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November 25, 2005
Silent Voice
I knew the little girl was crying even though she had her back to me. Nobody was paying particular attention to her. The nurses were at their station working and two elderly people were talking to each other on the chairs near the door. The girl was sitting on the floor playing with a coloring book.
“Hi,” I said, crouching down beside her. “You seem to be sad.”
“Uh huh,” she replied.
“May I ask why?” I said, gently.
“Uh huh,” she said softly.
She was quiet for a few minutes. I did not push her for a reply. I remained where I was, waiting for her answer.
Without looking up she said, “My brother’s going to die.”
“Why?” I said.
“Because he has cancer.”
“Cancer, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“Having cancer doesn’t mean he’s going to die,” I said.
“Really.” The girl turned toward me.
“Yup. A lot of kids survive cancer. To tell you the truth, more kids survive cancer than die from it.”
“They do?”
Her face suddenly lit up.
“Sure. But the he treatment is a bit yucky though.”
“I know my brother threw up in my lap the other day,” she said, screwing up her face.
“A kid once threw up on my head,” I said. “Right here in this room. I was giving him a ride on my shoulders and he barfed all over the back of my head.”
The little girl threw back her head and laughed.
“Eeuuww.”
Just then the girls mother and her brother came into the waiting room from the X-ray area.
The little girl ran over and hugged her sick brother. The mother affectionately patted the girl on the head and they made their way back to the boy’s room.
I followed behind them because I was heading in the same direction.
The mother and the boy walked into their room.
The little girl hesitated at the door and turned toward me.
She smiled.
I returned the smile and stretched out my open palm toward her as I passed.
She leaned over and gave me five. Then she pointed at me.
I pointed back at her.
We said nothing to each other.
We didn’t have to.
Posted by trevor at November 25, 2005 09:34 PM
Comments
Last few entries have been about your childhood pain. I hear you.
Not only did you survive, you thrive. Bravo! Bully!! Gold Star!!!
I am endeared that you give children realistic hope. Continue your good work.
Bless you, Trevor.
Madame Babushka
Posted by: madame babushka at November 25, 2005 10:46 PM
wow! your a great artist! and your stories are amazing! i would love to here more. there great. keep it up.
your an amazing person trevor!
Amanda..
Posted by: Amanda at December 3, 2005 11:42 PM
Im 14 years old. My older brother died from Leukemia last year. He was my best friend and i stayed with him right to the very end. After Jason passed away mum was really worried about me. Because i was smiling. And i was happy. She sat me down and asked me what was going on so i told her.
"Mum, I dont need to be sad. "
She replied, "Its ok to cry kelsey. "
"mum, He's happy, and i know he loves me. And i love him just as much. It doesnt matter if i cant see him anymore, he hasnt really gone, hes still jsut as close as he was before.. He still has is arm around my shoulder and he wont let go. "
Mum smiled at me and walked away.
I still say to people at school watch out or my brother will beat you up. And it only makes me laugh and smile, and remember all the wonderful, unforgettable times we had.
Your story reminds me of how brightsided my brother was, and you have that same possitive energy. You are one of my biggest inspirations, thankyou.
Posted by: Kelsey at November 18, 2006 03:37 AM