“He’s dying, you know.”

“Yes. I know.” Micah looked at his wife and sighed. A tear fell from his eye. “But he’s not gonna do it here.”

Micah looked at his father in the hospital bed. His father met his eyes and nodded. A slight nod. Micah turned to the nurse who had just come in. He was already standing, but stood up straighter. “We would like to take my father home. Please draw up the release papers.”

The nurse opened her mouth to speak. It looked like she was going to protest. But a seemingly disembodied had touched her shoulder lightly. She turned to see a doctor. He nodded and she let him past her into the room.

The doctor opened his arms wide, and he and Micah hugged. Then, he did the same with Catherine. He looked each of his friends in the eyes. “I’m so sorry.” He had tears in his eyes.

Micah and Catherine were both crying. The three stood in silence with just a sob or two escaping now and then.

Micah finally spoke. “Calvin. We want to take my father home.”

Dr. Richards sniffled. “I thought you might. I have the discharge paperwork filled out and ready to go. I know that you have the power of attorney for your father, so all you need to do is sign.” He looked over at Samuel. “However, your father and I have been able to communicate non-verbally for a long time now. I would have accepted his nod as a request to go home.”

Samuel nodded and mouthed, “Thank you.”

Dr. Richards patted his friend on the shoulder. He looked him in his bright eyes. “Time to go home my friend. You have helped so many people in this hospital when you were chaplain and when you were a volunteer afterward. You helped those who were going home. Those who were left behind. And you helped those who did the best they could to help those who were not ready to go yet. You can rest now, my friend. I am sure that our Maker will welcome you with open arms. More importantly, I am sure He will greet you with the words you so long to hear.”

Micah joined Dr. Richards, “Well done good and faithful servant. Well done.”

Samuel nodded at his long-time friend and former coworker. Then, he closed his eyes.

Micah signed the release papers and gave them to the nurse. The nurse was crying as she took the papers away. Dr. Richards hugged Micah, then Catherine. Last of all, he bent down to hug his friend. He whispered, “Goodbye old friend. I look forward to seeing you again.” He stood and smiled. “But don’t expect it to be any time soon.”

Samuel smiled. Dr. Richards sniffled and wiped a tear from his eye as he left. He patted Micah on the shoulder one more time.

***

Samuel was at home when passed from this life to the next. He was surrounded by family and friends, including Dr. Richards.