A LIFE’S TRAGEDY
Chapter Thirteen
I will sum up the next few years
now, seeing as I am running out of time so very quickly.
The honeymoon was amazing, of
course. We returned home nearly a month later. Only nine months later,
Catherine gave birth to our first child, Caledon Hockley, Jr. He brought so
much joy to our lives. Melissa helped in every way she could.
My father passed on the next
year. I inherited his millions, of course. I won’t lie. Money always seemed to
make things better. I showered Catherine, Melissa, and little Caledon with
everything they wanted. Everything was perfect.
Catherine and I never fought,
like everyone thought would happen. In 1920, I got the news that Rose had a
starring role in a motion picture show. I was so very proud of her, as was
Catherine.
Jack became known for his art
worldwide. He and Rose led a rich life, from what I gather. I never saw them
again after we returned from our honeymoon.
In 1924, Catherine and I were
blessed with our second child, Madeleine Dawn. She was beautiful, just like her
mother. Melissa moved out of our home, marrying a wealthy man by the name of
Paul Smith. He owned part of the railroad.
For five more years, Catherine
and I lived in what seemed a magical fairytale world with our two children,
filled with yachts and galas--all the fine things in life. Making each day
count, as Jack had so appropriately put it.
It wasn’t until this year, 1929,
that I once again learned what emptiness and despair are. This past August,
Catherine became very ill. Her heart was older than she, obviously. I got her
the best doctors money could buy. I stayed by her side at the hospital, holding
her hand as the life slowly faded from her.
Oh, how my heart ached for her
then, as it does now. I lost my soulmate there in that hospital, my life, my
love, my Catherine.
I asked myself, "Why?"
hundreds of times. Never did I get an answer.
After her funeral, I returned
home, which now seemed so completely empty. My children were a great comfort. I
know that, and I’m thankful I have them.
I went on, trying to salvage my
life, though it seemed like it had ended.
Only days ago, I received news I
couldn’t handle alone, a day I feared would come. And without Catherine, I
didn’t have the strength to face it, to accept it.
My accountant informed me that
because of the stock market crash on Wall Street, my money was gone. I had
nothing--only my children, who I didn’t know how to take care of now. October
28, 1929 was a day I would never forget.
It’s now November fifth, a week
later. I am already feeling the loss. I can’t take it. I’ve sent the children
to stay with Melissa. They can’t be here now.
As I walked home this morning,
before I wrote down my story for you, I spotted a man on the street. He sold
stolen merchandise. A thief, and a poor excuse for a human being. I approached
him, handing him all the money I had with me. This wasn’t all the money I had.
I still had some, but I couldn’t handle being poor.
He handed me the silver,
pearl-handled pistol. It lays here on my desk as I write this to you.
I pray this finds someone, so
you’ll know my story, know my life, my loves. I leave you with one bit of
advice. Money does not make the man, but it can easily break him.
Search for your love. Forget
about money, even if you feel you have more than you’ll ever need. It could
easily disappear before your very eyes.
To my darling children, I love
you so much. Mind Melissa. She’ll take excellent care of you.
To Jack and Rose, wherever you
are, you’ll never know what either of you has truly meant to me. I wish you all
the luck and happiness that you deserve.
To anyone reading this, live each
day to it’s fullest potential. Never pass up a chance to live, to love, and be
loved in return.
I leave you now with the best
words ever spoken to me. I didn’t see it when they were first spoken. Now I do.
Take life as it comes at you.
You never know what hand you’re going to get dealt next. Life is a gift. Don’t
waste it. Make each and every day count.
Sincerely,
Caledon Hockley
November 5, 1929
The End.