2000 School Magazine

origin@I works

How To VISIT NURSING HOMES

THE REUNION

When the nurse opens the door to you, smile and look confident. Try to ignore the way she is noting your naivety, and your youth. Keep your eyes on the back of her head as she leads you down the hallway, don't let them wander downwards to the threadbare carpet. If she turns her head to talk to you, meet her eyes, nod, pay attention, and don't let your gaze flick beyond her so that she will see your unease. When she leads you past the hospital section, keep a straight face and breathe through your mouth so the smell can't choke you or wrinkle up your nose. As you walk through the common room, don't meet the vacant stares of the long-term residents, because they will haunt you in your sleep. Block out the wartime favourites being banged out on the piano by humming a living song under your breath, maybe something in the top twenty. As you near the room of the person you came to visit make ready your mask - smile, show your teeth, dredge up all your memories of success and prepare to tell them in exaggerated detail. Don't worry about sounding self-absorbed. Remember that these people once held great influence over your life, and that they will share in your pride. Once inside the room, pull up a chair to their bed, close enough to hear them, yet not close enough for them to touch you with their papery skin. You don't want your hand to be caught between theirs - it will be harder to let go. Pay no attention to their restless fingers fidgeting with the crochet blanket, and avert your eyes if you notice tears in theirs. Nod and hum if they start reminiscing, but interrupt them early - remembering past glory will only remind them of what they are now. Make comments on the weather, and ask them questions about breakfast and the likes, so at least you'll know the answers to expect. Don't venture into unexplored territory - then theres a danger that something they may say will shock you into realizing they are actually people, that they used to have as much unlived life as you do now. When you say goodbye, make it fond yet fleeting. Remember that this time could be the last, but if it isn't you don't want to carry their yearning around with you afterwards. On the way out stop at the little chapel, maybe light a candle. Ignore the fake plastic flowers and kneel before the Virgin Mary. Pray to God that once you escape from this confine of the old you will no longer see imminent death in every life you pass, instead you will see growth and renewal. if you must admit to yourself that this is impossible, then pray to God to give you the strength to forget.

I was waiting for Charlie. He was late, but then, I remembered, Charlie was always late. We hadn't seen each other in over a year. We'd written letters, but now I could see him face to face. Or, at least, I could if he ever got here. Suddenly there he was. I could see his dark, spiky hair weaving through the crowd below me. He climbed the stairs on his long legs, and we finally stood before each other. He was much taller than I remembered. I told him how happy I was to see him again and he smiled. Charlie took my hand and led me down the street. His touch wasjust the same as it used to be. We wentinto a cafe, and were seated by the waiter. I ordered our coffees. We sat together in a silence which should have been awkward. We studied each other closely. He had not changed much in the time that we'd been apart. His eyes were still warm and friendly, his mouth still generous. His face was a little more mature; the last traces of the Charlie I knew as a child were gone. He smiled, and signed that he thoughtl hadn't changed. I signed that he was taller. He nodded proudly and 11aughed. Then Charlie made the sign for love, and pointed to me. It's a simple sign, just two hands crossed over the heart. I copied it, and pointed back to him. He leaned over the little cafe table, and we kissed. Our kiss reminded me of how much Id missed my strong, silent Charlie, who always made me laugh. it made the year long wait worthwhile Charlie leant back on his chair and sighed. I signed 'I missed you! He smiled and signed back'Missed you more: We laughed and drank our coffees. He looked through the cafe windows, watching the people passing on the street. He turned to me and signed 'Home?' I nodded, and weioined the crowds on the footpath together lone Humphreys I I Liney The Dons WorekerlbwnsendMem0"o1Writers Coinp 2000

Meredith Goldon I I Wookock The Dolls WornkerTbwnsend Memorial Writers Camp 2000

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