CHOICE Scenario #4 "Oh Give Me A Home"
The scene takes place in the suburban home of Kevin and Sharon Palmer. Kevin is a computer
programmer and Sharon works for the local arts council. Their children are Kevin Jr. who is
19 and in college and Mason, who is 11 years old and exceptionally bright. A few years ago,
Sharon's father became ill after her mother passed away. The families decided to tough it
out and take him in. It was a financial hardship but it kept the family close.
After the
Palmers enjoyed some good years of prosperity, Kevin's mom also faced serious
illness.
Kevin and his mother are very close. They contacted his older sister, Gwen Miles, and her husband Sonny. Sonny was a patrolman
for 22 years until a bullet to his right knee forced him into early retirement. He and Gwen
met on the force during her rookie year and fell in love.
Kevin and Sharon also
contacted his middle brother, Andrew, and his wife Jody. Andrew is a football coach of a small southern college and his wife Jody
does well selling real estate in Atlanta. They are considered the "absentee" members of the
family who almost never call or write, with the exception of Christmas cards every year. They decided
that the other siblings were "better equipped to handle the problem."
After a deal was struck, Kevin and Sharon decided to give it another try. Sonny
and Gwen pitch in with help on insurance and food, and Kevin and Sharon handle the live-in
responsibilities.
While Gwen has enjoyed a promotion from forensic specialist to head of the department's local
Crime Scene Investigative unit, her husband has been working at their private butcher store.
Their jobs have been going well.
Not so for Kevin and Sharon; there have been cutbacks at Sharon's
business, and Kevin hasn't had a raise in years. Last night mom had a serious seizure. This
means possible around the clock home healthcare. Under pressure, the Palmers have invited the Miles
over for a family cookout, which must turn into a family meeting.
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