The Wait

It takes longer than you expect for someone to die. The family made the decision following the doctor's advice. He said there was no hope left. The doc walked them through the options but there was not much left to decide. Death was going to come, it was just a matter of time. Machines were keeping him alive. Remove them and it would be over.

The family talked and pretended to consider the options but it was clear what they wanted to do. He was old and he had been sick a long time. It was taking a toll on everyone and it was time to move on. The doctor was surprised he had lasted this long and so was the family. They were tired of waiting, tired of coming to the hospital everyday, tired of trying to make her feel better while she sat losing her husband and watching the hours creep by.

Their marriage had been a failure to anyone who observed them. They fought with venom, spewing cruelties at each other or they sat in silence, not speaking to each other for days. They had come close to ending it many times. She would leave for months and they would all think OK, finally they will part ways. But then she would come back and it would start all over.

Having had a front row seat to their marital charade, it was hard for them to watch her current show of love and support. Suddenly he was a wonderful husband and they had enjoyed a beautiful life together. The stories she told the nurses and the hospital workers made the family wince. Who was she trying to kid? Was this her way of making up for years of torturing each other? Or was she just showing off for people she didn't know when she would never do the same for her family.

So it was a relief when the machines stopped pumping and they waited for the end. But it's not like in the movies. Nothing dramatic happened. The hours continued to roll on and still he lived. Having braced for the end, this new wait was even worse. It was agonizing and conflicting to want it to be over. Who wants to see their father or grandfather hurry up and die already? That's how they felt but they couldn't say it. They all had things to do and their own lives to get back to but you can't just turn off the machines and then leave. So they waited. She seemed to take the wait in stride, almost seemed to be savoring her last chance to be the center of attention. Doctors and nurses fussed over her and praised her commitment to her husband of 65 years. They had no idea how bitter and toxic they were with each other. A sick game of who can out nasty who in that little house that seemed smaller every time you would force yourself to visit.

The wait continued and became almost unbearable. They questioned the doctor and he said sometimes it just takes longer. They sat outside his room, taking turns walking in to see if he was still breathing. They consoled her as she kept up her bedside vigil, feeling sympathy for her in spite of it all.

Then suddenly it was over. His body finally gave up and he was gone. The hospital people were kind and efficient. There was no reason to stay there anymore. After waiting so long to leave they were not sure what to do next.

"I would like some pie. Anyone care to join me?"

The diner was a few blocks away and they huddled together in a round booth. They ordered pie and watched as she quietly ate her slice of cherry, enjoying each bite.