She finally allowed herself to cry openly while I held her. Afterward, I completed the cheek-swab test, sealed the samples, and told her to get her coat because we were going to Pittsburgh.
We shipped the test kit before leaving town, and I called Dave to explain the discovery. He promised to join us the following day, giving me the reassurance I needed as we began the drive.
About an hour into the journey, Mom quietly announced that she was hungry for the first time in months. We stopped at a Cracker Barrel, where she ate chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and apple pie while tears continued rolling down her cheeks.
We reached UPMC Shadyside that afternoon and found Room 612. Mom entered first, carrying the yellow blanket, while I hesitated in the doorway and studied the man sitting upright in the hospital bed.
His dark eyes, nose, and crooked smile resembled my own so closely that I felt an immediate connection. When he greeted me by name, I approached his bedside and took his hand.
