Traveling Home

Usually surrounding the hospitalization there's a flurry of activity and the retelling of events, explanations of procedures. Usually people sit around soggy-eyed trying to think the best, hope for the best thought, remember people who pulled through similar situations. The waiting seems interminable. To pass the time, my sister brought a book and I had brought the laptop.

My sister and I shared resurrection stories on our trip to Akron City hospital. Neither of us allowed the other to dwell in that space that allowed the waterworks to spring a leak and start a flood.

We talked of happy times and future plans that included Dad. Neither of us wanted to entertain the slightest notion that we may be seeing him for the last time. The little voice in my head had spoken, "He's not going to make it this time." I wanted that voice to be wrong.

When we arrived at the hospital, I called my youngest brother of four still in transit from Atlanta. Driving brother number three.

"Where are you?" I asked.
"Tennessee. Where are you?"
"Hospital parking deck. Why?"
"You need to get your butt upstairs."

But the hospital had changed since our "Six Pack" had been in it five years ago. Nothing looked the same. The renovations had removed all the familiar trails. My sister and I searched four floors before coming to an unoccupied reception desk. The halls were pretty empty. Ones who worked there were occupied on the phonewith lines forming. We found elevators and stood in front of them.

And realized we were standing by my 15 year-old-nephew I hadn't seen since I don't know when and brother number two who had been missing for two years. Reunions hugs and smiles were passed all around. We rode the car to the second floor. When the elevator opened, I saw brother number one, Eric.
"Dad's already gone."

They led us to the elevators that led to a hallway and waiting area, and finally, with an escort to the room where my father lay.
Isn't life unpredictable? The one I never thought I'd see again, is here. And the one I had hoped to see one more time, has traveled home.