Transcript of 7th Session between Charles Balis, M.D. and Ms. Sarah Wright, Wednesday, November 20, 1996 at 2:30 pm.

Dr. Balis: Sarah, it's good to see you. Please come in.
Ms. Wright: Thanks Dr. B. I'm glad to be back. Thanks for making time for me today.
Dr. Balis: I was happy to. I'm sorry that you can only stay half an hour. You've had several bombshells fall on you over the last few weeks. How are you feeling?
Ms. Wright: I'm doing okay, I think. Just taking one day at a time right now.
Dr. Balis: That's good to hear. Last time we talked you said Jeff had asked you to allow Robby to move into your home during his illness. Have you made a decision about that situation?
Ms. Wright: Yes. Robby is moving in this weekend.
Dr. Balis: Oh? So quickly? Has his illness taken a turn for the worse already?
Ms. Wright: No, actually Robby is feeling fairly well physically. Mentally he's a mess. He's been given a death sentence. He knows he'll die.
Dr. Balis: Have you gone for your HIV test yet, Sarah?
Ms. Wright: I have an appointment tomorrow.
Dr. Balis: Good. Better to get that out of the way as soon as possible.
Ms. Wright: Yes, but I'm not too concerned about it. Like I told you, Jeff has already been tested and he's clean, so chances are I'm okay, too.
Dr. Balis: So tell me what living arrangements you have made with Jeff and Robby.
Ms. Wright: Well, we have a small apartment above our garage. Originally it was going to be for my parents or Jeff's parents when they could no longer live in their own homes. A "mother-in-law" apartment! Anyway, Jeff uses it mostly for storage right now, so Robby will move in there. Of course, Robby has to sell his dental practice. I think that's the toughest for him right now. He's feeling a lot of guilt, as well he should.
Dr. Balis: You seem to be taking this whole thing very well, Sarah. You're allowing your husband's gay lover to move into your home. This is a big decision to make. Are you sure about all this?
Ms. Wright: Oh yes, I'm sure. This is the way it's suppose to end. I always knew that Robby and I would be together at his death...of course, I didn't realize what our relationship would be at the time of his death.
Dr. Balis: You're talking about your belief in reincarnation?
Ms. Wright: Yes. Robby and I have lived many life times together, always kept apart for some reason. I can only hope we have both learned our lessons in this lifetime, and will be allowed to be together in our next.
Dr. Balis: And Robby does not share this view?
Ms. Wright: No, but men always have a harder time accepting things they can't logically or scientifically explain. But in the end he'll recognize me and he'll go knowing he'll see me again soon.
Dr. Balis: Soon? Are you saying your death will occur soon after Robby's?
Ms. Wright: No, not like that, but death just seems a short nap compared to living a long life. It will seem like soon for Robby.
Dr. Balis: I see. So what are your plans now?
Ms. Wright: I've given my notice at work. I'm going to stay until the end of the year, but then I'll be home to help take care of Robby as he needs me.
Dr. Balis: So Robby is just going to become like a family member? What have told your children?
Ms. Wright: Well, the kids have known Robby for years. He's been to the house many times. I guess you could say he was already like family...except toward the end when I hated him so much. But the kids know Robby is going to be living above the garage and that he's not going to be a dentist anymore. We've told them he's very sick, although we haven't said what he has. At this point, I don't want a load of shit from anyone about having a man with AIDS living in our house.
Dr. Balis: Yes, that's probably a wise decision. Will you and Jeff have to support Robby financially?
Ms. Wright: No, thank goodness. Apparently Robby has been able to create quite a little nest egg for himself, which is a good thing since when his medications come in, he'll have to pay an arm and leg, and we certainly can't afford to help him in that way. The money we have saved is for the kids' college. We're not touching that!
Dr. Balis: I'm very curious to know what the relationship between Jeff and Robby will be while Robby is living with you.
Ms. Wright: Well, they're in love, you know, so I suppose they'll maintain some sort of physical relationship, although I know for a fact Jeff won't risk contacting AIDS from Robby. This has really scared him! He's clean and he's going to stay that way! I don't know much about AIDS, but I imagine in the end Robby will be too sick to have any sort of relationship with Jeff.
Dr. Balis: So what is the current standing of the relationship between you and Jeff?
Ms. Wright: What relationship? Whatever we had is over. The only reason I'm letting him stay is because of the kids. The kids love their dad and it would be cruel to pull them away from him. Jeff and I have talked about this and neither of us wants the kids to know that Jeff is gay. At least not now. Maybe later when they're older.
Dr. Balis: I can understand letting Jeff stay, but why are letting Robby stay, too?
Ms. Wright: Like I said before, this is fate working. I cannot go against what is woven into the spokes of life. It will be interesting to see how this develops. Living in the same house with a man I've loved most of my life, who's now dying of AIDS, and who happens to be in love with my husband. Sounds like something from a friggin' soap opera!
Dr. Balis: Are you sure you will be able to handle all that is bound to come with this living arrangement?
Ms. Wright: No, but that's why I have you Dr. B.
Dr. Balis: Yes Sarah, you'll always have me.
Ms. Wright: Thanks, I appreciate your support. The half hour's up and I have to get back. Can I make an appointment for the same time as my usual session next week?
Dr. Balis: Of course, I'll see you then. Let's see, that's November 25th at 2 pm. Goodbye Sarah.
Ms. Wright: Goodbye, Dr. B.
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