Good bye MR C

I believe that people are brought into our lives for short periods of time, but what they leave behind in our hearts is immeasurable and long lasting–MR C has done such a thing he has left a part of his spirit tucked deep into my heart.

I sit on your bare, cold, green mattress, the housekeeper was quick to clean up your room. I’m sure another dementia sufferer will soon be occuping this bed. I came to say good bye to you in my own way. I see your belongings need to be boxed up and your shoes are still here next to your bed.

I loved running my fingers along your brown leather Rockports, I knew your wife of 52 years wanted you to look impeccable -dressed to impress even at 95 years of age. Me on the floor in the bathroom making my attempts of slipping these damn shoes over your heels and you trying your best to push your heel down into the shoe. It reminded me of a Laurel and Hardy stint–the two of us (: but once over the heels and laced up you felt like such a young distinguished young man of 20. It was worth the effort. Last but not least your HANKIE!!!! just had to have a real hankie and Klenex was unheard of in your world.

Your daughter came into the wing to pick up your personal belongings. I could see that she was grieving, as soon as she walked into the wing, her tears started to pour down. I stopped what I was doing and came out and told her “I’m so sorry”. We hugged each other I wanted her to know how you made a difference in my life. We shared wonderful tales of you. Mr C – you never told me you worked along side of General Macarthur. Such a Southern Gentelman you are and didn’t want to toot your own horn.

She left the wing with a lighter heart and I went back to tending to my other patients. Life does go on..but I once again have been touched by the spirit that has passed through and now beyond the pines.

GOOD BYE MR C

Applaud, friends, the comedy is over.

–Beethoven (on his deathbed)