I got home from work on Friday and found a message on my machine from one of my friends. Turns out that my former room-mate’s mom was in the hospital with heart trouble.
I changed my shirt, looked up directions, and headed back up to Akron to the hospital. She was up and walking around a bit and was very happy to see me – though things were a bit grim. She’s been having chest pains and had dismissed it as acid reflux – instead, she needs to have open heart surgery. I sat and visited with her for a couple of hours and during that time she opened up a bit and something remarkable happened.
She just… accepted me. For exactly who I am. I’ve been going through a rough patch with my parents lately and this feisty and foul mouthed old lady from the Bronx opened up and said some of the nicest and most welcoming things I’ve ever heard.
Here I was, trying to provide some support for her when she’s facing dangerous surgery – and she’s the one looking after me. I teared up when she said these things to me and I’ve tearing up now as I remember them.
Her dinner came and I stood to head out and get some food for myself. I gave her a big hug and she told me she loved me – and I told her I loved her right back.
Funny how my former room-mate turned out to be such a crappy guy – but somehow managed to bring people together anyway.
I’m not a person who prays – but I’ll be thinking of her and wishing her the best.