Y2K

Rebecca Stone was now in a nursing home. Jacob's efforts as her caregiver and advocate were tireless. Ira and Michael found it easier to visit when Jacob was not their. Jacob and Ira's relationship had degraded to nearly non existant. Ira chose to focus on work rather than his relationship with his Father. Nothing gets you over drama like more drama!

One of Ira's clients, Security Pacific Bank, was working round the clock in preparation for midnight on December 31, 1999. It was believed that the entire computer revolution might crash.  This is when the clocks inside the computers will turn the abbreviated year "99" to "00."  The computers will read it as the year 1900.  It will cause the computer to malfunction. 

Security Pacific's biggest concern was that It may also mess up the bank accounts. Their customers may not get the right amount of money back when they withdraw money after the year 2000.  This problem is called the "millennium bug" the "year 2000 bug" or the "Y2K bug." 

Additionally, the lights might fail, or the factories might shut down because of the Y2K bug.   To fix the Y2K bug, it could reach up to $300,000,000,000 to $600,000,000,000.  Until the year 2000, no one knew exactly what would happen when the computers think its the year 1900. Luckily all the preparation paid off. When the New Year was ushered in, it was a happy and safe one.

Life Can Change in a Second, Part 2

Jacob went to get the mail while Rebecca was enjoying a cup of tea. Upon his return, she was on the floor. Her whole body was shaking with tremors. It almost looked as though she was having another stroke. "Becca, Rebecca," Jacob Shouts, "Not again!" Dialing 911, "I need an ambulance!"

Ira picks up the phone, "I'm leaving now." "What's wrong?" Michael asked. "It's Mom!" Both ran to the car and left within seconds.

Upon arrival, Ira and Michael found Jacob with his face cupped by his hands, sobbing. "Dad...." Ira gently placed is hand on Jacob's shoulder. "I've lost her..."

The doctor came to the waiting room. "Only one can visit Mrs. Stone at a time. Before you go in, you need to know there is severe brain damage. Her stroke last year really compromised her Neural Pathways and this Seizure took it's tole on her. We won't know her prognosis for at least 72 hours. All we can do now is wait."

"Dad, Michael and I will wait here while you go in to see Mom." "I can't take this - will you go in?" And with a simple nod, Ira followed the doctor to his Mother's bed.

All Ira could do is hold her hand. Her eyes were closed, she was as pale as a ghost, and didn't make even the slightest movements. After about a half hour, he walked out to his Father. "She's peaceful Dad. Do you want to see her now?" I can't, I just can't." The three of them sat there for hours until the sun set. Ira and Michael suggested getting a bite to eat, but Jacob would not leave. "What if your Mother needs me?" "We'll pick you up something and be back soon.

Upon their return, the doctor was talking with Jacob. "We are preparing your Wife's room and she will be transfered in about a half an hour..." "Dad, try to eat something..." Jacob grabbed the package and just held it. "I asked God to watch over your Mother, that I would take anyway I can get her..." God answered Jacob's prayers, Rebecca survived. But in the years to come, he would regret that request.