I spent this week working on a new (and boring) class for this fall (Epidemiology is not my jam but since I’m the only medical doctor at the university I was tagged to do it). I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s snippets to get my brain out of the doldrums.
I’m continuing right where I left off (and again a bit longer than it should be for a cohesive thought, sorry. I’ll behave soon, promise). Brendan has found Josh’s fan art but it’s made him think of his dead son, Connor.
Brendan shut the journal brushing his hand over his eyes. “You don’t have to say anything.”
“But I am sorry. No one should have to go through this. Children shouldn’t have to face a monster like cancer but I will shut up about it now. I’m afraid of saying the wrong thing but is saying nothing worse? God, I’m babbling again. It’s just…I think the silence and avoidance makes it seem Ike everything about you is broken.”
God, why had he said that? He should have stopped at I’ll shut up now but Brendan didn’t seem angry. He regarded Joshua intently.
“You’re not wrong. I know a lot of my friends felt that way. Eventually many of them drifted off, like they couldn’t build a bridge to me and Kirsten and our pain. It’s all right. I don’t want to go through my life never talking about Connor. I just can’t promise I won’t cry.”
If you’d like to play along, Rainbow Snippets is a Facebook community where we post up 6 sentences of one of our LGBT stories every Saturday. It’s been fun and you can find it here. Be sure to check out all the offers! It’s been a great supportive group!
Jana Denardo 
That last line is awesome. And so is the openness of their communication.
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Thank you very much
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A hard place to be for both of them, but so glad Brendan is reaching out. Great snippet, Jana. 🙂
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Thank you. That’s a pretty big step for Brendan, really.
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It’s never easy dealing with death, and that it was his child? So sad. I’m happy they are able to talk about it.
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The death of a child is nearly impossible so I hope I’m doing it justice. THanks
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Poor Brendan…
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Thanks
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I love how they’re keeping communication open here.
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Thanks. Brendan needs to contemplate how at ease Josh makes him feel.
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It’s good that Brendan felt able to open up a little. I can’t imagine how painful it is for him.
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Aww. That’s beautiful. Very raw and honest.
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thank you
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