Archive for December 13th, 2007

Our son called tonight to let us know a good friend has passed away – died in his sleep. The shock was terrible and I can’t imagine how his family is coping. He spent many hours at our home while a teenager – a friend to both sons.

The funeral is Saturday and it will be a veritable (high school) reunion – but sad. So many have called making sure we know the arrangements.

W doesn’t want to go but chooses to stay home alone. “I’m sorry, Hon, I can’t legally leave you here.” It was rather touching when he asked, “Why?”

To make a long story short, he will stay at my sister’s while I attend.

And I thought I had problems – - -

There’s not much he can “do” anymore that does not cause him confusion and stress. The other day I got the idea to have him open all the Christmas cards we receive.

So far it has been a great idea. Today he opened one from a family friend. I don’t think he knew who it was from – but he commented on how pretty the card was.

Yesterday he received a calendar from an investment firm. They will never know how delighted he was and kept say, “Isn’t that nice?” Actually, I think I will call the person and tell her. They probably think these things go out unappreciated many times.

We set up the wood stove together to light – he is not capable or safe anymore for that. I have the matches in a large glass jar – hidden away. I have to buy him wooden ones as he has difficulty striking the paper ones. He was never a smoker and I tease him that if he had ever smoked, lighting these paper ones would be easier.

Finally, I called our cell service to cancel W’s number – it’s only a cell phone number but it seemed and was, so final a disconnection.

I have wrestled with taking his number and giving my number up – hanging on, hanging on. Then my sister( with profound wisdom) said it may be a bit difficult to have his number – especially “down the road”.

When the operator answered I hung on to the wavering til the very last second, “Hi, I’d like to – - -”
Before I could change my mind again, I did it. The operator said, “There hasn’t been any activity in many months, Ma’am. You were paying so much for so long – it hasn’t been used.” I croaked out a pathetic, “I know” sounding like a financial dummy with a frog in my throat and tears in my eyes.

This number is the one which often made my heart skip a beat. He’d call me at work to say supper was on or how do I cook potatoes in the microwave again, it’s very icy out there, drive safely home, the fire’s on, got that raise, sold the Vette, or just that he loved me.

Maybe it’s so touching because he hasn’t been able to use it for so long but I kept it – hoping for a miracle? I wiped the case and phone to take this picture for posterity’s sake. Love you, Hon.

(Last night we decorated this little tree and moved a lamp to the alcove in the front entry. This is where he wired a plug-in for the Grandfather clock he intended to make in retirement. A few months ago, I found the clock’s cabinet plans in his desk.)