I want you to know that because of you, I was not scared. I wish I could have stayed with you longer, but I couldn’t fight anymore, and for that, I am sorry. How death takes everyone away, leaving me here, knowing where everyone goes, and knowing I would never be welcomed there this is hell. Looking down again at Jake’s handwriting, I traced the letters with my fingers.Īs I opened it, tears spilled from my eyes. Our halls have never been more silent.Ĭradling Jacob’s letter in my arms I promised myself that I would record a few pieces of music on a CD for the patients there. The patients and staff here miss your nightly musical tributes for your brother. I know that Jacob did not want a funeral or wake for his passing, but I felt we needed to celebrate Jacob, the patient we had for the longest period, who fought the hardest against his disease.īefore Jacob passed, he spoke privately with me, asking me to give you the letter from him that I have enclosed.

What started out as a small gathering in the common room turned into a significant event. First and foremost, I wanted to write that we held a small memorial for your brother, recalling how full of love and life he was, and how amazing he was with all the other patients. I never got to give my condolences to you before you left. It was from one of Jake’s doctors, Doctor Slaterman, whom Jacob seemed to grow very fond of while staying at the hospice. I think that’s what I was meant for me to do, since the other letter was still sealed. My knees buckled and I sat heavily on the floor, leaning against my bed. Bending down, I picked up the fallen envelope and read the name on the front Gracie.

Another smaller envelop slid out and fell to the floor. I ripped open the envelope and unfolded a handwritten letter. Sitting down on my bed, I glanced quickly at the return address on the letter. I stuck my head in to check on Shane he was still out cold. Whichever, I picked it up and walked into my room. It might have been the color, a creamy peach that struck a chord with me. It wasn’t normal size a bit larger and thicker than the rest. Maybe, the size of the envelope was what made me look twice at it. I threw the mail on the kitchen table, barely noticing the one piece of mail addressed to me. I grabbed the mail and decided instead of running that I’d just make coffee and curl up and play my guitar. The sidewalk was already shoveled, the streets were plowed and a light feathery snow was gently falling. I peeked out the front door to see how much snow fell. It was still so early that it would be really mean of me to kick him out, but late enough that I was stuck alone with him since Conner and Lea were at work. Shane was still sprawled out over the couch when I woke up the next morning at 10 o’clock.

Fall from grace by christine zolendz