Talk Soon

My younger brother was turning 55. I called and left a message: “Happy birthday, Tommy! Too bad you’re getting so old (little chuckle). Talk soon.” 

A few days later, I got a call. “Hello, Cherry? This is Adam, Christina’s husband. We were going out to eat for Tom’s birthday. He had a heart attack. The doctors say it’s bad. They’re going to fly him to Cleveland Clinic.” 

After Tom came out of surgery, I grabbed the phone. Information got me Cleveland Clinic’s number. A kind voice answered. 

“I need to speak to Tom Fisher,” I said. 

“I’ll try to connect you.” 

A buzz. Then another calm voice: “Cardiac ICU.” 

“May I talk to Tom Fisher?” I said nervously. “This is his sister in Iowa.” 

“I’ll see if he’s awake.” Moments later: “You’re in luck! I’ll bring the phone to him.” 

“Tom! This is Sha-Sha! I called to see how you’re doing. And by the way — happy birthday!” 

“Yeah. What a birthday surprise. I feel pretty rough.” 

“Well, get better so you can cheer for the Hawks!” 

“Yeah.” 

“Take care and get some rest. Love you, Tommy.” 

“Bye, Sis.” 

A second surgery was needed. Tom was put on the heart transplant list. His kidneys shut down. Eventually there was no brain activity. They asked if they should keep him on the respirator until I could get there. “Let him go in peace,” I said. 

Thank you, Cleveland Clinic, for one last phone call with my brother. I know he had the best care there. 

Love you, Tommy. Talk soon. 

When they were very young, Cherry Hansen’s brother Tom couldn’t quite say her name, so he called her “Sha-Sha."