At A Loss

I just got off the phone with Big Ed from work. His husband died in the hospital this morning while he was getting treatment for ongoing troubles due to a bout of meningitis suffered earlier this year. Apparently Mike's lung collapsed and he went into cardiac arrest. Ed's very upset, and is trying to figure out what to do with his life now, and isn't entirely sure that his condo lease still applies.

In the morning I have to see if he will get bereavement benefits from work while he's out taking care of the funeral arrangements in San Antonio, where they were from. Sure, his supervisor could do this, but I guess I understand the situation a little better and know what to ask the HR folks about the situation. Luckily Mike was already on Big Ed's benefits, so proving they were a couple isn't too difficult.

I wish I could do more, but I'm just trying to be helpful as a work friend. I don't know Big Ed well outside of work, and only met his partner once, when he was dressed as Michael Jackson at a Halloween party, so perhaps I'm doing just what I should do, and shouldn't try to but my way in further. Big Ed has enough to deal with.

The best thing I could tell him was to take care of himself, no matter what, work would take care of itself just fine.