Thomas Grant Bruso

Harry Lennon and Zeke Hodge spent many wonderful years together, but five years ago, Harry made the grim decision to admit his life-partner to a permanent housing facility at Saint Keller’s Nursing Home for the Aging. Riddled with Alzheimer’s, Zeke barely recognizes Harry anymore. As he tries to help Zeke recall small occurrences in the forty-two years they shared together, Harry wrestles with his worst fear: watching his partner slowly deteriorate in front of him.<br><br>During Zeke’s last months at Saint Keller’s, Harry notices his partner gradually slipping away. Zeke grows more violent and disruptive with the orderlies, and becomes a stranger with whom Harry cannot identify. When Harry succumbs to one of life’s harsh realities, what reason can he find to keep living?

Something Beautiful Remains

Trembling, Harry rips open the envelope and reads his partner’s last words.


No one has been as gracious as you when it comes to helping me. What can I say about a man who has guided me in the right direction, on a regular basis, whether I wanted to go or not, and never given me lip when my mind started playing tricks on me? I guess that’s what soul mates are for, and that’s what you are to me, always, until our final breath. I have days, as you know, when I can’t remember small things about myself, or you for that matter. I am scared. But I want to thank you for a long, happy life together. You have taught me patience and surrender, which is difficult to learn, even for me this late in the game. But you are a beacon of truth, for which I am forever grateful. I love you. Zeke.


Chapter 9