As I Walked Down the Hallway to My Son

8/8/2019 As I Walked Down the Hallway to My Son

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As I walked down the hallway to my sons room, my

mind was filled with more questions than answers.

Who would want to harm Michael? After all, he was

a frail young man, whose laughter and smiles were

contagious.

After preparing his body for transportation to the

coroners office, a few of the medical assistants

stayed behind to help gather his clothing. Misty, one

of the nursing assistants who had cared for Michael

for several months prior to his passing, handed me

two large bags containing his personal effects. I am

so sorry; Mrs. Jennings, if there is anything I can do,

please do not hesitate to call. Nodding, slightly, in

acknowledgement, I thanked her for the kindness she

had shown to our family.


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Although Michael was the youngest member of our

family, he had two older siblings, Patrick and

Maggie. Patrick was a service writer in the

automobile industry, and Maggie was a registered

nurse who possessed a natural gift for healing the

sick.

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Although, my intention was to call my daughter immediately upon my

return home, the days events had taken its toll, and before long, I was

fast asleep in my favorite armchair. I had been snoozing for close to an

hour before being awakened by Patrick. Since Maggie lived in

California, Patrick suggested I call the city police department where

she lived to ask for their assistance.

Saddened by our loss, they offered their condolences and agreed to be

with my daughter when she received the news about Michaels

passing. Although, grateful for their act of kindness, I had forgotten to

tell them which brother had passedaway. Upon hearing the dreadful

news, for some unknown reason, Maggie assumed that Patrick had


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passed away, not Michael. After learning that it was her younger

brother, it was as though a thousand knives pierced her soul. Since a

large part of Maggies identity died with Michael that day, she

declined to practice nursing for several years after he died. When asked

why, she would say it was because she felt betrayed by her peers and

confused about, why someone who swore to preserve life, would take

the life of her disabled brother.

Eventually, Maggie called home to let us know that she was scheduled

to arrive in Idaho later that evening. Although, I had originally

planned on going to the airport with Patrick, I stayed home, waiting for

the coroners office to call. Because Michael had died suddenly and

without good cause, state law dictated that an autopsy be performed.

After learning that Michaelscause of death was, drowning, I called

Pete. Although our divorce had beenamicable, it had been over fifteen

years since we had spoken.

When Michael was born, he was forced to endure a dangerous delivery

procedure commonly referred to as a double breech, face up birth.

Since Medicaid refused to pay for most of the medical bills, Pete was

forced into declaring bankruptcy. Angry and bitter, he refused to take

an active role in Michaels life and seldom paid his child support.

Although, I was angry about how Pete had disregarded Michael, I


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knew deep in my heart, that it was my obligation to inform him that

our son had passed away. Anxious, I picked up the receiver and dialed

his number.

Upon hearing my voice, Pete sensed that I was not calling to be social.

Brooke, whats wrong?

Michael is dead!I shouted. Petes reply came after a few moments

pause. Well, sweetie, itwasnt like we didnt know that this would

happen one day.Michael. However, I never got to complete my

tirade. He hung up the What did you say?He was murdered, I

screamed! Petes answer was anything but cordial. Well,sweetie, if

youre looking for any money, I dont have any. Sickened by his

remark, I began scolding Pete, by telling him what a terrible father; I

thought he had been for abandoning phone before I could finish!

Although, I initially believed that Pete was saddened by his sons

death, I also believed that he used the argument between us asan

excuse not come to offer his condolences. Thirteen years later, I had

the opportunity to speak with him about Michaels book. Somehow, I

hoped that he would explain why he never came to his sons funeral.

However, within the first five minutes of our conversation, he

reinforced his original thoughts about Michaels passing by reiterating,

If youre looking for any money I dont have any!


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After speaking with the coroners office, Patrick and I tried to recall

the details leading up to Michaels death. Since he had always been

wheelchair bound, Patrick and I felt that it was impossible for him to

die from drowning unless foul play was involved.

As I Walked Down the Hallway to My Son

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