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I start the truck back up, feeling a renewed sense of urgency. My mind is consumed with thoughts of my father, and I can only hope that he will recover quickly.
The drive back to Texas passes in a blur, and before I know it, we’re pulling up to the hospital. As soon as we step out of the car, I can feel my heart racing with anxiety. Callie outfits Bear with his service harness before slipping her hand into mine. I squeeze it tightly, grateful for her unwavering support.
As we enter the hospital, we’re met with the familiar scent of disinfectants and the sound of shoes clicking against the polished floors. I lead the way to the information desk. “I’m here to see my father, Waylon Lewis. He had a heart attack.”
The nurse looks up and nods, her face softening with sympathy. “Of course, sir. Right this way.”
As we walk down the hallway, my mind races with worry for my dad. I can’t help but think about all the things I wish I had said to him, all the moments I wish I had spent more time with him.
“It’s going to be okay,” Callie says.
Within moments, we’re being shown to Dad’s room. My heart thunders in my chest as we approach the door, and I take a deep breath before pushing it open.
Dad is lying in the hospital bed, hooked up to machines. He looks so small and frail, and my heart aches at the sight of him. Mom is sitting in a chair next to the bed, her eyes fixed on his face as he sleeps. She looks up as we enter the room, and I can see the relief and gratitude in her eyes at the sight of me.
“Oh, Wade,” she says, standing up to embrace me. “Thank God you’re here.”
I hug her tightly, my eyes fixed on Dad. “How is he?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“He’s stable,” she says, her voice trembling slightly. “They’re going to perform the surgery tomorrow. They say it’s a routine procedure, but ... you know how these things are.”
I nod, and continue studying my father’s face. His skin is pale and his breathing is shallow. I can feel a lump forming in my throat, and I blink back tears.
“Where is everybody?”
“They went to the cafeteria to get some food while he sleeps.”
“I ain’t sleepin’,” Dad suddenly rasps, his voice weak but with a hint of humor. We all turn to look at him, and a wave of relief washes over me at the sound of his voice.
“Dad,” I say, rushing to his side. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I got hit by a truck,” he says, but there’s a glimmer in his eye that tells me he’s going to be okay. “But I’ll be darned if this is gonna keep me down for long.”
Mom laughs through her tears, and I can feel the tension in the room start to ease. Callie steps forward. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Mr. Lewis.”
Dad’s eyes flicker over to Callie, and he offers her a small smile. “Thank you, dear. I appreciate ya bein’ here with my son.” Callie blushes, and I can’t help but smile at the sight of her.
Bear hops up into the hospital bed and snuggles up beside my dad. His face lights up in surprise before he starts chuckling softly. “Well, aren’t you a sweet little thing?” he says as he scratches Bear behind the ears. Bear responds by licking his hand and snuggling closer to him.
My heart warms at the sight of my father and Bear together. I can feel the tension in my shoulders start to dissipate, as I realize I had been holding my breath.
Dad is going to be okay.
He’s going to make it.
Chapter Thirteen
Wade
My eyes flutter open to daylight streaming through the bedroom window. There’s no doubt that I slept in. My neck feels stiffer than ever, and my shoulders are strangely sore. I’m tired, and I don’t feel even remotely ready to get out of bed.
We’ve been in and out of the hospital checking on Dad and making sure he’s well taken care of.
Thank the Lord he’s expected to make a complete recovery.
However, I’ve still yet to recover from the rollercoaster of emotions the past thirty-six hours have brought on. My dad’s heart attack, and the thought of how close we came to losing him, really put things into perspective for me. I’ve been forced to reflect on all the missed years with my family.
And how I abandoned them.
