It had been a great week at Lloyd and Marilyn’s. Charlie had sand between his toes, some colour on his skin, and levity in his spirit. The weight of his grief was diminishing and he had his friends to thank for that. Catherine had been calling almost daily to check-in with him, and Charlie’s mind…
Issue 3.8 – Aging
“When people think of this State, it’s weird that they don’t think of the coast…and yet, here I am staring at the ocean.” Charlie laughed as he wiggled his toes in the sand and closed his eyes to feel the sun on his face. “Alabama has some really nice beaches. We were pleasantly surprised when…
Issue 3.7 – Surprise Visit
Charlie made his way down to the lobby. The call from reception, informing him that he had an unexpected visitor, peaked his curiosity. He certainly wasn’t expecting anyone, and the receptionist had a sing-song tone to her voice which let Charlie know something was up…something good. Charlie needed something good. Catherine had been visiting daily,…
Issue 3.6 – Melancholy
How are you doing, Catherine?” Debra asked as she approached the hunched over and exhausted looking woman in the lobby. Catherine raised her head to meet Debra’s eyes and offered a weak smile. “I’m ok I suppose. Just came to check on dad. He has been impossible to get a hold of and I think…
Issue 3.5 – Feelings
Without a vehicle, getting to Dr. Ollie’s office turned out to be nothing but a big hassle. Charlie had attempted to make an appointment with his regular physician, but the clinic was out in Stony Plain, and Charlie was now living on the south end of Edmonton. Coordinating transportation services was a headache, and Charlie…
Issue 3.4 – Lonely
“It’s your shot Charlie,” Alf called from across the pool table with a bit of impatience. Charlie hadn’t been paying attention, lost in his own thoughts again. He was doing that quite a bit these days. “Are you playing or not?” Alf asked with his hands on his hips. “Oh…um yes…” Charlie said, picking up…
Issue 3.3 – Couple Suites
“Charlie, do you have a moment?” Debra asked as she approached Charlie’s table in the dining room. “I always have a moment for you Debra,” Charlie smiled. Charlie had grown fond of Debra during this most difficult time. She was always around to lend an ear, and frequently checked on him to make sure he…
Issue 3.2 – Declined
It had taken Charlie a few weeks to work up some motivation to venture out of the suite more regularly. Unlike Hazel, who had taken part in various activities around the Manor, Charlie was used to his creature comforts…his armchair and crossword puzzles, shooting pool with his friends, playing a game of cards, and maybe…
Issue 3.1 – Flowers and Litter Pans
It had been a week since Hazel’s funeral. Charlie had not done much, choosing to be alone in his suite with his thoughts and memories. The phone would ring and he would muster enough will to answer. Unfortunately, the conversations were all the same, and thus his responses were almost rehearsed. “I’m ok.” “Yes, things…
Issue 2.52 – Hand Squeezes and Realizations
Charlie gave Catherine’s hand a little squeeze as the town car made its way past the cemetery gates. He briefly turned to look over his shoulder to see John and James’ town car behind them. It was weird. Funerals were supposed to feel…final. At least they had before for Charlie. He had seen many friends…
Issue 2.51 – It’s Alright to Cry
The atmosphere of the supervisors’ meeting was very different today. Where Debra was used to handling interdepartmental bickering and various interpersonal conflicts, this meeting seemed to center around the recent passing of Hazel. “I can’t get Perdita to even go into the unit,” Mary Ellen explained. Mary Ellen was the Head Housekeeper, and she tried…
Issue 2.50 – Grief and Realities
Charlie felt the very moment Hazel left. He couldn’t quite describe how he knew it, other than the sense of peace that filled the room and the energy that left her hand as he held it. It was also odd how he had imagined this very moment over the past little while, expecting nothing but…
charlieandhazelblog.wordpress.com 