There is an old man living in my house. Salt and peppered thinning hair, kind of bony, very vocal and he lets his desires for dinner be heard. He appears to have forgotten the dinner hour and will whine about it whenever he is hungry. Frequent. Old man that used to be a fat man. Cannot help but love him and remember he is much older now. It is sad how time takes hold of the elderly. A reminder of what is to come for us middle of the road folks.
Napping is his new hobby. I frequently check on him during this state – fearful for lack of breathing – once assured, I cover him up. Sweet old man.
There was a time he was full of energy, full of life. Constantly moving with a purpose. I have witnessed him giving a blood transfusion to try and save his best friend's life. I was there when his kidneys and liver were shutting down. Amazed he recovered! I was there when he had three toes amputated.
He wants my attention like old folks do. We need to always remember the circle of life – infancy to elderly. They tend to mimic each other. I wish he could rekindle his youth for his old times sake. It can't be an easy journey...waiting. I love seeing his youth resurface when he spots a bug, a falling leaf, a lizard. It only lasts a moment.
He was born in my house under a chair nearly 14 years ago. He is now an old man.
He curls up next to my legs as I type. He can still muster up a great big PURR. I miss the thirty pound black love monster he used to be. Not looking forward to the rest of my midlife without him.
There was an old man named Charley. When he was born he looked like a lump of charcoal now he looks like lumps of charred coal. I hope his time left is a happy time; curled up next to me as I write.
