The Whittaker Saga

1980 goes by fast. In November Ronald Reagan wins the presidency, in December John Lennon is shot and killed in New York. Vigils are held across the country, across the world even, especially in San Seqouia where Barbara lives. She and Susan speak often on the phone in the months to come, as Susan opens up about her life in the shared grief of someone they both admired. But winter passes and a new year begins. Ronald Reagan is sworn in and life moves on. By spring its time for Barbara to celebrate her 50th birthday. "Mum, were you present when they signed the declaration of independence." Abby asks as she helps her mother prepare for her party. "I'm only turning 39!" "And exactly how many times can a person turn 39?" "Oh hush or I'll make you vacuum." Soon the house fill with people. The family, friends, even Gordon comes to celebrate Barbs as she turns fifty, even though they haven't seen each other in years. Outside the rain is po...

Around the same time that 1977 becomes 1978 Cindy becomes a teenager. The entire family, apart from Cathy who cannot make the long trip, gather at Arthur and Claudia's place. They eat on the patio, as well as inside, and generally have a great time together. Then Cindy blows out her candles, and Claudia sees her youngest go from little girl who hugs teddy bears to a beautiful young woman. She cannot help but to feel a pang of sadness that time has passed so quickly. The next night, it's time for Steven to attend prom. He's not really interested, especially since he doesn't have a date, but his parents insist that he will regret it if he doesn't go. Perhaps they'd be right, because once there, he sort of does have fun. He doesn't dare to ask the pretty girls to dance, so he mostly dances on his own. Then he sees that Sandra does too. She's plain enough that he dares ask her to dance. She even listens to his crazy theories on how robots will take over the...