ON THE BACK BURNER

For a lot of days, I don't think about Bob. Then I do. When two of our kids, a daughter in law, four grandsons, one granddaughter in law were here with me, I thought of how much Bob would have loved it. He would have been his usual quiet self , but soaking up having these special people around him. Then , yesterday , at the grocery store, I had another side of thinking of Bob. There was an elderly man, in a state of anxiety. He was being directed to the bathroom by a clerk. The mans face was panic. He was as close to bouncing off of a wall as a person could be.  He couldn't understand the directions, " to your right". He turned right, left, right, almost missing the door. .I recognized his confusion. I never let Bob get to that point, because I never let him out of my sight. I spent minutes standing outside of the mens  room door. I always was nervous about his being alone in the bathroom. I often wanted to either go in or ask someone to check on him. When he came out, I was always relieved. I went about my shopping. Then I saw another man, not as old as the elderly man that I had seen, but looked very much as if he were related, like a son, taking care of Dad. He had a face on that registered concern. He had lost sight of his Dad. Later I saw them at the check out and I knew the look of resolve on the younger mans face. I had to hold back tears. Then I got in my car and went home. To remember.

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Latest comments

01.12 | 14:15

Safe travels. See you soon. sally

04.07 | 12:10

I read the last page first too. It’s a family curse.

22.05 | 12:38

so glad youre here mom!

29.08 | 17:45

Don't quite know how this got to me but it was on the top line of my computer (not in email) But I really enjoyed it. I truly admire you.