TOO FAR TO REACH 33

 

TOO FAR TO REACH 33

The first thing I noticed as we walked in to Jeff’s ward was how everything seemed hopeless. All I could hear were machines making a very traumatising beeping sound. I believe it’s the oxygen or heart rate monitor, I honestly have no idea but with every beep came more and more anxiety. Jeff lay there quietly and I watched hopelessly, there’s nothing I could do. The doctor came close to us and told us he needed to explain something outside. He did not speak loudly, he just whispered. Jeff was strapped in many tubes, his right hand completely unrecognizable, it was swollen and looked green. Almost as if he had a blood clot. I noticed most vividly the tubes that went through his nose and his mouth covered with an oxygen mask. He had no shirt on thereby exposing some bruises on his chest. His face was still handsome as always. His heart was still beating. I felt numb.

“Can he hear me?” I asked the doctor powerlessly.

The doctor looked a little confused to tell but he smiled and said..

“You can tell him anything lovely like you would say to him, I’m sure he will love it”

I felt an overwhelming sadness and almost about to cry but the doctor shook his head signaling that I shouldn’t behave like that around Jeff. So I held it together.

“Come with me first… you will be back soon”

Uncle and I followed the doctor to an office near the isolated ward. He then asked us to seat and listen to what he had to say. I was lost in a lot of thought until the doctor looked at me almost as if he was waiting for a response.

“The doctor was explaining that…”

Uncle was quickly interrupted by the doctor “madam, you need to be very very strong. You are the only person who can stand by your husband and give him every support he needs. You need to be very strong”

I quietly nodded my head and the doctor went on to explain that Jeff may need an amputation. His right arm needed to be amputated to help his chances of survival. My heart shuttered. I knew this would not be easy for Jeff he was so full of life.

“Doctor please..” I said emotionally.

“is there no other thing you can do?”

The doctor shook his head.. “it is very necessary.. however, further examinations are being conducted in very hard circumstances. You know he is unconscious. Just be prepared for this”

I held to that little bit of hope… maybe … just maybe we could save his arm but I needed to do more than just believe.

“You can not be sad or cry around him… be happy.. speak words of affirmation.. yes he most likely can hear you very well…” the doctor said

Uncle held my hand and forced a smile. He was so strong through all this but now I could see it weigh down on him. Through his smile I saw grief and worry.

“His sister needs to know” uncle said

“Uncle.. Jeff is all I have… no one will stand for me, when she comes here she will make many drastic decisions..” I said bitterly.

“And me? Am I not here?” uncle replied

“Only you can make any big decisions regarding your husband’s health.. are you not legally married?” The doctor asked

“They are, they are legally married” uncle interrupted

“But his sister does not know that.. she may demand for many unnecessary things and obviously cause a scene”

The doctor looked confused but also very impatient.

“I will leave all that to you to decide but I need you to at least prove that you are his legal wife as soon as possible… Jeff’s condition may take sudden turns, I need to be sure on exactly what to do”

“Doctor, I am his legal wife and the marriage certificate is home.. do I need to bring it?” I asked.

“I just need your signature on a couple of documents…”

Uncle and I concluded with the doctor and we headed outside. While outside the doctors office, uncle was quick to mention that he would be calling Jeff’s sister right away. I on the other hand opted to see my husband