Time Slowly Moves On
Yesterday is just history
Warning, this is not going to be a lighthearted article, about a high school girlfriend, me riding a death machine of a riding lawn mower, or even a good pet story.
Quite the opposite
I had not advanced the clock in my living room by an hour to “Daily Savings Time.” This particular clock was still one hour behind time and I am way too OCD for that.
As I got closer to the clock I saw the above-enclosed picture of my Mom, (R.I.P.), propped up beside the clock. This particular picture was taken after I had taken my Mom out of her nursing home to go get her some ice cream and a ride in my car (pre-COVID). She was quite the sport and she did love ice cream.
That day made me feel so good
Our parents raised us, took care of us, and provided for us. However, back then, in her nursing home, it was my time to take care of her, provide for her, and be a parent for my parents. It was a time in my life when I was challenged with “raising my parents.”
One of the worst days of my life (tongue in cheek)
My parents asked me to take them to their final resting place. Unbeknownst to me, I was to take them to the graveyard so they could choose the gravesite where they would spend eternity.
My mom was so cute as she was saying to my stepdad, “Honey over here, there is a tree here for shade.” Then my dad answered back with, “No honey, up here. It is higher ground and it will not flood during a rain.”
Trying to be the mediator, I was like, can we please talk about something else? I did ask my Mom if she liked this plot as I would have to tell the graveyard custodian where they chose. Mom replied, “Yes, this is so nice, and the birds can nest in that tree over there and sing to us.”
I don’t care how big you are or how strong you are, there are not enough handkerchiefs to survive what she just said while standing beside mom at her final resting place. Ok, guys we really need to go. This pollen is affecting my eyes.
Making arrangements with the custodian
I was talking to the custodian again and he asked my dad what font, and script he wanted to be etched on their headstones. My dad had no clue what the custodian was asking, so they looked at me. Oh no no no no, I am not in this conversation.
However, I had to be in this conversation. So, I helped them as they were holding hands and thanking me. Ok, guys let’s go and get a drink. I was thinking of something in the adult beverage category, but they don’t drink and I was the only driver.
Somehow, I gathered my courage and went to work the next day. One of my coworkers met me outside and told me something so poignant that I will never forget. He said, and I quote, “The same dog that bit your mom will be chasing the rest of us one day.”
I got “the call”
I will never forget that phone call I got on that hot summer day. Mr. Newman, this is Dr. Name Delete in the Emergency Room. I am sorry, however, I have some sad news……
I do not remember what I heard after the doctor said those words to me. My wife dropped me and my sis off at the E.R. door. However, there was construction, and I could not even figure out how to enter the building. Finally, I met the doctor in the E.R. She was very nice and answered all my questions.
One of mom’s eyes was slightly open and she had a slight grin on her face; frozen in time, as if she was saying, “Ok Lord, I am ready to go.”
The gravesite
A few days later, yet it seemed like an eternity, I was at the gravesite in my black suit. I could not help but focus on her headstone, etched so perfectly, just as she wanted it. I focused on the gravesite itself, the exact one she wanted and she personally chose, and you can’t make this up, there were birds in the tree singing.
Dad’s visit to the nursing home
Again, I know this is not my typical light-hearted writing style. However, I went to see my Dad in the nursing home. I had to be careful not to mention mom to him, as he gets confused about where she is.
I also had to lead every conversation, as he is forgetful. I mainly reminded him of his days growing up in Arkansas with his “moonshiner” neighbor, the donkey that pulled him and his plow, his dog Buster, and his Army days in WWII.
In a word, it was a sad day for me. I thanked them both (Mom and Dad) for all they did for me and my siblings.
I was able to make dad smile before I left when I reminded him that he was the one who taught me how to drive. We both got a good laugh on that one.
Thanks for letting me vent
This publication is titled: Refresh the Soul. This publication was also a help for me today. Reflecting on my parents, and what they meant for me and my siblings, means everything to us now. However, what do I do now, how do I get passed this day?
I got it, I will do what I have alwas done, which is to write. Usually, I would be writing a poem about my day, and that poem will come later. However, for now, I will read some articles from writers in my writing community for a laugh. Trust me, my community is great at making me laugh. They are all such good writers.
What a great way to refresh the soul.
And just like that, I found the article to refresh my soul.
The first article I read was a funny article from a writer in my community Bebe Nicholson Her article is titled:
If you need a pick-me-up and a good laugh, I would recommend you read Bebe Nicholson’s story right now. Well, actually please finish this one first. Just kidding. Her article still has me laughing.
Thanks for the story and the laugh, Bebe Nicholson
Moving forward
I promise you and any new reader, my next article will be back to my normal lighthearted format. I am feeling better already. Until then, thanks for letting me vent and or ramble.
I guess, I just needed to refresh my soul today.
Thanks guys, AL. Wire Editor Newman
