Work Text:
Jack arrives home from the day shift he picked up. It’s a rare occurrence, for him to be at the hospital while the sun is up, but one of the other attendings needed a favor and he was in a particularly good mood. He was still a little mad that the day shift he picked up fell on one of the few days where Robby was off, but getting home by 7:30 pm meant he got to eat with his family, hangout with his kids, and spend the evening on the couch reading medical journals while his loving husband massaged his stump and foot absentmindedly, paying more attention to the tv. It was a routine he hadn’t experienced in a few months, usually Robby and him saw each other for 20 minutes max at handoff before they were both running their separate ways.
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“I’m home” Jack yelled into the house as he slipped his shoes off and hung his backpack on his designated hook.
“In here babe” Robby yelled from the dining room
Jack slowly makes his way into the dining room, his leg is hurting a little more the normal. Probably just the result of the crazy shift he had where he only had the chance to sit for 3 minutes.
“Hey guys, what’s for dinner?” Jack said as he entered the room
“ I ordered Mexican from that restaurant you like”
“Ohh is it my birthday or something?”
“Just sit down please” Robby pleas
“Don’t have to tell me twice” Jack says
Jack takes his normal seat at the table and grabs his burrito from the bag.
“Dad, did you see anything cool at work today?” Emery asks
“Uhmmmm, yeah. There was a guy who had a tree branch stuck in his head”
“Jack, can we please keep the work talk G friendly. We are trying to eat”
“Don’t act like you aren’t curious”
“Never said I wasn’t I just asked that we not talk about it while we are eating. We can discuss the tree and any other crazy cases after dinner”
“If abba isn’t going to ask, I will. How did it happen?”
“Well Beau, since you asked, the kid was riding a motorcycle without a helmet on and crashed. This is one of the many reasons, I don’t like donorcyles or people who don’t take the proper safety measures”
“Life lessons brought to you by Dr. Jack Abbot” Ellie jokes
“Yeah. Don’t run with knives, wear your seatbelt, no motorcycles, and NEVER ride a hoverboard” Scottie adds
“Sorry, that I want you all to be safe” Jack says looking around the table and rolling his eyes
“Not to change the subject from your dad’s day or his wise words, but I received an email today that I think we need to talk about as a family.” Robby says with a serious tone, making everyone stop eating to look at him
Jack is especially confused because usually if something happens with the kids that warrants an email home, they tell each other, so they can have a united front for family meetings. That is not the case right now though and Jack is going in blind to this conversation, something he doesn’t like to do. He would prefer to get his initial reaction out of the way before talking to his kids, but he has no other choice right now.
Robby clear his throat and starts reading: “Good evening and I hope this email finds you well. I would like to inform everyone that our very own Emergency Medicine attending, Dr. Jonathan Abbot……” Jack drops his face into his hand knowing the exact email Robby is reading, it’s the same one that came to his inbox on his drive home. He knew about the award, but hasn’t told anyone yet. ……………..”has won the prestigious James D. Mills Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of Emergency Medicine. He will be honored and presented with this award at the annual hospital fundraising gala. As a reminder all PTMC staff is highly encouraged to attend, but the attendance of all attending and department chiefs is REQUIRED.”
“OMG DAD THAT’S AMAZING” Ellie screams
“Yeah, dad, congrats!” Beau says patting Jack on his shoulder
“WOOOOOO” Emery adds
“YAYYYYYYY” Scottie yells
“Congrats Babe” Robby says smiling at Jack
“Thanks guys!” Jack says shyly clearly blushing at the attention
“When is the gala? I know you guys have to go so I can watch the twins” Ellie asks
“It’s in two weeks, but no need to watch the twins. We are all going to go and support your dad”
“Wait, really?!?!” Ellie asks
“Yeah, I think it will be fun”
“Dad do you have to make a speech?” Beau asks looking at Jack who is silently staring ahead.
“Yeah, he does” Robby says answering for him
“Can I wear a sparkly dress?” Scottie says bouncing with excitement
“Can I wear a bow tie?” Emery says with wide eyes
“Yes to both. We will get outfits together when all of us are off on Saturday”
The rest of dinner passed with excitement from the kids surrounding Jack’s award. Robby was answering a lot of questions about the gala and who was going to be there. Jack just sat quietly at the end of the table, clearly in his head. Robby decided he wouldn’t push while the kids were there, he would ask later.
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“Hey, I brought you ice cream?” Robby says coming into the living room to sit next to Jack on the couch
“Thanks, but why?”
“To celebrate your award. I’m really proud of you” Robby says leaning to press his lips to Jack’s
“Ugh, stop with the award. It’s nothing”
“Babe, no it’s not.”
“I don’t want to go to the gala.”
“Jack, what’s going on? Also, how long have you known you won it?” Robby says as he sits down putting Jack’s legs in his lap and running his hands up and down his calf.
“Mike, I found out 2 weeks ago. I have no interest in going up in front of a room of people and making a speech. I don’t think I deserve the award. I would really appreciate if you could talk to Gloria about letting me get out of it. Plus, I don’t want our kids to watch me get all flustered and stutter my way through a speech.”
“First off, you 100% deserve this award and I won’t listen to you say otherwise. I can’t believe you have known for that long and didn’t tell me. Second, I will help you write the speech. Third, no way Gloria lets you out of this. She is using the award as publicity for the hospital and thinks it will draw in a large amount of donors. Fourth, let your kids and I be proud of you. You are an amazing doctor who deserves everything good in this world. I am glad someone is recognizing you. Plus, if I have to go, you are going. You know how much I hate these kinds of things.”
“You hate them, I hate them. So let’s not go”
“Not happening. Now enjoy your ice cream”
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The next two weeks pass in a blur. Jack has been bombarded with congratulations about the award at work. Promises of people attending the gala with anticipation of his speech. The kids outfits are all planned and Robby has been helping him write his remarks, it’s just long enough with humor and an appropriate amount of confidence and humility.
The day of the gala has arrived and the house is bustling with excitement and chaos.
“Hey, Ellie are you almost ready?” Robby asks sticking his head out of his doorway.
“Yeah, just finished curling my hair” Ellie says as she walks out of her bathroom to show Robby her dress. “Do I look okay?”
“You look gorgeous pumpkin” Robby says looking at Ellie wearing her sparkly army green floor length gown. They decided to play into the colors associated with the army (black, gold, and army green) since Jack’s award was being given to him for his efforts at helping Emergency departments across the country better support veterans.
“Abba stop, where’s dad?
“You look really pretty, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise and he’s in the room pacing”
“I’ll go talk to him, while you help the twins get ready”
“Thanks” Robby says kissing Ellie’s forehead
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“Alright Abbots, let’s roll” Robby yells from the front door.
“COMING” Emery yells as he runs down the stairs. He opted for a suit with an army green bowtie.
“Here” Scottie says running out of the playroom. She’s wearing a gold sequined dress
“I’ll head to the car” Beau says walking out the front door. He went with a standard tux with a black bowtie.
“Emery and Scottie please follow Beau”
“‘Kay” They say skipping out the door
“Ellie, where is your dad?”
“Uhmm, he’s still in your room. I tried to calm him down, but he seems to be on the verge of a panic attack”
“Thanks honey, I’ll handle that. Head to the car”
Robby heads upstairs to get Jack. “Hey, babe. We need to get going if we are going to make it to the gala on time”
“Michael, I can’t do this”
“Jack Abbot, yes you can, you’re an awarding winning doctor, a veteran, a devoted father, and an amazing husband. There isn’t anything you can’t do.”
“I can’t make a speech”
“Deep breaths” Robby says as he walks across the room.
“Mike, those suspenders are hot. How ‘bout we skip the gala and I show you just how hot you are in those suspenders”
“Tempting, but we can’t. Both of our presences are required, yours especially.”
“UGHHHHH”
“Let’s go” Robby says dragging Jack out the door. Once they get to the car, Robby whispers in his ear “you can show me how hot the suspenders are after the gala”
Jack just smirks “You’re killing me Robinavitch”
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Jack and Robby arrive at the gala with their kids. Everyone is super excited to be there, except for Jack of course. Robby would normally hate being here, but he is beaming with pride.
“Captain! You all look amazing! Get over there, so I can take a picture of your gorgeous family.” Dana said running over to greet them.
“Thanks Dana!” Robby said giving her a hug. “Alright, crew let’s get a pic before we head in”
“CHEESEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE”
“Congrats Abbot!” Dana says hugging Jack and kissing his cheek
“Thanks, can’t wait for this to be over”
“I believe in you soldier”
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“Dr. Robinavitch. Dr. Abbot. Nice to see you both”
“Hi Gloria”
“Hello”
“Alright, Robby please head in to mingle with the donors. Jack you can follow me backstage”
“I have to come right now, can’t I also mingle?”
“No, Dr. Abbot, you cannot”
“Alright” Jack said resigned
“You’ve got this!” Robby said giving Jack a kiss
“Thanks”
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Robby’s mingling and Jack’s pacing in hallway behind the stage.
“IF EVERYONE CAN PLEASE TAKE THEIR SEATS THE PROGRAM IS ABOUT TO START” plays over the speakers.
“Alright, kiddos let’s take our seats. Aunt Dana is at our table.”
“Hey, abba. I’m going to go check on dad real fast.”
“Alright, Ellie. Thank you!”
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Ellie walks through the door to see Jack pacing and breathing rapidly.
“HEY, HEY dad. Sit down for a second. Look at me” Ellie says running over to Jack and guiding him to the ground. Jack’s chest is heaving, he can’t catch his breath.
“Hey feel my heart, copy my breathing” Ellie says grabbing his hand and placing it on her chest. She has guided her dad through plenty of panic attacks and he’s done the same for her.
After 5 minutes, Jack’s breathing starts to return to normal. “Thanks El. Why are you back here?”
“I was checking on you, I know how nervous you are”
“You didn’t have to do that, I’m an adult”
“Ha, if I didn’t come back here to check on you, you would have passed out from hyperventilating”
“I appreciate it, pumpkin. I do”
“Dad, what’s wrong? I’ve never seen you this nervous, you are always the confident one. Abba is usually the nervous one.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Uhmmm….ugh….I’m going to get real sappy on you El. I hate crowds, it triggers my ptsd. Public speaking is terrifying and mmmm I don’t want to disappoint abba, but I especially don’t want to disappoint you kids. You are my life. Sorry that you saw me like that. Shit, I want to be strong and not make you think I’m weak”
“Dad, I would never think you’re weak. You lost your leg and kept going. You see death everyday and keep going. You give 100% at home and at work. I know I don’t say it enough, but you’re my hero. When I don’t know what to do, I take a beat and think what would dad do if he were me?”
“Ellie” Jack says with tears in his eyes
“I’m not done. What do you always say to us?”
“I don’t know”
“Yes you do. Falling down is part of life, but Abbots never say down. They get back up, pull those around them back up, and keep going. Life doesn’t end when we hit a road block”
“Mhmm”
“Say it dad, Abbots never stay down”
“Abbots never stay down” Jack whispers
“I can’t hear you”
“Abbots never stay down” Jack says as he grabs Ellie’s outstretched hand and hugs her once he’s standing
“Thanks Ellie”
“Go out there and kill it. If you get nervous just look at our table, we will cheer you on no matter what. You could trip and fall and abba would still look at you with that glimmer in his eyes, and us kids would see our hero. Abbots never stay down remember that.”
*DING DING*
Abba: El, is dad okay?
Ellie: We’re good. He was being stupid. I just had to remind him that Abbots never stay down.
Abba: Tell him, he’s the best guard bee for the hive. Where he leads, I’ll always follow
Ellie: ????
Abba: he’ll understand
“Abba says you’re the best guard bee for the hive. Where you lead, he’ll always follow”
“Go back out there and tell him thank you” Jack says giving Ellie a kiss
“Break a leg dad. Oh wait, you already have” Ellie says over her shoulder
“Thanks Ellie”
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“Please welcome to the stage this year’s James D. Mills Award recipient for his outstanding contribution to Emergency Medicine, Dr. Jonathan Abbot”
*APPLAUSE*
“Thank you. Thank you. Good Evening, My name is Jack Abbot. I am a physician, a father, a husband and a veteran. 18 veterans commit suicide everyday and as a medical community we need to work to better address the underlying issues. Speaking from first hand experience, Emergency Departments can be overstimulating, loud, bright, environments with a ton of people. For someone dealing with PTSD this can be extremely triggering. Efforts need to be made to create a more relaxing environment. Now you may be asking how is this even possible? Some changes like getting emotional support dogs can help. Our veterans have made immeasurable sacrifices to our nation, but no one is working to help them and that changes today. I am honored to receive this award. I never thought this would be the end result when I started to research the care of veterans in the emergency department. It is a passion project for me. I want to make a change for my brothers and sisters who are currently fighting, have fought, and will fight. As I was reminded by someone close to me before getting on stage tonight, falling down is part of life. I have fallen too many times to count, both physically and metaphorically, but as a physician my job is to get back up, pull up those who are down around me, and keep going. I want to thank my wonderful family, which includes my 4 wonderful children, Beau, Ellie, Emery, and Scottie, and my amazing husband and boss, Dr. Michael Robinavitch, plus my entire PTMC Emergency Medicine team, some of which are here tonight, without them I wouldn’t be up here. I have received so much support with this project and hope that soon we will see a change in the medical treatment of veterans with PTSD. Thank you everyone and remember no man is free who is not master of himself. Thank you and please enjoy the rest of your evening.
*APPLAUSE*
Jack made his way off the stage and towards the table where all his favorite people are. He was so happy to be off that stage.
“You rocked that soldier” Dana said in his ear as they hugged
“See dad, Abbots never stay down” Ellie said as Jack wrapped her in his arms. He hugged the rest of his kids, and saw Robby behind them. Robby kissed Jack before placing his hands on his shoulders and looking Jack dead in the eyes saying “You rocked that shit up there, plus you look fine as hell in a tux”
“Thanks babe, that means a lot. You don’t look to bad yourself”
Robby just blushed, flashing his suspenders at Jack “There is nothing hotter than an award-winning doctor”
“Michael, we’re in public. You can show me just how hot I am when we get home”
“Oh I will” Robby said with a smirk
“When did Ellie get so smart?”
“Jack, she always has been. She has you as a role model.”
“I love you, thank you for saying that”
“I mean it. I love you too”
The rest of the night was full of mingling with donors, who asked about both Jack and Robby’s work and family. Jack and Robby took every opportunity they were given to brag about their amazing children and the incredible staffs of both day and night shift in the ER. The night ended and everyone headed home.
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“Dad meet us in the living room!”
“Scottie, it’s bed time”
“This will be fast, I promise”
“Fine” Jack said with a sigh
“Abba, bring him in when we say so” Beau added
“Of course”
The kids ran into the living room and Robby kept Jack by the door until he heard the say so
“Alright, you can come in” Emery yelled
“Let’s go Doctor Abbot” Robby teased in Jack’s ear
They entered the living room to see the kids standing by the tv just smiling
“What’s going on guys?”
“We decided that your award needs to go on the mantle. You put all of our awards up here, it’s only fair yours go up there too” Ellie says looking at Jack
“No, that’s okay, that’s for you guys. Your abba and I put your awards up there because we are proud of you guys and we want to show them off to everyone”
“Well dad, we are all proud of you and want to show your award off. Now put it up there, we made space.”
“Come on Jack, do it.” Robby said taking his hand off of Jack’s hip
“If you insist” Jack said walking towards the mantle and placing the award on the shelf. When he turned back to his family they all had the biggest smiles on their faces.
“Now we get to brag about you. Everyone who comes here will hear about our awesome dad, Dr. Jack Abbot who won an award for putting those around him first. He puts his patients first, but most importantly he puts his family first” Beau says looking directly at Jack
“I think this calls for a group hug” Robby adds
The 6 of them smashed together into a tight circle. In that moment, Jack’s heart swelled with love and pride and his eyes filled with tears. When he was younger, he didn’t know if he would ever get to experience this. He was confident that he wouldn’t make it out of war. In this moment, he makes a vow to himself, that he will never take his family or career for granted. The life he has built with Robby is one he will forever fight to deserve.