His Wife

“We need to start your father on dialysis. His kidney function is still declining,” the doctor tells me in the hall.

I nod, “Okay, when can he come home?”

The doctor shakes his head, “I’m not sure. The pneumonia is bad, one of the worst cases I’ve seen.”

“His platelets were normal, he didn’t have a fever, he said he was fine,” I explained to the doctor.

The doctor nods, “The autoimmune disorder your dad has primarily affects the kidneys. His platelets were in the 'low-normal' range. I didn’t realize he was sick either. We will keep him in the hospital and monitor him. It might be time to think about a care facility for him.”

I look at the doctor in disbelief, “I am taking care of him fine. He is fifty-two! He shouldn’t need a care facility.”

With a sympathetic look the doctor says, “Miss Davidson, your father needs medical professionals to take care of him. You’ve done a great job over the years, but I believe it is to the point that he is a risk to himself. You work and are trying to finish school. Asking you to be a full-time caretaker for your father is too much. Once he can go home, it will be you driving him three times a week to dialysis, and every other week to his chemo.”

 Letting out a sigh, I ask, “How much will a care facility cost?”

“For a good one that he can stay onsite for all his treatments, you’re looking around eleven thousand a month. That is before your insurance. Barbra is a case manager here, she will get the details from your insurance.”

I thanked the doctor, then went to tell my dad I needed to leave for work. The drugs make him so sleepy that he doesn’t respond. Grabbing his hand, I squeeze it to let him know I’m close.

After leaving the hospital I walk to a coffee shop down the street. An elder gentleman forgot his wallet and can’t pay. The three people behind him are complaining. I quickly go pay for the man’s coffee and muffin. I see the man in the hospital lobby often, but we have never spoken. “Thank you, young lady,” The older man said with gratitude.

I shrug, “It’s no problem. I hope you find your wallet.”

The old man nods, “It’s with my wife. I left it in her room. She’s at the hospital up the road. She needed some quiet.” The man is likely in his late seventies. The hair he has left is white and grey.

I smile, “My dad is there too. I just left and came here for something to drink before going to work.”

“Where do you work?” the man asks.

“Glen and Associates Accounting,” I tell him.

“Are you an accountant?” he asks.

I shake my head, “Not yet. Since my dad is sick, I had to reduce the number of hours I can take at school. I’m only able to handle a class each semester. Right now, I just do bookkeeping for the firm.”

The old man smiles, “They are lucky to have a kind soul working there. I haven’t found many of them lately. Have a good day at work and next time, your coffee is on me.”

“Enjoy your day too… I am sorry, I didn’t get your name,” I tell him.

“My name is Benjamin, but you can call me, Ben.”

 They barista calls my order, “Have a nice day, Ben. I will see you next time.” I quickly leave for work. I’m already late.

Once I arrive, I do my inventory checklist then take supplies around the cubical area. Once everyone is stocked with what they need, I check the offices. Next, I do my data entries. I send the expenditure report to my boss then work on random tasks until the end of the workday.

Going home, I stop back by the hospital. I ask the nurse about my dad and they inform me there are no changes. I sit with him for ten minutes until visiting hours end.

In the lobby I see the same elderly man from this morning with another man around the age of my father. His hair is medium brown with distinguishing grey hairs. This man is also in a suit while the older man is wearing jeans and a tucked short sleeved button up shirt.

The older man approaches me, “This is her, the one I told you about this morning.” Smiling the man says to me, “This is my son, Thomas.”

I smile, “Hello, Thomas. My name is Elanor, but I go by Ellie.”

Thomas holds out his hand for me to shake. After I take his offered hand, Thomas says, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ellie. My father was very impressed by you this morning. I would like to pay you back.”

I shake my head, “No, don’t worry about it. I’ve forgotten my wallet a few times.”

“Please, I insist,” Thomas replies.

Ben interjects, “I can get her coffee tomorrow morning.”

Looking at my watch I notice how late it is getting. Since I don’t want to take the bus after dark, I tell the two men, “I’m sorry. I need to go. My bus will be here soon and if I miss this one I wont get home until after dark. I will see you both around. It was lovely meeting you, Thomas and seeing you again, Ben.” I quickly leave before they can stop me.