Her heart was heavy with anguish. Everywhere she looked, she saw children. She had just started her internship at the hospital where she came into close contact with expectant mothers and sick children on a daily business. Sometimes it weighed upon her already anguished heart, that there were so many children in the world, but her precious little son was gone. Every time she thought of losing William, her heart would break just a little bit more.
She and Todd were at different stages in their grief. Her pain was still so raw, but Todd seemed to be at the point of accepting. He could remember William fondly and smile. In contrast, she still had long periods of weeping and intense anger which would eat at her soul and threatened to steal all her happiness. She was thankful for her work at the hospital as it gave her something worthwhile to focus on despite all her grief.
"Marty? Are you alright?" a voice questioned.
Marty looked up to see Dr. Larry Wolek approach as he placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder. "You've been looking at that patient's chart for the last ten minutes," Dr. Wolek said with concern.
"I'm sorry," Marty responded. "I was only thinking of William."
"I know you miss him so much. It's only three months since you lost him," Dr. Wolek said gently. "I want you to know you're special to me. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."
"Th-thank you, Larry. That means so much to me," Marty stated as her voice broke.
"You know, Marty, when Meredith and I lost our baby girl, it took a very long time for us to heal. We still had her twin brother, Danny, but we missed our daughter with all our hearts. My wife never fully recovered... and I- well, let's just say there are times when my heart breaks all over again," Larry confided.
"Larry, how did you do it?" Marty asked. "How did you get passed the loss of your child?"
"I really don't know. It took a great deal of time. It helps to remember that my little girl Merrie was born with a purpose. She helped me have compassion in my work as a doctor. Because of Merrie, I was able to help others... like I helped you when you came to me and we discovered you have Lupus."
"What could be William's purpose?"
"I can't answer that question, Marty," Larry said as he gave her a gentle hug. "But I want you to know you're like a daughter to me, and I am here for you and Todd during this difficult time. How's Todd doing?"
"He- he's doing better than me," Marty responded.
"The sun will shine again, Marty. Someday it will," Larry promised her. Staring into his eyes, Marty hoped it was true. She and Todd had experienced enough rain to last a lifetime.