Taylored Words

  We had several boxes that contained miscellaneous paperwork from his youth such as, drawings, magazines, and mementos from his high school swing choir and band years. These boxes had sat, untouched for years, moving with us from house to apartment to apartment. I painfully pulled out these items, some of which I could smile and reminisce over, but some brought absolutely no memory to mind. Some boxes had newspapers and books, some had mementos from my kids’ scholastic life, homework assignments, artwork, school newsletters, etc. A lifetime of paperwork. The packrats that we were, certainly included boxes of utility bills, credit card statements, and bank statements from decades ago. I sorted the box contents into a box to “keep”, a box for his parents, and a box to donate. Besides the sorting boxes, I kept a trash bag handy. If it was of no value to anyone, I immediately threw it away. I was grateful to have my sister come a couple times to help me sort, and some friend...

            I decided to try to sell some larger items, like furniture, especially since I knew I would be moving into a smaller place. I could think of no reason to keep some of the larger pieces of furniture. Once I determined which pieces I would try to sell, I posted them on Facebook Marketplace priced to sell quickly! A couple of items, like the fancy, oak roll-top desk, a friend wanted. Those I gladly gave away. I sold a small, glass curio cabinet with lights you could turn on and off, and a big China hutch with a glass cupboard on top, and three drawers underneath. People met me at my apartment and I felt somewhat safe, as there were other residents in the building and most met me during the day. However, one time someone contacted me about the sewing machine and cabinet I had for sale, but they wanted to meet me at 8 pm. They said they needed to wait until their husband was off work, to come over and pick it up. I decided to agree, ...

  Upon entering the room, I saw her lime green nightgown loosely encasing her frail body as she sat on her bed.  Her full head of white hair neatly combed, and her glasses sat on the nightstand.  It was only 6:15 p.m. “I’m sorry, were you getting ready for bed?” Even though I could see her aged, long legs beneath the night gown, she made no attempt to cover herself neither with blanket nor bathrobe.  “I always get ready for bed early”, Easter explained, “but come on in”.  She motioned for me to sit in her wheelchair, which sat near her bed, heavily laden with towels, tissues, and straws. I sat down in the wheelchair, and she began explaining that because she didn’t have anything to do after supper, she usually prepared for bed and laid down.  She shared how she had once stayed in her wheelchair and sat in the doorway but felt the employees didn’t like maneuvering around her while going down the hallway.  As I sat down and surveye...

                The years have been harsh. I feel as if I will not walk this world much longer. I have tried to live well, but alas, my many years of high living have taken a toll on this old shell of mine.                Why, even my morning showers have become a grotesque wrestling match, as I attempt to scrub every nook and cranny! I shudder to think of the pimply road map the medical examiner might find upon my demise—a relief map of areas I strained to reach, all foretold by the highs and lows of those adolescent bumps!                Not to mention those areas that were often neglected in my youth but now appear to be areas in deep need of constant attention. Like behind my ears, around the corners of my mouth, and those unforgiving pimples in my nostrils! At what point did daily washing necessitate ...