Elijah turns to me. “Let me take you home. Nothing’s going to happen tonight, and we can talk with the heart doc in the morning.”
With a stubborn lift of my chin I respond. “No. I’m not leaving. I don’t want him to be alone if he wakes up.”
My uncle must realize I’m my father’s daughter because he doesn’t try to talk me out of it. “Okay, honey. I’ll be back in the mornin’. Try to get some rest.” He gives me a quick kiss on the forehead and makes his way to the elevator.
Before going into Sandy’s room, I call Nolan to let him know where I am and why. Fortunately, there’s a sofa and an oversized chair in Sandy’s room. One of the nurses agrees to bring me a blanket and pillow for later. For now, I pull the chair up as close as I can get to the side of Sandy’s bed, while the sights and sounds inside the room provide an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. I also feel the strong presence of Mama’s spirit in the room. Although I’m holding Sandy’s hand, I begin speaking to Mama.
“Mama, I know you’ve been watching over me and I’m so grateful you led me to my father. Please continue watching over us both.”
As I sit with Sandy, I study his face as he sleeps. He looks so fragile. His face is pale, except for the large, red goose egg on his forehead. His lips are formed in a slight smile as if he’s having pleasant dreams. Maybe he’s having visions of Mama and a happier time.
My eyes are increasingly heavy. I don’t want to move away from Sandy to lie down, so I scoot closer to the bed and lean into him, taking care not to put any of my weight on him. I kiss him on the cheek, and before letting my eyes close, whisper “I love you, Daddy.”
Early the next morning, I’m jarred awake when the bright lights suddenly come on as the morning nurse comes in to take Sandy’s vitals. I never did make it to the sofa. I spent the entire night beside his bed, not wanting to lose my connection to him. Actually, I only caught catnaps because every few hours I was awakened when the nurses came in to check on him during the night. I get up to stretch, trying to relieve the uncomfortable pain in my side from spending so much time in an awkward position. While the nurse is tending to him, I take the time to go into the bathroom and freshen up, using the toiletry kit on the shelf.
When I come back out, I’m not surprised to see Sandy still asleep. I quickly decide it’s an opportunity for me to go down to the cafeteria for coffee and breakfast. I realize I haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday afternoon.
As I finish up my fruit and a blueberry muffin, Elijah calls to check in.
“How are you this mornin’? And how’s the patient?”
“Last night was quiet. I’m down in the cafeteria getting something to eat, but I’m ready to go back upstairs so I don’t miss the doctor.”
Elijah replies, “Great. I’m on my way. See you soon.”
When I get back up to Sandy’s room, he’s awake and seems alert, although still very weak. The nurse has arranged for him to receive a light breakfast and lets us both know the cardiologist will be in to see him later.
I take up residency, once again, in the chair beside his bed and can’t stop myself from rearranging the sheet and blanket, making sure he’s tucked in properly and fussing over him like a mother hen.
“How are you feeling?” As soon as I ask, I realize it’s a ridiculous question.
Sandy manages a weak smile. “Like I got hit by a truck. Although they tell me no one actually hit me. I caused the damage myself due to a run-in with a tree. Seems the tree won.”
“You don’t remember the accident?”
“No. I remember not feeling well and deciding to go home. Then I woke up here in the hospital. I now know the discomfort I was experiencing at the office was a heart attack.”
“Elijah reminded me about your father’s heart issues.”
“Yes. I thought I was in good physical shape, so the risk of something like this happening wasn’t even on my radar. My last physical didn’t indicate any concerns, so I suppose the heredity part of this disease has finally come home to roost.”
I lean across and kiss him on the cheek. “Well, I’m just glad you got here in one piece. And I’m going to make sure you listen to the doctors. I want way more time with you!”
He appears to get serious for a moment. “I promise I will, little one. I’m not ready to go anywhere yet. Although last night, I had the strangest dream. I saw your mother so clearly. I was walking toward her, but she told me to stay with you. I was conflicted. I wanted to go to her so badly, but, at the same time, I didn’t want to leave you.”
I ponder that for a moment and think about my own conversations with her in heaven. “I know she’s looking down on us, and she led me to you when I needed you most. She’ll always be in our hearts.”
“Yes, honey, she will.”
A knock on the partially open door gets our attention. We look toward it to see Elijah and a handsome African American gentleman in a doctor’s coat entering. I guess since he’s with a doctor, the one visitor at a time rule doesn’t apply.
The doctor greets Sandy with a voice as smooth as golden honey. “Hey, Sandy. I heard you were hangin’ out here.”
Sandy volleys right back, but his voice sounds fatigued. “Very funny, doc. I could say you must not be doin’ your job right since I ended up here. And who let that guy in?” Sandy gestures toward Elijah.
“Careful, brother, or I’ll make sure they keep you here a good, long time.”
“Another comedian. Do I need to remind you that heart attacks run in the family? You need to make sure you’re livin’ right.”
