Family Matters
Chapter 17
Hours Later
In the morning
Jamie was seated in the chemo treatment area of the Children's cancer ward of the hospital.
There were various children seated surrounding him. In different stages of Cancer themselves. Some of the children were bald, others wore colorful wings or scarfs. Seated beside them were their parents or family members.
Given the flexiblity of my job i could go in or stay out of the studio whenever i wanted. I was grateful for the amount of success i do. It made gave me the opportunity to focus on what truly mattered.
The chair Jamie was seated in was 2 times too big for him. He had an iv in his arm which is how the chemo was being transfered to his body. I maintained a watchful eye on him. Handing him juice boxes and water bottles to keep him hydrated.
...
A few days later
The chemo drugs were now in full affect. Jamie was sick, exhausted, and afraid. I was by his side doing everything i could think of to comfort and help him. Seeing my son in so much pain was difficult knowing there wasn't much i could do to help or take away the agony he was in.
My mom and dad, my sisters, Chris, Brooke and Lucas, Skills, even Dan and Deb have offered support and attempted to help out in anyway i needed it. Me and my basic needs were last on the list now. Jamie's health, comfort, and overall well being was all i focused on.
Weeks Later
The day Jamie started to lose his hair. Affected me more then him. It just hit me in that moment that this was actually happening my little boy and all i could do was stand by and watch.
What took me off guard was when Jamie asked me to just shave off all his hair then he asked it we could go and shop for hats that he could wear.
I of course agreed and supported his decision. We bought a number of hats at the local mall. As for school i found a tutor so he woulfn't miss out on anything. His friends visited regular basis.
It was nice seeing how he came to life around them. Having our home full of conversation, love and laughter reminded me of simpler times.
Jamie's chemo sessions took place multiple times a week.
I clung to the baby monitor i dug out of my closet. I had placed one in Jamie's room to make sure i could hear him breathing and in case he needed me at any hour.
"You come here. Bring groceries, make dinner and here i am focused on everything else but you. I'm sorry. I'll turn the monitor off i'm all yours." Haley said. Taking a seat in the dining room. beside Chris.
"You're a mother concerned and worried for her sick child. I wouldn't know how to cope if it was me. I hope our time together takes you're mind off everything going on at least for awhile." Chris said.
Haley reached over taking his hand in hers.
"It does more then you know." She said. Leaning over placing a kiss on his lips.
...
"Haley gave you the green light to be more involved in Jamie's life yet you're keeping you're distance why is that exactly.?" Lucas asked. Looking to Nathan.
"He hates me. Haley's only doing this because he's sick. He doesn't want or need me around anyway." Nathan said.
"If this situation has taught you anything it should show you that pride and fear are just excuses people use as road blocks to not go after what they want. You have a rare opportunity to repair and give closure to the damaged relationships between Haley and you and especially you and Jamie. Don't waste you'll live with that regret forever." Lucas said.
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