This past weekend my lovely boyfriend, Cameron, came to visit and celebrate our one year anniversary. I think the nurses loved him more than I did. I saw them peeking through the curtains smiling at us while we ate our “candle lit” Mexican dinner. Every time he left the room, a giddy nurse would come in to tell me just how cute he was. They have seen him every weekend I have been here now and love his company because their jobs are that much easier as he does all the nursing for them. Feeding me. Check. Cleaning up my vom. Check. Keeping me happy. Check.

Instead of pressing the call bell to ask for help, I always would just send Cameron out to let them know what I needed. Last night my nurse asked ME if he could stay, so I said of course. Recently, the hospital security had problems with parents publicly fornicating in the hospital rooms while their sick children slept. I personally would consider that a mood kill, but some people just have needs. Thus, co-ed sleepovers had become a no-no, and I had just been granted special permission. (NO FORNICATION THOUGH. NO WORRIES…) Back to the story — my diuretics kicked in and so I sent Cam for the bed pan (they aren’t that bad now btw) and the Charge Nurse yells to my nurse, “Your girl needs you. Robert Redford is out of the room.”

With such a penchant for boys of the pale persuasion, I was embarrassed to not know who this one was. Naturally, I googled “Robert Redford” and only found pictures of some old guy. As the pictures went down I saw some pictures reminiscent of Brad Pritt. Then I realized the nurses had been dating themselves and hopefully referring that Redford hunk in his prime. I could see the resemblance with the blonde hair and big teeth. Cam’s ego was naturally inflated and he wouldn’t stop smiling. You be the judge.

I figured this film photo of Cam in the library was suited for the vintage comparison.

I don’t know much about Robert Redford, but I know plenty about Cameron Crowell, and this past year he has been absolutely nothing but amazing. This kid woke up at 7 am to take me to my doctor appointments. He edited every essay I wrote for all my classes — and that required a lot of trust considering the fact he was a science major and I was the aspiring writer. I contribute my straight As to him. He approved every outfit I wore before I went anywhere, even the two times I went to the gym. He protected me from a storm of angry feminist. He tolerates the crazy Hill family antics, and i know I have to be the biggest hill he ever had to climb. This kid let my friend and I paint his nails pink this weekend, and it wasn’t the first time.

What a man?

I just wanted to take a minute and appreciate Cameron and all he has done for me this past year. I also wanted to thank him for the gorgeous heart-shaped diamond pendant he gave me to hold me over until I get my transplant. I can only hope the heart I get is as tough and brilliant as diamonds. So, thank you Cameron for being you/ Robert Redford.

Making hospitals as romantic we can with LED candles.

xx