Every afternoon, Oscar took his walk through the gardens of the Eastland Park Assisted Living Center. Despite dragging his right foot like a reluctant dance partner, he enjoyed watching the daffodils give way to the tulips, the pansies yield to… Continue Reading
“I need to talk with you again, Doc,” Will said, making himself comfortable on the couch. He arranged a pillow under his neck and placed another one under his knees, so his legs were slightly bent, just as his chiropractor… Continue Reading
They sat on the couch staring at the television, he in baggy pajama bottoms and a sweatshirt, she in a faded flannel nightgown and a pair of his black socks. “It’s getting chilly,” she said. “Uh-huh. You want me to… Continue Reading
Ever since his wife died, riding the bus became Oscar’s outing for the day. He once enjoyed walking, but his hips made a simple stroll to the corner a painful experience. Hip replacement surgery was discussed by his doctor, but… Continue Reading
As soon as I heard myself say, “I’m gonna fill the car up at BJ’s on my way back from the gym,” I knew I had made a mistake. I swear I could see my wife’s ears perk up, cocker… Continue Reading
You know the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow story. A leprechaun named Fred, living in Iowa, taught my wife and me it’s true. Sort of. We were visiting our old haunts in Iowa City last March.… Continue Reading
The first time I threw a shoe at my shrink was right after he claimed I was “prone to fits of irrational behavior.” That was his opinion after a year of therapy. Considering his fee, I expected more than what… Continue Reading
I brought my father’s picture with me so I’d recognize him. The photo showed him with both arms draped around my mom’s shoulders as if he were protecting her from some unseen foe. I guess that’s what my high school… Continue Reading
Hey Dad, I’ve been thinking about you lately. I remember you sitting in that big, overstuffed chair in the living room of our apartment in Brooklyn, smoking your pipe and watching the tiny black and white TV. Those were the… Continue Reading
With his wife away, Danny ate dinner at the Gray Moose, a classic dark-wood pub. He signaled to a waiter for another beer. “Sure thing, Mr. McGowan.” With that, an attractive dark-haired woman sitting at the bar near his table… Continue Reading