Heartbreak

There is a young man here at Hope Lodge that is about Justin's age. Even though he lives across the hall from us, eats at the same time we do, and goes to radiation treatments at the same time, he has never warmed up to either of us. He is alone all the time. No visitors, no phone calls, no mail, and no dining room conversations with anyone. I always smile, say hi, wave, and whatever I can to befriend him, but he does not respond. I'm OK with that because I don't know of his situation or illness. I try, and that is enough.

Tonight my heart is breaking for him. He had his last treatment early this morning and was cleared to go home. Usually you know at least a week ahead that you have a certain number of treatments left, so it is not a surprise when you are done. Even though he is in a wheelchair, he packed all his stuff, put it on the cart, took it down to the lobby and waited. And waited. And waited.

After supper his stuff was still in the lobby. The staff person had been trying to reach his dad, who was supposed to pick him up. Now it is 11:30 at night, and he is still here. The staff person just came into the living room area and told him all his stuff is back in his room and the bed is made up again. Still no dad, still no word when he will finally get here.

I feel so bad for him. Bad that he couldn't get out of here at 9:20 this morning. Bad that he has had to wait through lunch, then supper, then the whole evening for nothing. But the worst thing is, where is his dad? What could possibly be more important than picking up your son from cancer treatments? Things come up, but come on, give your kid a call! Don't make him sit there by the door in expectation! It brought back some painful memories of Justin's childhood. He sat at the door waiting many times. Too many times. And here is another son who has suffered the same fate.

I am thankful from the bottom of my heart for the privilege of being able to be here for Justin. We have had to sacrifice, but he is worth it, over and over again. I wouldn't want it any other way.