The Road Home

As we traveled home that evening, the rain poured down on us and the light gave way to the darkness.  Grandma and I talked part of the way.  We discussed everyone writing letters to him and having a party on the patio at Betty's house.  We wanted to work on that so Steve could enjoy the party they always throw for your funeral.  Then, we both became lost in our own thoughts as the desert passed by.  She had brought a book on CD we listened to but I found my mind wandering.  At 1:30 am as we came through Sardine canyon that opens into our home, Cache Valley, I suggested we call the hospice to see how Steves evening was.  The nurse stated flatly "He hasn't spoken to me my entire shift and he didn't take his antibiotic meds orally."  I asked what his vital signs were and she said they only took them once a day in the morning.  Grandma was troubled and I asked if she could get her doctors appt moved up.  I thought we should get back there asap.  I could leave Sunday morning.  She said she would call again in the morning and see how he did through the night.  She said she was almost sorry she had called.  I took her bags into the house and went home to surprise my husband. 

I had told him I wasn't coming home because Steve was so sick.  Then, when grandma said she wanted to go home, I called him and told him I was calling him while I was "taking Grandma home"  he didn't know which home I was talking about.  I snuck in, leaving all my stuff in the car.   What was there would keep until tomorrow.  Jeff was sleeping on the couch, and my cat was so excited to see me "meow, meow, meow, meow meow, meow, meow" following me all over the house. I walked through the living room and into my bedroom to find a gown my cat hot on my trail.  All the coffees had me needing the restroom quick.  I hoped my flushing didn't wake Jeff.  It didn't.   I grabbed his hand as I have done so often in the 21 years, he took a double take when understanding crossed his face.  "What are you doing here?" he asked a smile crossing his face.  "I'm just coming to say Hi" I said as I pulled him up and walked into our room and climbed into my massive canopy log bed.  We snuggled in our spoon, we've always fit perfectly together, and it felt good to close my eyes.  The two Starbucks and a truck stop cappuccino continued to keep me awake so I talked to him and told him of the weight on my shoulders. 

Finally, I drifted off to sleep.