I owe it to her to be the best person possible, to help others, it's what I'm trying to do. I can't bring her back but I keep her alive in my memory".
Woody understood now, "You send the flowers don't you?, for the last three years, the groundsman told me they come every week with instructions to place them neatly on Rosy's grave".
Will was nodding.
"It's not a lot but if she can see them she'll know she's remembered and she deserves that".
Woody realised it was time to put the past behind them.
"As soon as Poppa is able to travel I'm taking him and Momma back to Montclair, they both need some rest, most of the family have already agreed to come out during the summer, you're welcome if you can make it Will, it goes without saying you're always welcome Uncle Billy".
As they were talking, Beth popped her head into the office, "You might want to cut this meeting short Woody, Jacqueline's waters just broke".
Typical of Thorn men, Woody was a bag of nerves, mustered along by a completely in control Jacqueline as their limousine whisked them to Cedars.
Woody had reserved a suite on the off chance that Jacqueline could possibly give birth whilst in New York.
A little over three hours later Woody witnessed once again the miracle of birth as his son Paul Jaque Montclair-Thorn came into the world screaming like a banshee and not settling until Woody held him, whereupon he sighed and dozed off to sleep, a sign of things to come.
Three weeks after the birth of Paul, Woody despatched everyone back to Montclair by plane to get ready for the arrival of his father and young Paul.
PJs medical team had refused to entertain the idea of him flying so soon after his attacks but Woody, true to form, had not been thrown, he'd just readjusted their travel arrangements, or as he put it, ' We are returning to Montclair, how we do it will be interesting'.
Woody, Jacqueline, Roslyn and Paul along with two nannies, plus PJ, Lenny and two nurses took several suites on the Queen Mary II out of New York, they enjoyed a leisurely cruise across the Atlantic to Southampton England.
At Southampton Mrs Albright was waiting to welcome them with a fleet of Rolls Royce limousines and they were whisked off to their London home where they would stay for one week.
Their onward journey had everyone fascinated as the train hurtled through the Channel Tunnel taking them from England to France.
In Paris there was one change of train before they were again hurtling towards Montclair in the South of France.
The morning after they arrived at Montclair PJ had been settled in a comfortable seat on the lawn under a shade when Woody joined him.
They sat in complete silence for a while, each enjoying the stunning scenery before PJ spoke.
"I tried to tell you I was sorry Woody, in the hospital, when I was coming out of that awful fog, I had this urgent need to tell you I was sorry, before it was too late, but you just brushed it off, I am you know, really sorry, I've berated myself so many times since that day, even now I don't know what came over me, I was angry but I didn't know why, I picked you as a target, it was wrong on so many levels, I actually cried for the first time in a very long long time the day you left, it felt like my whole world was caving in, I think that was the start of my troubles, I rarely slept well after that day".
Woody leaned in, his head on his fathers shoulder, he didn't speak the contact was enough and besides, PJ hadn't finished.
"It's too much now Woody, I can finally understand why my Gramps was so grateful when Celia took over running the Corporate Offices, it's not just tiring, it's completely draining, it sucks the life out of you, it's never ending. I've been Chairman for twenty five years, I'm not sure I even want to go back".
This time Woody answered.
"I heard you well enough, when you apologised, but as I told you then, if you do it again I'll have to slap you. You're my Poppa, I love you, you can do no wrong".
They sat silent for a while, Both immersed in thought before Woody spoke again.
"Imagine if you hadn't had your little flip out, what would be missing from my life, Jacqueline, Roslyn, Paul, Montclair, and missing from Pete's life, Jaque, don't get me wrong, I ran because you hurt me, so badly, it was like salt in an open wound to have you so angry and vehemently displeased with me, my only thought was to get away, but ultimately, you gave me a gift I would never choose to be without, this life at Montclair".
They were silent again just resting with Woody's head on PJs shoulder.
"I understand I need to take the helm some day, that doesn't worry me, I have a plan to devolve power to several bases so that when you or I return, it will only be as a figurehead, no more".
Another silence then PJ spoke.
"I toyed with the idea of recommending a flotation, what would you think of that?".
To PJs surprise Woody didn't object, "Actually you're not the only one who has thought of that".
"I remember some years ago you were explaining to me how you felt when great gramps died, as you were explaining I could see how much it still hurt to think or talk about it, but I didn't really get it".
When Rosy died I was mostly angry that she had taken her own life, I still feel that way, even though I miss her, I'm angry that she would take her own life out of a sense of vanity, an inability to face what people might think of her, how they would judge her".
Woody was quiet for a moment, thinking before he went on.
"When that call came from Pip, I thought you were going to die, as I listened to her on the phone I felt the air being sucked out of my body, for what seemed like the longest time I couldn't breathe, I was looking at potentially the biggest loss I'd ever had to face, and I didn't know how I'd cope, on the flight over from France to New York, I was terrified you'd be dead when I arrived, in those few hours I actually hated Woodruff with a vengeance, but I now understand how you feel about losing great gramps, you mean that much to me".
Woody stopped to think, PJ could see the tears on his face.
"I sincerely believe, if you had died I would have forced a flotation and rid myself of any ties to Woodruff, I would never have forgiven it for taking you away from me.
PJ didn't interrupt he could see Woody was mid way through a thought process.
"I'm not sure we haven't gotten too big to be managed effectively by one family, I'm looking at a flotation and I'm also looking at recommending a break up into autonomous divisions, still under the Woodruff Corporate Banner but self governing".
Another lull before he spoke again but this time more energetically.
"Actually would you make that your mission for the next few days?, just think of the pros and cons of both ideas, then come back to me, it will help to have another take on both subjects".
After PJ had retired that evening, most of the adults were sitting on the terrace when Lenny spoke, "I know what you're doing Woody".
Woody knew exactly what his mother was referring to but instead elected to play dumb.
"I'm sorry Momma, you have me at a disadvantage, I don't understand".
Lenny was smiling as were most of the others when Pete spoke this time.
"I'm guessing the price of bacon has gone up because a pig just flew over your head Woody".
Woody just smiled, Pauly was next to speak.
"Don't be modest Woody, we know what you're doing to get Poppa's mind active again, you're making him think he's helping you, keeping him involved, not just coddling him like the rest of us, I think what we all wanted to say was thanks Woody, well done Bro".
Woody laughed.
I'm performing a service, can you imagine if Poppa decided to retire and get under Momma's feet all day, he'd be in a box and she'd be in the slammer accused of murder, Beth and Jacqueline would be baking caked with files in them, though I suspect Pete and Pauly would be fighting to apply the pink icing".
They all laughed at his joke.
"Seriously, excuse the mixed metaphors, without a purpose he'd be like a bear with a sore butt, so I'm leading the horse to water and encouraging it to drink, actually I hope I'm making it too attractive to turn down the drink".
And so the summer rolled on, most of them stayed at Montclair for the summer months, jetting back and forth as required but happy to be at Montclair.
Woody had a date of September 1st to present his recommendations to the Woodruff Board, PJ and Lenny had decided to attend however PJ chose not to revoke the power of attorney held by Woody giving him permission to do as he saw fit.
Would this be a turning point for Woodruff?.
TBC
ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.