Compassion and Grace

Stevie checked the clock. It was exactly 12:15 p.m. "Senator, the press conference," she said, puzzled. "I ... postponed it," he said. Stevie suddenly felt like an intruder. She moved to step past the senator and leave Wes' hospital room. "Wait, Stevie," Bellardi said, grasping her arm gently. "Please stay."

Robert stood twenty feet down the hall. Stevie wondered how long it had been since he had slept. She wondered why all she could think of was the warmth and strength she had felt when Jon held her hands and prayed for her.

"I've been thinking about what you said this morning," Bellardi said, bringing her back to the present. "I'd like to speak with you again, if you have a few minutes." "Yes, sir, of course." The senator nodded. "But first, if you don't mind, I'd like to spend a little time ..." His voice cracked and tears formed at the corners of his eyes. "I'd like to spend a little time with my son."

Stevie quickly backed out of the room, pulling the door closed. As she did so, she could hear Senator Daniel Bellardi sobbing. She walked down the hall, past Robert, to look for a quiet place. She had a phone call to make.