Harry

Over the course of last winter and the fall before, I had gotten to know Harry who traveled three times a week on my GO bus into Toronto to visit his wife, Milly, who was living in a seniors home in the east end, receiving end of life care. Harry didn't want her there. His children made this decision. He knew it was for the best, but it killed him to be away from her. Three times a week on the GO was all he could afford...

Talking to Harry often broke my heart.

Last night, while I was out for a bike ride, I zoomed off my route to come down Townline Road, that separates Courtice from Oshawa, and spotted Harry as he stood on the corner at Highway 2. I came to a screeching stop. I was so happy to see him. I hadn't seen him since changing my morning bus routine in April.

His eyes brightened and then his smile faded... And I knew.

"When?" I asked.

"June," he said.

I put my bike down and asked him if he wanted a drink from the McDonalds nearby. He shook his head no.

And then I hugged him. I hugged him so hard, right there, at this busy intersection that I thought his bones would break.

"I just need to go to the bank," he told me after I let go. I said I would go with him. We walked over to the TD together, with me pushing my bike, and I waited for him outside. I had so many questions. What happens now? Who is going to take care of him? Is he moving? Does he have help? Who mows his lawn?

I didn't have grandparents. I also had to remind myself his business is not mine. And then suddenly, I felt awkward standing there, sweaty, and really, a total stranger.

When Harry came out of the bank, he asked me how my daughter was. "Fine... she's great..." I trailed off. I then I apologized to him if he felt I was intruding on his time.

"You're my friend," he said. "Come, walk me to the lights, I can tell you about Milly's service."

I don't know how many green lights came and went but eventually I had to leave because I promised my daughter we'd swim together for a bit before bedtime.

I asked Harry for his phone number and stored it in my phone.

I'm going to take him out for a pint one night next week.