By Charles Towne
Many times, just as we are crawling into bed after a long day of living and I have closed my eyes in anticipation of an exciting journey into the land of Nod my darling, my dear sweet Nanny wants to talk.
I have at times been somewhat frustrated by these nocturnal excursions into the realm of communication, but they are important to her, and usually, if I listen, something insightful occurs. The following is an example:
Nan: “Charles?”
Me: “Uh huh.”
Nan: “I love you.”
Me: “I love you too sweetie.”
(We cuddle.)
Nan: “I really enjoyed that movie.”
Me: “What movie?”
Nan: “You know, the one with Clark Gable and Rita Hayworth.”
Me: “Oh yah, that one.”
Nan: “Charles?”
Me: “Uh huh.”
Nan: “Are you listening to me?”
Me: “Yes honey, of coarse I’m listening to you.”
Nan: “Is Clark Gable still alive?”
Me: “No, He died quite a few years ago.”
Nan: “No, he couldn’t have!”
Me: “Yeah, I’m sure he did.”
Nan: “He couldn’t have!”
Me: “Why do you say that?”
Nan: “Because I just saw him in that movie.”
Me: “So?”
Nan: “Well silly, if he was in the movie he must still be alive.”
(I lay there staring into the darkness wondering when it is going to end.)
Nan: “Charles?”
Me: “Yes honey.”
Nan: “Is Rita Hayworth still alive?”
Me: “What do you think sweetie?”
Nan: “She must still be alive “’cause she was in the movie too.”
Me: “Oh sure, that makes sense.”
Nan: “What makes sense?”
Me: “That they are still alive.”
Nan: “Who is still alive?”
Me: “Clark Gable and Rita what’s her face.”
Nan: “What about them?”
(Oh my goodness, I have created a monster! But then, after all, she is my monster.)
Me: “What about who?”
Nan: “You know, Clark Hayworth and Rita Gable.”
Me: “Huh?”
Nan: “Let’s go to sleep now.”
Me: “O.K.”
(I lay there staring into the darkness with unseeing eyes. All I can envision is Rita Hayworth beating up on Clark Gable. (Poor Clark) and I am wheezing from my C.O.P.D.)
Nan: “Charles.”
Me: “Uh huh?”
Nan: “You are wheezing.”
(She giggles.)
Me: “What’s so funny?”
Nan: “I was just thinking about what I am going to have written on your gravestone.”
Me: “What are you going to have them write on my gravestone?”
(More giggling.)
Nan: “She took his breath away.”
(Aint it the truth?)
A HUSBAND’S AND A CAREGIVER’S PRAYER
Dear God, you are wonderful and gracious in your giving! You have said that you would not withhold any good thing from them that love you so I guess that means that you will give good things to those that love you and you know that I love you so very much. I thank you for my darling wife because through her I am learning of your great love for me. Help me to always be ready to laugh. Help me to be gracious in all things. Again I say, thank you for my darling. In Jesus’ holy name I declare it, Amen
Charles Towne is first and foremost a Christian. An octogenarian, author, journalist, wildlife photographer, naturalist, caregiver, and survivor, his life has been and continues to be, a never-ending adventure filled with possibilities never imagined. He has adopted the philosophy that to Live fully, laugh uproariously, love passionately, and learn like there is no tomorrow, is a formula for a long and joy-filled life.
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