Memory

What'd I come up here for?  Maybe if I go back downstairs I'll remember why I came upstairs.  Returning to the basement, he'd wonder, 'what did I come down here for?'

The Dad I Never Had

"Annie, Annie, come quick!" Pop Pop cried.

When I arrived at the entrance, he motioned for me to sit beside him on the couch, his eyes transfixed on the TV.

"Come sit here," he patted the cushion on the sofa beside him, his eyes still transfixed.

"Look at this . . . Look at this woman on the TV . . . see how she laughs . . . . watch the way she's laughing."

He continued to focus all his attention on this beautiful young woman. She was the guest on some talk show. He was clearly enjoying her.

The thought, "oh, Pop Pop you pervert!" was what came to my mind at that time. He was clearly enjoying this young woman.

"Annie, do you see how this woman is laughing?"

She was having so much fun. Laughing, throwing her head back, mouth wide open.

He finally asked me, "Wouldn't you like to laugh like that?"

Pop Pop's My Dad : A Jayme Story

Sammy came to our house nearly everyday. This story takes place one particular morning as Sammy arrived. I was back in the kitchen and Jayme was sitting at the head of the dining room table painting with water colors when Sammy entered. He was able to let himself in. "Hey Jayme," he asked, "how come you ain't got a dad?" My heart dropped. I wanted to run to Jayme's rescue. Without hesitation, Jayme immediately replied, "I got a Dad! Pop Pop's my dad."

Old Age Shuffle

Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Subject: Joe : A True Story

In separate cars, we entered the parking lot. I was able to find parking near the end of the lot. I walked toward the front of the building and came upon Joe. Keys in hand, he was just getting out of his car. In his car, my mom has one of those handicap parking signs that you hang from the rearview mirror. Thus, he parked in Handicap. Front Row. "Great!" I thought, "we can walk in together."

We began our approach to the entrance. Joe was shuffling along like an old man. Since I've known him, Joe has always been so agile. I realized I haven't been paying close attention to my parents for quite some time now. "How old are you now?" I inquired. He told me he was 88, reminded me that they had recently celebrated the birthdays in February. He and his sister, Bev. They share the same birthdate. Same day, different years.

He was walking like such an old man. I will have to report this sudden sign of aging to Gregg and to Debbie. I was overcome with a feeling of helplessness. "Joe," I asked with great concern, "do you realize you are walking differently than usual?" I don't remember how he responded to that question. Perhaps he acknowledged with a yes. I specifically asked him, "when did you start walking like this?" Joe replied, "Just after I hung the handicap sign in the car."

On Memory

He can't remember what he had for breakfast this morning.

But he can sure remember the words to a lot songs.

Songs from the 30's and the 40's.

He also has an awesome repertoire of poetry, too.