Ruby, Garland, Betty
It was already 45 minutes past the time we should be leaving to make sure we didn't get stuck in traffic on the way to the airport.
After a week of seeing Ruby and Garland together, I hated to say the words:
"Well, Ruby. We should probably be getting on the road."
She looked down and said, "Oh, okay."
Garland, who never misses a beat....eased the heaviness in the air by perking up and almost shouting...
"Okay, Goodbye then!"
...like we were leaving to go pick up a pizza or run an errand.
That is Garland. He always has the perfect words: just the right thing at the right time.
Making a joke when things were too serious.
If he told you about a flaw in someone, he would counter it with a compliment.
Telling a story to bring a point home. And often the point would not be what you expected.
At his outburst, I laughed out loud.
Ruby shooed him.
Gayle gave the "that's my dad" look...
And Garland smiled a big smile...
even tho the look on his face was of a man who knew his time was short.
Ruby said her goodbyes and was overcome with emotion and went to the porch.
As she left, he said:
"So long....I'll see you on the other side."
....and I mentally changed my "status update" to:
"That moment when two old friends say goodbye, knowing they will probably not see each other again....... : ( "
1 comment:
It is hard...tears
Post a Comment