Bedtime

I put toothpaste on his brush.
Hand it to him, brush your teeth, dad.

He rinses it out and tries to put it away.
I do it again.
Put it to his mouth.
He stares at it, then me.
I make a motion like I am brushing my teeth.
Here, this is yours, handing it to me.
It's yours dad, brush your teeth, like this.
I act it out again.
He brushes his teeth.

Wanders back to his chair.
Stares at the cartoon.
Checks the freezer for icecream.
Talks to the tv.
Walks into the open bedrooms.
Talks to the shadows.
Opens a package of crackers.
Leaves them in a coffee mug.
Goes back to his chair.

We wait for him to be ready to sleep,
so mom can finally sleep.

His side of the conversation

I was checking your knees and back and it seems to be working alright

Once we all jump out of the airplane, we’ll know where we’re going.

I’ll stay in the barn

I don’t know, maybe this year, but there are a lot of pictures in there from this year, it’ll be interesting.

I did a couple bear hunts with my dad last time I was out that way

Doing things that need to be done and put in and not break stuff and everyone found stuff to do and not run away, but I’m wondering how you’re doing, if you’re moving ok

So tomorrow it’s mostly walking, and who are you dancing with? As long as you have water and food

I don’t play like a ca….canilly. I’m just exasperating.

And for damn shake don’t think you need pigs looking at a hole unless you’re someone else.

Do you need some card or letter to show right here, these things it’s just a thought.

 

Dads old notes to himself

Friday the 3rd.
Shirl is working way to hard.
I must get smarter.
I will get better.

Sat 4th
We- I need to get myself Together.

I do love her dearly.
NEED to get my Head working.

Thurs. 9th
Am headed to Medford for testing.
Could use some help here.

Not much I can do.
Pray that God makes the time
for Shirl and the kids.
Amen!!!

Please God and Thank u
for all your help.

Wed 29th
Thank you God
and you Shirley
and the kids.

We were going to

We were supposed to have more time.

We were going to buy a house, big enough,
and move them both in with us,
and hire in-home care
so he could live with us,
his family,
instead of giving him away.

They were going ot live with us.

He was going to live with us.

With in-home care.
With his family.

We were supposed to have more time.

 

But I'm not ready yet

Why does everyone say six months?

She pushes back her untrimmed hair.

He’s not that bad and it’s still manageable.

I’m not ready for him to go.

She cups her face.

I know why you’re not ready,

and I know why they say six months,
and you need to be ready.

But I’m not ready yet.

Pause.

I need to get ready,
don’t I?