“You look perfect, Mama. Don’t go getting all nervous on me now.”
“Too late.”
We exit the car, and he wraps an arm around my shoulders. “Ray is the most laid back man you’ll ever meet. He’s going to be ecstatic to meet you.”
We enter the facility and I take
in the clean floors, the active men and women. There’s a group of them at a table reading the paper. Another group is painting on the lawn. It’s a far cry from what I think of when a retirement home is mentioned. “This is a really nice place,” I whisper.
“Only the best for Ray. I’d kill a nurse if they dared mishandle him. His wife passed years ago, and his only child, a son, was lost to drugs back home in Chicago.”
“So, you’re his only family,” I say as understanding dawns.
“His grandkids just got in contact with him, and they’re thinking of moving. I hope they do. It’d really lift his spirits. They keep him busy here with activities, and trips, but I’m not able to get here as regularly as I’d like. He understands, but it’s still not an ideal situation.”
We stop at the desk.
“Mr. Skull, it’s good to see you again.”
“Thanks, Ms. Bev, I bought a guest who’ll be coming with me. This is my girlfriend, Ruthie.”
I lean in and shake the fair haired woman’s hands. “It’s lovely to meet you Ms. Bev.”
“Same here, Ms. Ruthie. Never thought I’d see the day a woman caught our Skull.”
Her sweet tone would be at odds with his image, but I know the man who wears the cut.
“You think you’re surprised, imagine how I feel,” he replies playfully. “How’s Ray doing today?”
“Really good. The visit with his grandchildren boosted his moral. I think he needed that. I think he’s outside right now.”
“Thanks, Ms. Bev. We’ll find him.”
Skull takes my hand and leads me through the facility and out the side door that opens to a well-manicured lawn and garden area full of benches, patio furniture and people.
A tall, slender, black man with gray hair waves at us.
“That’s Ray,” Skull says.
The adoration in his voice warms my heart.
The man, Ray, stands. A wide smile turns his thick white mustache up at the ends. “You brought someone to see me?” Ray asks as we approach. Dressed in a pair of crisp pressed khaki pants and a light blue bowling shirt with a black and white stripe, he exudes cool. He’s the Grandpa we all want.
“I did. Ray, this is my Ruthie. Ruthie, this is Ray.”
Ray steps forward and offers his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, young lady.”
“Likewise,” I say. I reach into my purse, and pull out the plastic bag I’d smuggled in. “We brought you some essentials.”
“Willing to bend a few rules for your man, huh? Oh, yeah, she’s a keeper.” His dark brown eyes light up.
I now understand why Skull brings them.
“I know,” Skull says.
“I stick to the nutritional plan they’ve set. But sometimes, an old man needs to indulge a little.” He winks at me. “Let’s sit. Fill me in on what I’ve missed.”
We sit to his left and his right.