Jenny tearfully explained what had happened and then drove her mother in law to the hospital. There they met Mark. The whole family was in shock. Jenny was feeling an immense feeling of guilt. “Is this my fault? Did I do this to him?” She thought to herself and tears rolled down her cheeks. Mark comforting her with a hug.
They got the news a short while later. Mike Darcy had had another stroke. This one worse than the first one. It was not survivable. After much discussion and many tears the decision was made by the family to terminate life support. He passed away peacefully a short time later.
The next week was a blur for Jenny and the family. Making funeral arrangements and getting Mike’s affairs in order was a big task. Both Mark and Jenny took the week off to help and to be with his widow.
Mark took the loss of his dad hard. He was very close to his dad and was having a difficult time dealing with him being gone. Jenny took every opportunity to try and console and comfort her husband, however he was was cold and distracted. She understood why he was acting that way but she could use some comforting as well. She too felt the loss and also the guilt of possibly contributing to his death.
The funeral was well attended. Mike Darcy was a well liked member of the community. There were many people who spoke and talked about how he had touched their lives. Mark had given a emotional and touching eulogy that made Jenny cry. At the reception Mark was gracious and made an effort to talk to everyone. Jenny dutifully standing by his side holding his hand. She could still feel how upset he was. “He’s just hurting. It’ll be ok. Just give him time.” She thought to herself
The reception ended, and the finality of the situation fell upon Mark who sat with his head in his hands crying. Jenny went to comfort him but he pushed her away. “Please leave me alone! I just want to be left alone!” He told her crying.
“Ok babe. I’m here for you if you need me.” Jenny said quietly and walked away from him. Eventually they went home. Helen was staying with them for the time being. She couldn’t stay in her house alone just yet. Once inside Helen went to her room to rest. Mark sat on the couch staring into space. The kids went to their rooms, still processing what had happened. Jenny was going to ask Mark if he needed anything but decided against it. She was exhausted. Mentally, physically and emotionally. She took a hot bath which helped immensely, then got ready for bed. She went and checked on her husband and found him asleep on the couch. She cover him with a blanket and then checked in on the kids and got them ready for bed. Finally, she climbed into bed and slowly drifted off to sleep
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