A Family of Their Own(37)
She began, followed by the next woman. Ross’s throat ached, holding back emotions he hadn’t allowed to surface when tears were shed as one mother spoke of her son’s relapse. Each woman offered a word of encouragement, and the thoughts and concerns circled the room. The circle narrowed to him, and his hands trembled as he folded them in his lap, trying to hang on to his composure.
Kelsey motioned for him to begin, and he cleared his throat, hoping his voice would sound firm and in control. “As you already know, I’m Ross. My daughter, Peyton, who just turned twelve, has cardiomyopathy.”
A gasp sizzled around the room. Ross dug his nails into the base of the chair. He knew what they were thinking, and he didn’t want to hear their thoughts or face them. He gathered his wits. “Peyton has done quite well. I spotted the symptoms, because my wife…” He didn’t want to go there. Fifteen women stared at him, their faces filled with question. “Because my wife had died from cardiomyopathy a few years earlier.”
Shock registered on their faces, and this time their oohs reached him. They were empathizing. He knew that, but he’d never allowed people to share his grief—not until Kelsey came along. He glanced at her and saw her caring expression. He could see that she wanted to touch him, to give him a pat of confidence, but it was impossible in the room full of women.
Ross decided to barrel along. He told them about her symptoms, her tests and now his sadness at having to up her meds. “She has a difficult time with other kids. You know how they are. She misses school when she’s not doing well, and she feels out of it. Instead of going back to classes and joining in, she pulls away.”
“And that causes the others to pull away.”
He guessed that the comment came from the woman who’d introduced herself as Shirley. He nodded. “So that’s where I’m at now. Praying that her arrhythmia lessens, and we can decrease the coumadin.”
“I’ll add that to my prayer list,” Shirley said, compassion filling her face. “I’ll also pray for her ability to make friends.”
“Thanks, Shirley.”
A few other women joined in with comments on prayer, and Ross’s spirit lifted. He’d shared his story, and he received offers for prayer. He could do this, and maybe next time, he wouldn’t be so tense. He had so much more he could tell them, and he needed answers.
Chairs were shifted back and a short meeting followed. Women offered new ideas for sharing, films they’d seen, programs at hospitals for parents. It ended more quickly than he’d expected. He hung around, wanting to know more about Kelsey’s plans with Lucy, and when the last woman left the room, he rose from the chair. “What are you planning to do now that Lucy knows? Does she want to see him?”
Kelsey leaned her hip against the desk. “Yes, but I knew she would.”
“So what will you do?”
“He lives in Grand Rapids. I’ll take her there on Saturday, make sure she’s inside and then find something to do while they visit. They can call me on my cell phone when she’s ready to be picked up.”
“Saturday.” He tossed the idea around in his head. “Do you want company?”
“Company?” She eyed him and her eyes brightened. “You’re willing to come along?”
“Very willing. I’ll see if I can get a sitter for Peyton.” His comment fluttered across her face.
“You could bring her if you want.”
“I could.” He pictured the sober occasion, but Peyton had never been to Grand Rapids that he could remember and bringing her might be a good distraction for Lucy.
“It’s up to you, but I’d love your company.”
Something registered in her eyes that he didn’t comprehend. Maybe she had the same thoughts. Peyton would not only be a distraction, but the sad occasion might offer Peyton a chance to show sympathy and heighten their friendship.
A deep sigh rolled from Kelsey. “This will be hard for me.”
“I’m sure it will.” He couldn’t imagine Ruthie having an affair. Trust, confidence, everything defiled by lust and betrayal.
Kelsey dragged her fingers through her hair, forcing her part to vanish for a moment. “I’ve only seen Karen a couple of times since I learned about the affair and that was always from a distance. I dealt with Doug.”
“I’ll be with you. I can’t work wonders, but maybe having a friend there will help.”