MEMORIES

Eighty-four year old, “Eddie” suffers from end-stage cardiac disease. Eddie is married to “Victoria”, his wife of sixty years. Eddie and Victoria met when Eddie and his family moved into the neighborhood. Victoria and Eddie were eighteen and twenty-two years old; respectively. Eddie’s family invited Victoria and her family over for cake and coffee. All the family members went except for Victoria as she had been previously invited to a baby shower.

The next day, Eddie showed up at her door with cake and coffee. She was smitten and the two began dating from that day on. Eddie and Victoria moved into their current home over fifty years ago. The home is full of so many mementos and photos. Every spot is covered with old photos of generations of family members. Mixed in between are souvenirs from fishing trips and other vacations.

Eddie and Victoria have two adult sons. The two boys live on the same property in separate houses. Both boys are available as needed to help their mother care for their father. Eddie has declined rapidly these past few months to where he now is bedridden and needing assistance with all of his needs. Victoria, too, has a heart condition and is on oxygen. Her sons are able to help her with any lifting that is needed as well as being available so Victoria can run errands and do the grocery shopping.

When the nurse and I first entered the home, Victoria shed some tears when talking about Eddie dying. She knows it won’t be long as he is eating very little and is so weak. Her face will shift from sadness quickly if you ask her about Eddie’s life. She will light up, sit for a minute, and share several stories. She is so proud of him. It is quite obvious how much she loves him.

When the nurse asked Eddie if he would like a hospital bed, he replied, “No, I want my mate by my side.” Eddie’s only concern is Victoria and Victoria’s only concern is Eddie. They both have been doing something right for sixty years. They are an inspiration. I wish them well.


MEMORIES
　

Their home is full of memories.
Keepsakes of days now past.
Numerous yellowed photographs;
generations of smiling faces.

She had so many stories to share
of their sixty years as man and wife.
How they met when he moved nearby.
Properties touching by the back fence.

His decline has been swift.
She struggles to let him go.
She’ll tear up knowing it won’t be long.
“The years have gone way too fast”.

Her face lights up when asked about him.
She’ll sit quietly for a moment or two,
then share a story about him, adding,
“He’s such a nice man.”

If you ask him about his worries;
he’ll immediately mention her.
For himself, he says he’s doing okay.
“I’m eighty-four years old.
          Nothing scares me.”