There’s No Place Like Home

I picked up the menu that had been left on the nightstand. I wasn’t hungry, but I knew it would probably take an hour to get anything from downstairs; I’d already heard the rumors.  My appetite had returned, unlike my lunch experience, and I had a feeling, for some unknown reason, that things were going to work our.

Just as I picked up the phone, the door opened and in came John with two shopping bags. “I brought everything I could think of,” he said, “but I’m sure you’ll think of a few more.” He smiled and dropped one of the bags on the bed. “Your sweats are in here,” he explained, “and I brought your moccasins.”

“Not a moment too soon,” I answered. “One more hour in this gown, and they’d have to move me to the psych ward.”

“Anything happen while I was gone?” he asked, taking things from the other bag and putting them away.

“Not a lot, just an x-ray. I was just about to order dinner. I paused. “‘Looks pretty good, for hospital food.”

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“It will be for the first few days,” he chuckled. “I wish they hadn’t put you on a restricted diet, though.”

I dialed the kitchen and placed my order. Grilled salmon, spinach salad, the omnipresent fruit gelatin, a beverage and yogurt for dessert. This didn’t seem so bad.

John sat in the lounge chair and grabbed the remote. He turned on the TV and started flipping through the channels. “At least they have cable,” he said, “so you’ll have some variety.”

“How long you think I’ll be here?” I asked. “I was just about to click my heels together and head back to visit with Auntie Em,” I laughed.

“I don’t think it’s going to be quite that easy,” John chuckled. “Since you’re not on the surgery schedule, I’m thinking you may be here awhile.”

It wasn’t long before Randy entered the room. “Time for vitals again,” she said, pulling her cart up to the bed. She glanced at John. “Are you his partner?” she asked.

“Yep, that’s me,” he answered.  He stood and extended his hand. “I’m John. And you are?”

“Randy,” she answered. “I’ll be his primary day nurse while he’s here. “Oh,” she paused, “I spoke with Dr. Johansen and he’ll be here sometime this evening.”

“Who’s that?” I asked, trying to get all the physicians in my head as they appeared.

“He’s your surgeon,” she replied. “They’re planning on doing a heart cath tomorrow sometime.”

“Well, let the fun begin,” I murmured.  She finished checking me over and adjusted my pillows.

“You’ll be fine,” she said.  “They’re going to keep you here a few days beforehand to alleviate some of the fluid build-up.”  She waived goodbye to John, took her cart behind her and left.

“Did you call work?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied,” and I have a feeling you’re now unemployed.”  Ah, so much for contract jobs.  John grimaced.  “I also called my boss, and was surprised to hear I am to make you my priority, and forget work until you’re better.” 

“That’s great,” I answered, “at least for you.  But are they aware this could go on for awhile?”  I continued.  I got this strange sensation while you were gone,” I said.  “Like there’s a reason for all of this.”

“Yes,” John said, “the reason is to get you well so you can live normally again.  Don’t worry, I’ll be here every step of the way.  I don’t know how work is going to handle it, but Rosemary said not to worry – just to keep her in the loop.”  There are some advantages to being an executive.  He had secured a position with a national non-profit, Vice President of Internal Auditing.  After over 20 years in the field, he knew just about everything there was to know about keeping track of companies and expenses.

“I guess that’s just Part One of my dream,” I said.  “We don’t have to be concerned about you.”  I paused.  “Maybe this is a lesson for both of us,” I added.  “Maybe we’ve been looking at things all wrong.”

“I’ve got some ideas for you,” John replied.  But I have to let them stew awhile.  I’m like you; I know we’re going to be fine.”

“Isn’t that funny,” I commented.  This dream I had,” I paused.  ”It’s like my life is about to change completely; like I have no control over it.”  I continued.  “I’m protected, shouldn’t worry, and there’s big change coming.  I don’t know how, or where, or when, I just know it’s not far away.  And the strange thing is, I keep getting that I’m supposed to help somebody.”

John got up and walked to the bed.  “Well, first, this is just a bump in the road.  A pretty big bump, but a bump nonetheless. ”  He motioned for me to sit up and started untying the gown.  “We’re going to get through this, and as soon as you get into those sweats, you can begin by helping me.:  He laughed.  “Rub my neck and shoulders.  This stress is getting to me.”