Tender Heart

Eric's dad, Sam's papa, had surgery on Tuesday. Everything went well and he's going to be perfectly fine. We went to the hospital yesterday to visit him. On the way we explained to Sam that we were going to see Papa, but he wouldn't be at his house, he would be in a bed, and doctors and nurses are working to make him feel better. Sam completely understood.

When we walked into the room Sam hesitated just a moment, then came in and acted like Sam. Susan was there, too, and we all chatted for several minutes. A nurse came in to the room and we started to say goodbye.

None of us had noticed Sam, sitting with his back to the wall, starting to cry. He normally cries out loud making sure everyone knows he is unhappy. Yesterday it was much more sad. His chin was quivering as he tried not to make any noise. Big tears were rolling down his face. Eric had to lean close to hear him. "Dad," Sam whispered. "Is she going to hurt Papa?"

We all assured him the nurse would not hurt Papa and she was helping him feel better. Sam kept crying quietly. "I want Papa to go to his house," he whispered.

It's breaking my heart remembering it now. Seeing a loved one in the hospital IS scary - especially someone like Papa, who is a superhero in Sam's eyes. I didn't like it and I know that Wally is totally fine. Poor Sam couldn't make sense of all of it.

We continued to reassure Sam that when Papa was better we would ALL see each other at Papa's house. Sam stopped crying and left feeling okay. I spoke with Susan last night and we will be going to their house for a visit as soon as Wally is home. I hate that Sam is worrying and want him to see that Papa is okay.

Sam is such a sweet, caring little guy. I'm praying he isn't still worried or scared.