She was built like a fragile bird, diminished by a long life and a bit on the scrawny side but gracefully dressed in navy blue with a single strand of pearls around her throat and matching earrings. Her makeup was heavy and layered, a bright spot of color accented each cheek and she smelled of dusting powder and lavender. She gripped her walker and slowly approached a waiting room chair, pausing to give us a muted but cheerful hello while her caregiver signed her in then helped her to sit, her stocking'ed ankles primly crossed and her blue veined and trembling hands resting lightly in her lap. She had just turned 97, we knew, and still lived at home, stubbornly resisting her children's pleas for assisted living, happy and clearly well cared for in the hands of her live in maid, turned companion, turned nurse, Isobel.
Ready, Miss Julia? the nurse asked from the doorway. Gently and capably, Isobel helped the tiny woman to her feet, positioned her hands on the walker, and followed close behind, her eyes never leaving her charge for a moment. Miss Julia moved slowly, eyes locked on the ground in front of her with each step, nodding at Isobel's reassurances that she was doing just fine, no hurry, easy does it, go at your own pace. Once in the exam room, she lifted the little woman into the chair as easily as a feather, then parked herself in a corner chair. She had been with Miss Julia for over forty years, had tended her and Mr. James for all of their married life, there would be no thought of asking her to leave, no expectation of privacy. When the doctor entered, Isobel stood and moved chair side where she took Miss Julia's hand in one of her own and rested the other lightly on her companion's shoulder.
The visit was brief - Doc pronounced her healthy and well. If you don't go dancing tonight, my dear, it certainly won't be my fault, he told her with a smile, Thank you for letting me take care of your feet.
She smiled back at him and I noticed she was blushing ever so slightly.
I'll bet that good looking man you were married to took you dancing all the time, the nurse told her at the check out desk. Miss Julia looked up, eyes suddenly welling with tears, and reached a frail hand out to grasp mine.
You knew James? she asked in a trembling voice, as she always did, and I nodded.
We all knew him, I reminded her, as I always did, He was a sweet, charming and very elegant man.
And a little bit of a flirt, the nurse added and laughed, We miss him.
Me too, Miss Julia said softly and reached up to give us both a hug. Thank you, girls, I'm so very glad I came. And just so you know, the man was a dancin' fool, a regular Fred Astaire! Isobel produced a perfectly folded, lace handkerchief - Miss Julia thanked her and wiped her tears away with a small and very ladylike gesture. She gave us a last smile and let Isobel lead her out.
If a memory makes you cry, keep it close to your heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment