He was pretty quiet, just sitting watching the tube in the front room, but you can imagine how it felt to suddenly be able to sense the presence of another person, hear the television in the background, after all of these weeks. The only other visits I'd had since Lionel first went into the hospital, were his niece and nephew helping me look for insurance papers before the funeral, and a neighbor from upstairs who dropped by to pay her condolences that night after the burial at Quantico.
Before I knew it, I was falling asleep at the computer. Clearly time for bed, my friend was stretched out in the recliner dozing. I could tell that he wanted to spend the night. I got him a blanket and pushed some boxes out of the way so he could recline all the way back. It is just too soon for me to want to let out the couch and make up Lionel's bed for anyone else to sleep in.
I retired for the night and, although I woke up a couple of times to go to the bathroom and was aware of his presence, I knew it was not Lionel. It was a totally different energy. Nice not to be alone for a change. But...not Lionel.
Alan, interesting you post this, because I was just talking to my partner Mack about this. He and I were wondering if you had company and if people were dropping by. I was thinking that if I were facing that situation now, I’d want to be alone as much as possible and would not want people around me. I can imagine, at least for me, how awkward it must be having someone sleep overnight. Sounds like it was a welcome change. Glad you’re doing alright.
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