The drive from Greenwich Hospital to Greenwich Woods was somewhat unreal. I had just witnessed my brother pass away and now I was faced with the task along with my Mom of collecting his belongings.

Walking into Greenwich Woods knowing that Tom was not there and that his body was back at Greenwich Hospital had me feeling a whole range of emotions.

We walked towards his room and as we did we encountered his roommate Pat walking towards us. I motioned to him by shaking my head back and forth and as we got closer I told him.. Tom didn’t make it. Tommy died.

He was in shock. Like we were.

We walked back to the room that they shared and I sat on Tom’s bed. I found his glasses. I found all the stuff the EMT’s had used on him.

I found the weight of the world crashing upon my shoulders.

A nice orderly lady came in and asked if she could help. I said yes, I need some boxes for all the waters that I had to bring home. These were all the waters that Tom asked for yet never drank.
She procured boxes and also a cup of coffee.

After I had gotten the boxes packed I said to Mom that I was going to get someone to help us wheel the stuff to the car.

I went and NICELY asked to have an orderly with a dolly.. they said SURE in 5 mins… honey.. (thanks buddy, but do not call me honey)

after 40 minutes.. I went again.. and said.. Hi, I asked for an orderly to help me, its been 40 minutes.. I have not seen anyone…

They look at me and said “yeah we will get to you”.. and at this point.. I LOST MY SHIT ON THEM.

I SCREAMED (LITERALLY).. LISTEN MY BROTHER JUST DIED!!!!

I NEED TO GET MY BROTHERS STUFF OUT OF HERE I AM SUFFOCATING IN HERE CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME GET HIS STUFF TO MY CAR??????

The jerk at the counter said Condisendingly, Hold on Hold on …I see Manuel, he will help you.. I was like Where is he? (poor poor Manuel he wouldnt know what hit him) I will go and get him myself.. I start walking towards him, like I am on a mission, and at this point .. the orderly decides to follow me walking very closely… he was no dummy..

I regained my cool and Manuel says he will be right there.. and he is.

I mechanically load all of Tom’s belongings into the car.

I look at Mom, she looks at me, and I say I love you Mom however this is not what I signed up for..

She says.. I know sweetie.. let’s get outta here and with that we headed back home.