Saving Andrew

Chapter 9

Chapter 9
Departures and new arrivals


                      

                   This part comes from a page of my journal. I decided to share this because the person I'm going to talk about marked an important part of our lives and this story. With love and respect. Here I go.

Debra knocked at my door one morning after taking Andrew to school. She was crying, and sad and I hugged her inviting her in. I gave her a glass of water and when she was calmed, she spoke.

"Joe is dying," she said and my heart broke. "There's nothing else we can do and he refused to get treatment. He simply surrendered and I don't know what I would do if I lose my husband..." She said in tears and I hugged her again.

"How much time?" I asked in a whisper.

"Not much... days, maybe. He is in bed, he won't get up, and he won't eat or drink anything..." She said, "We knew before Christmas."

"Does Andrew know?" I asked after taking a deep breath.

"No... And he cannot know. I came here to tell you that Joe left the bar to you and Andrew. Whatever you guys want to do with it, is ok." She told me, and I promised to keep the secret but on the other hand, Andrew had the right to know and I let her know that. She agreed but made me promise I wouldn't say anything until the very last moment.

She left, and the house filled with afflicted and grey energy. Our beloved Joe wouldn't be around anymore and it hit me as hard as a slap to the face. Our Joe would die. I cried all day until Andrew came back home. I had to fake a smile as he told me how wonderful his day went while we had dinner, but he knew me too well and he knew something was happening. I started crying and I simply let it out.

"Joe is dying..." I said. He dropped the fork. "Debra came today, Andrew, he has no time left," I said bursting into tears.

Andrew rolled his chair to me and we hugged. He called Debra to ask her how we could help, but there was nothing we could do but wait until the end. The following days were total agony. Our hearts skipped every time the phone rang. At any moment Debra would call to give us the news and although we knew the moment would come, we were not ready. Joe had been a part of our family and we weren't ready to let him go. But like any life cycle where we are born, live, and die, his time had come.

Debra's urgent call sent us rushing to Joe's house, leaving little Sam in the care of my mom. As we entered the room, Andrew's tears began to flow at the sight of Joe lying on the bed, his mouth slightly open, his breathing labored as his life slowly slipped away. Joe's frail body and parched skin were a stark contrast to the vibrant man he once was. Yet, at that moment, I yearned to preserve the memory of him as the person he used to be.

Finding solace in a tight embrace with Debra, who struggled to remain composed herself, Andrew reached out and gently grasped Joe's hand. Miraculously, Joe's eyes fluttered open, fixing upon Andrew's face, and a tender smile emerged, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

"I love you, Joe. Thanks for everything, man," Andrew said and Joe passed away.

His funeral was crowded. Everyone who knew Joe was there paying respect. Debra asked Andrew and me to sit next to her for we were her only immediate family at the moment. And after the pastor said a few words, Andrew rolled his chair, addressing a few words;

"Today, as we stand in the shadow of sorrow, we come together not just to mourn the passing of a man, but to celebrate the enduring legacy of a father, a friend, and a mentor — Joe," Andrew started saying with conviction and deep voice. "Joe was more than a friend to me; he was a guiding light during the darkest chapters of my life. He stood beside me in moments of despair, offering wisdom and solace. His laughter echoed in the good times, and his resilience inspired me in the face of adversity," he continued, now with a cracked voice. "He was a pillar of strength and a wellspring of love. In the trials of life, he navigated with grace and taught us that true strength lies in kindness, compassion, and unwavering love. Today, as we say our farewells, let us remember Joe not with tears of sorrow, but with smiles that mirror the countless memories we shared. His spirit lives on in the lessons he imparted, the love he gave, and the indomitable courage that defined him," he continued after composing himself. "Rest in peace, Joe, knowing that your legacy lives on in the hearts of those you touched. May you find eternal peace" he concluded, reaching to Joe's casket.