The Love That Grew

Ch. 1 Diagnosis

Jacksonville, FL

October 

Jashae shut her eyes in anguish as the paramedics transferred her grandfather onto the awaiting ambulance truck. She had come home early to surprise papa Jax with cake and ice cream for his birthday but once she made it in she found him passed out on his bedroom floor.

There was no telling how long he'd been unconscious and now this would be the second time he'd been admitted to the hospital this month. She felt a migraine coming on as she followed behind the ambulance and tried to prepare herself for what papa Jax's doctor would say.

In the past mama P, her grandmother, would be the one to monitor papas health but sadly Patrice passed away shortly after Jashaes high school graduation due to a brain bleed. Ever since Patrice's death Jacksons health declined significantly, Jashae had been so busy with her college courses, and picking up extra shifts at work that she'd been too exhausted to notice just how bad his symptoms had gotten.

The doctors couldn't seem to find the source of his ailments or rather they didn't care the doctors in the area were quick to blame everything on his high blood pressure now they'd be leaving with another three-thousand dollar emergency room bill and no real answers.

Patrice and Jackson Hill raised Jashae since she was 5 after she lost her mom to domestic violence. Although she was too young to remember everything from that fateful day Jackson made sure to prioritize her mental health and signed her up for therapy for preventative measures.

As Jashae entered the busy waiting room, her mind swirled with worry about her grandfather's health and the financial strain attached to it. She had no idea how this visit would get paid her credit cards were already maxed out, her grandfather's state insurance and Medicare would only cover so much, and her work check would barely put a dent in it. 

"Family of Jackson Hill?" a middle aged Hispanic looking woman called out breaking Jashae from her agonizing thoughts. "Yes, I'm his granddaughter how is he? Can I see him?" she blurted out in one breath.

The faint smile on the woman's face only further concerned her and she desperately wanted answers.

"I'm Dr. Delgado you can follow me right this way. Are you here alone honey? Is there anyone else you'd like to call" Dr. Delgado raised an eyebrow at the young woman.

"Nice to meet you Dr. Delgado, yes I'm here alone. Unfortunately there's no one else I can call" Jashae spoke just above a whisper.

Machines beeped and hummed throughout Jacksons room while he slept. This wasn't his usual set up, normally he'd already be sitting up fussing with the nurses and waiting for Shay to take him home.

"We ran a few tests and took some images Mr. Hi-

"I already know his blood pressure is high he's been stubborn about taking his medication lately. I'll try to monitor him more closely and stay on him about it" Jashae sighed she hated seeing him like this.

Dr. Delgado spared her a puzzled look before speaking "He didn't tell you did he?"

"Tell me what he's had high blood pressure since I was a kid"

"Well yes his blood pressure is high but he was recently diagnosed with large cell carcinoma earlier this month"

Jashae just stared waiting for the plain English version of his diagnosis