"I Got an A in Napping in Ms. Benders Kindergarden Class"

One can survive everything, nowadays, except death, and live down everything except a good reputation.

Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)

Death has been my constant companion the last forty four years.  I am surrounded by the smells of the urine, excrement,  baby powder when I go to visit at the nursing home. The passing of Mothers table mates this week has been very stressful and it's taking a toll on her spirit.  

First thing Mothers says the "Grim Reaper" came last night , that's twice this week! "He's making his way down the hall", she tells me. I see the fear in her cataract eyes, with diamond's of tears in her eye lashes. I touch her should to say, "this is the only thing we all have in common Mother, we will all die."


The mystery we call life is simple way of saying, "no one knows when death comes knocking." I said "May it be Humphrey Bogart" she laughs..... My duty is not so much as Son now, it's being a "listener", "comforter" to her fears, as the days roll on, recognition of me is becoming more distant, after Mother stares at me for a bit, oh "There she is", meaning me.


We talk about how the other night this "Angel" was standing over her by her bed. I said; "Mother the Angels assist you in your forgiveness,  I wish I was nicer to my Mother," she says.... Silence


The one story she told was my kindergarten stories. How I got an A for napping? then ... silence. She drifts to sleep mumbling.