One More Time

Love ‘N’ Harts

PART 3

When we last left our story, Jim was recovering from a “mysterious illness”, and he and Jean were looking forward to the opportunity of resting. Even though they had decided they would not do any major tours for the next five years, they really weren't doing a lot of “resting”. Doing shows on short engagement dates and special appearances, they were enjoying spending more time at home and getting to really know the younger children. They were also involved in some of the children's activities and being able to be "real" people.
The "younger" children were not really all that young now. Janet and Patricia were both in high school and involved with the Flag Corps and in choir. Georgia was in middle school and in the choir. Mikey just celebrated his tenth birthday and, in addition to singing, playing drums and guitar, was more interested in the production side of music. With all the children's activities, Jean and Jim were attending numerous school functions – football games with the older girls, then choir activities for all three girls and Mikey.
Jeannie and Jimmy and The Harts were nominated for and won several awards including the American Music Award, Grammy and People's Choice Awards. When time allowed and because all were very talented and musically creative, they wrote several songs: Jean and Jim individually, together, and some with Paul. They also recorded three albums: one each solo and then one together, all which were completely self-penned. They filmed several videos and did the show close to the Dallas area, as well as starring in a Movie-of-the-Week. During the first summer "off", because she was physically run-down, Jean contracted mononucleosis. It took several months for her to completely recuperate.
We pick up our story a year-and-a-half after Jim's illness and a year after Jean's. It is just at the beginning of the summer vacation from school. Jim has recently completed directing a major motion picture. Jean, having completely recovered from her illness, had a cameo part in it, and Jim was now occupied with getting it ready for release. Needless to say, they stayed busy even without touring. They were as always enjoying their time, not only with the children, but with each other and were still very close and very much in love.

[-1-]

"Mom, are you awake?" Mikey called from the side of the pool.
"No, I'm sound asleep," Jean lazily answered from her lounge.
"No, seriously, I wanted to talk to you about something I've been thinking about," Mikey began as he climbed out.
"Oh, dear, that could be dangerous!" Jean teased as she turned over and adjusted her lounge to sitting up. Then seeing the serious look on Mikey's face, continued, "What have you been thinking about that could be so serious, Babe?"
"Are we going to go anywhere this summer… for vacation or anything?" he asked while drying off before sitting down.
"Why?"
"Oh, I don't know. It just seems so strange to be home during the summer," he stated. "You know, you guys toured, and we were with you every summer for as long as I can remember -- well, except for the summer after that wreck and then the past year or so. I realize Dad needed to get over whatever that was he had and then you had mono and both of you really deserved a rest, but…"
"But, what?"
"But nothing has happened since to keep us home, and to be honest, I'm bored staying home," Mikey confessed. Then quickly added, "I know you two are not going to do any long tours and only go out on short trips, like a week or so at a time, but you know what I mean. Are we going to do something as a family? You know, go somewhere, do the vacation bit."
Jean looked at him and saw how he was very serious in his questions. After studying him a minute, she asked, "How big do you mean when you say 'family'? After all, there are a lot of us when we all get together. Or do you mean just those at home, the six of us?"
"Either and or both, I guess," Mikey answered after thinking it over. "I hadn't thought about how many, just doing something… somewhere."
"Do you have anything special in mind?" Jean asked as she got up and got them both some lemonade. "Also, how can you be bored? You've only been out of school three days."
"Thanks," Mikey said, taking the glass from Jean's hand. "I didn't mean that I was bored bored, just bored from staying home during the summer… does that make sense?"
"All too much," Jean answered, looking at him. Then with a light chuckle and a shake of her head, she sat back down.
"What?" Mikey asked.
"Oh, I was just thinking how much alike you and your Dad are… always kinda 'antsy', always wanting to be on the go. Janet and Patricia remind me so much of your mother, where you and Georgia are a lot like your dad. Back to what you were talking about; on a selfish side, I have to admit I'm enjoying being home and getting to really know each of you kids. Up until last summer, it was always so fast paced from… long before your Dad and I married… actually, since way before you were born. I really hadn't had time to truly get to know you guys. Well, except for the time we were home after the wreck, and I wasn't too much fun to be around a lot of the time… then this past year-and-a-half. I really do love and care about all you guys, you do know that, don't you?" Jean asked, reaching over and taking his hand.
"Of course we know that, Mom," Mikey answered. Then added, "Just between you and me, I have always considered you to be my mother.”