Guest or Host

"... The house is quiet, though I expect someone to stir soon. I'm surprised that someone hasn't already. The son was up till 1 o'clock or so, but he's younger with a different circadian rhythm, and given the situation, it's not surprising. I'm glad for the times that families are able to rest. Whether it speaks of acceptance, relief, or exhaustion, there can still be comfort found in those still moments. I have yet to meet the patient's wife, his primary caregiver. The photos on the wall say that she is kind, the tone of her son and the stories, that she is compassionate. But we will see. This experience lays bare our deepest, as yet unformed emotions, and teases out the very marrow from our bones. ..."