Page 33 - Ginger Loves Johnny
P. 33
I said. “It's okay, dad. I'm here. Everything is going to be
fine. Don't worry about a thing. We are going to get through this together.”
No response. He was clearly exhausted.
I kissed him on the cheek.
His mouth moved a little bit. He knew I was there.
I whispered, “Can you look at me, dad?”
He opened his eyes and looked at me.
I said, "You're going to be okay. I promise. Don't worry."
He nodded his head gently.
I added, "You agree with that, right?"
He nodded again.
Without missing a beat I said, "Dad, I want you to look me in the
eyes and say, 'I'm going to be okay.'”
His lips moved. His mouth opened slightly, and though his voice
was dry, and his words cracked a bit, and he spoke barely above a whisper, he looked me in the eyes and said, "I'm going to be okay.”
I said, “That's right. You will be. I'm here. I'm not leaving here, dad. You are going to be okay, dad. I promise. Don't worry about a thing. You'll be fine.”
Johnny nodded in agreement and then fell back to sleep.
A nurse walked in and asked if I was going to stay. When I told her I would, she said she would bring me a pillow and a blanket. I
33