Taking Cues

Sometimes things do not have to be said. It is the unspoken words that are important. It is the tone, the look, the feeling. My father is scheduled for a procedure this morning to finish the one he had as an emergency last week. He needs to be under anesthesia for this one and since he was not able to be sedated last week, it became a two part surgery. We arranged for a ride back and forth and his healthcare aide is with him. He said he would be fine. Last night when we spoke, I sensed in his voice that he was not fine. It was not said in words, it was said in the wavering sound of his voice. I asked him to tell me honestly if he wanted me to go with him. That is when he started to cry. He felt that it would be a burden for me to miss work. I told him that nothing is more important than him and I would be there with him in the morning and stay until he was settled back at home. I took the cue.