Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 19:45:54 -0600 From: Oliver R Subject: american in canada-colby's conversation Hey guys! So the response to request the following snippet has been amazing. I counted just over 300 emails. I really like to know how many people are reading my story and 300 people is more than I ever imagined. Anyway here it is. I hope not many of you are disappointed by the revelations that will be revealed but I will say that I'm not into reading stories that only end in tragedy so why would I write one like that? Every story will have some low points but I promise to end it in the clouds! Enjoy! The following is told from Colby's POV. "Hey dad, what's up?" Man I was so nervous about why my dad was calling. "I'm afraid I have some bad news son. Where would you like me to start?" he said. I've only seen my father's steel facade break but today, his voice was demure and shaky. This didn't do a thing to calm my nerves. "Uh.tell me the least bad news first." I said back. "Okay, you and your brother are going to have to spend Christmas with your aunt and uncle. I really am sorry your mother and I cannot spend it with you. We will be there for new years thought so don't worry we'll see you and your brother." he said. He stayed quiet, almost as if he didn't want to tell me the other news. I don't blame him, I know exactly what's coming. The few days Oliver and I weren't talking back in Minneapolis, my father took me to Mayo for my quarterly CT scan. A couple years ago, when I was still a sophomore in high school, I noticed that I felt nauseous all the time. Over time it got worse and I was vomiting and getting headaches. You see, my father is the Head of Neurology at the Mayo clinic and is considered one of the best in the world. In addition to that, his work in neurosurgery is known worldwide. He saw the symptoms and booked a CT scan right away for me. What they found was a small, yet noticeable glioblastoma tumour, stage 2. Fortunately, after going through a craniotomy, the tumour was removed and there was no sign of the cancer three months after. I've had a scan every three months since then. "It's back isn't it?" I said. "Yes." The only thing that was running through my mind was Oliver. Why is this happening to me? I'm finally with the most wonderful person who I love and it has to come back. "Oh." "Colby don't worry, the growth is smaller than it was before. I honestly, I almost overlooked it. I want you to come here in a month and half's time so that we can remove the growth. There have been great advances in the treatment of glioblastoma so I have complete faith that we can fight this thing. We have to Colby. You mean everything to your mother and I." My eyes flowed tears as he said this. His voice was riddled with sobs. "I love you son, you take care of yourself and I'll see you in a couple of weeks." "I love you too dad." second to hearing Oliver say I love you was hearing my dad or mom say it. They weren't the type to show affection very often, but when they did, it was sincere and heartfelt. I hung up the phone and took a few moments to compose myself. I had to tell Oliver and I was going to wait for the right moment to say it. Walking back, all I could think about was holding Oliver in my arms and telling him how much I loved him. I have to fight this, I'm not going to hurt Oliver again.