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Friday, December 1, 2006

For One Another

Right now Casey is having a biopsy to determine what kind of tumor is sitting on his brain. He will be at the hospital overnight to ensure the tests didn’t cause internal bleeding. Besides concern over the results, I think he’s also upset that they will shave part of his head. He said his hair is the only good feature he has left. I told him, no, I think his eyes are my favorite and those aren’t going anywhere. I hope that made him feel better.

I haven’t seen him since Wednesday, which feels like months ago. His parents, who live an hour from Minneapolis, are staying with him. I know that’s probably what Casey is most comfortable with, but I can’t help but want to be there, too. Waiting for his phone calls or text messages is difficult. I’m worried that his parents would resent my presence, though there is no indication that they would. However, this is an issue that we can address as things unfold further. At this point I’ve just made sure Casey knows that whenever he wants me there, I’ll be there.

In the meantime I’m at work. I’ve had more productive weeks. I feel selfish admitting that this is tough for me, when it’s clearly more difficult for Casey and his family, for many reasons. However, last night I resorted to a boy’s best option for comfort – his mother. I called and cried on the phone.

Then I drove to my old roommates’ house in the Minneapolis suburbs and let out the last sobs on their shoulders. They put a large bowl of hot homemade soup and a glass of red wine in front of me. They made me laugh with stories. The dogs licked my pant legs and wagged their tails. I slept in my old room under flannel sheets and a patchwork quilt. It was just what I needed, and reminded me of the truth of what a co-worker e-mailed me yesterday:

“Hope and caring for one another is the greatest gift we can give and receive.”

Posted by Aaron on December 1, 2006 10:41 AM