I Know Why
By Mona Lease

Hi, all!! I remember the day so vividly - I can still feel the summer air and smell the hot asphalt. Bogey told me he just wanted a woman to share coffee with him - maybe a movie or a drive through the park. I told him he'd find her - it's a big world. He sighed and said he hoped so - he was not too sure.

He landed in a Senior Living Complex. The next time I saw him - he had a huge smile on his face. He was having surgery. Yes readers, you read it rightly. The smile was because he had met someone - in a wheelchair - Becall had no legs. They were together - that's all that mattered. They'd face his surgery together. They faced her surgery together, too. The last time I visited Bogey and Becall was a year ago this last Christmas, You'd have thought kiddies lived there! He had the front yard filled with blow-up decorations - an airplane with a propeller, and a globe with the snow blowing around the inside of it...among other things. Inside, Bacall had Old World Santas, and a tree complete with presents under it. "Very nice", I remarked.

Two days ago, as I pen this - I found out that Bogey died. I stopped by to see Bacall yesterday (as pen this). We sat at the kitchen table and looked at each other. Through her tears, the above was remembered - and so much more. Bogey had told me (early in their relationship) that he had sold his boat and truck. Becall could not get into them. It would not be fair to her for him to enjoy them without her - in his eyes. There were more things they could enjoy - many more. They searched and found places and things they could enjoy together.

As for the "I Know Why" - I am convinced that the reason adversity and such exist is - "That seems to be the only time we - as a people - show any real compassion that does not have to do with handing over some money...or look at our "beloved possessions" and say - "It's nothing without you. You're there for me when I am at my worst." Ever notice when the "chips are down" - we'll go to any extent (beg, borrow, or steal) to help or, find a way to "fix it." I've watched people go without sleep - live on black coffee and crackers for weeks (yes, I've seen it). That was adversity. I've watched the same people walk out of that situation and go get a credit card, buy a new car, etc. It's like they forgot how bad it was or, maybe they wanted a "reward" for surviving it all. But, the "reward" is someone to say "I love you" at the end of a hard day...or tell you "We'll get through this together" as they give you a hug or squeeze your hand.

As I write this - it's Bogey's birthday. I am glad that I knew you, Bogey. You showed me that it's easy to give up the possessions if you keep the one you love in your mind. (Granted, it's not always easy to do!). If you remember how you felt when you were alone - it's easy to put up with the "fluff."

Becall - I'm sorry you lost Bogey. If he made me laugh - I can only imagine how it was around your house on a rainy day! RIP Bogey.

Remember the kiddies and our serviced people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. Ever Toodles!! MONA