I Think He Did

It must have been about 10 years ago. It was before I had a youngest but I remember little white baby shoes in a well-worn lap. They were both sitting comfortably in a wheel chair and both were excited because chocolate pudding was on the dinner menu. I was listening to them talking and giggling when I saw him.

He was shuffling slowly, almost painfully towards me and he was saying something. He voice was gruff, barely a whisper. He stopped in front of me and spoke to me but I couldn’t understand what he was saying. Then he held out his arm for me to take. I told him I’d love to take a walk with him.

We walked around the common room and he talked to me. I don’t know what he said. It sounded melodic and rhythmic. I wasn’t sure if he was singing a song or reciting poetry. I suppose it’s all the same. After a few minutes he started to get confused and agitated and the nurse came to take him back to his room.

I leaned in and kissed him on his cheek, then I told him I loved him. His eyes started to sparkle and for a second or two I thought he was young again. I couldn’t watch as the nurse walked him back down the hall. I just wanted to remember that look in his eyes. And I did.

I’d never seen that man before but when I said I love you, I meant it. I’ve never seen him since, but when I think of him I still love him. I don’t understand how things like that work. For some reason I think he did.

Tags: he did, Love, man, memories, walk