How's it goin' love? I said to Patti, without words.
I bet the music is really great up there, huh? You know, I can't believe how nervous I am about seeing Doc. I know I shouldn't be but still...
I sure do miss you Patti, but I'm glad you are finally free of all the pain you were in.
Heh. This brings to mind somethin' I heard in that show, Justified. I was watching the first season again and someone asked Raylan's Aunt Helen why she stayed with Arlo, Raylan's dad, who was usually doin' somethin' illegal, why the two of them stayed together since they argued so much.
She said, "We suffer well together."
Well, that got me to laughing. We sure suffered well together didn't we? I can't think of anyone I would rather suffer with, or love like I did with you Babe.
I know you'll think it's funny too. Can't believe I missed that exchange the first time I saw it.
How about a song? remember this one?
We still have our RADAR love don't we?
"Hi Doc, it's good to see you," I said, shaking Doc's hand.
"It's good to see you too, Ben. I'm doing good. How are you?" Doc asked.
"Well, I got some bad news. Patti died last month," I said, my voice breaking.
Damn, I didn't wanna cry again.
"What? Here, sit down. I'm so sorry, Ben," Doc said, taken aback.
Doc had talked to Patti a lot over the last 23 years, especially when I was hospitalized and dying. So he knew us both pretty well.
"Thank you Doc," I said, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, she died in her sleep according to the coroner, so I'm glad she wasn't in any great pain when it happened. We always thought I would be the first one to go but for reasons I can't fathom I'm still here."
"There are good reasons why you're still here, Ben I'm sure of that," Doc said. Patti was only 57?"
"Aye. She had some issues with the diabetes and the anxiety from the PTSD but nothin' major that we knew of. The ME couldn't find a COD so I won't know more until the blood test comes back and they said that could take up to 3 months. Even then the coroner said it might not give them a definitive COD," I replied.
"Yes, sometimes it's a mystery, or maybe it was just time for God to call her home," Doc said. "Don't let that get to you, okay?"
"Okay, you're right. The main thing is Patti's in a better place and I know she's finally full of peace and joy that's greater than anything we can experience down here," I said.
"She sure is," Duane said, "but I know it still hurts you because you two were so close."
"Aye. I can't say I was taking my meds religiously for awhile there. I'm I no hurry to die, but I was overwhelmed the first month, and I'm having all these very strong feelings, you know? I'm not used to this much all at once."
"That's understandable. It may take a year before you feel better about the feelings you're feeling as you process all the changes and the physical separation. That's normal. Ben, you know Patti would want you to take your meds," Doc said.
"Yes, I know," I said. "I know she would. I promise to take them every time I'm supposed to."
"Good, I'll renew all the meds for you so you don't have to call to get any renewed for awhile."
"Aye, that can be a pain. I can get on the VA's website but it never let's me do anything so I hafta call one of the nurses anyway," I said.
Duane rolled his eyes and said, "I hear that a lot. Do you still have my e-mail address?"
"No, I think I lost it awhile back."
"Here it is in case you have any problems," Doc said.
"Thanks Doc," I replied.
"Do you have any plans? Thinking about moving or anything?" Duane asked.
"Well, I'm definitely not moving to Phoenix," I said, smiling grimly.
"No, don't move there," Doc said shaking his head.
"I'm not gonna move until you retire at the very least," I said. "I tell everyone I'm really blessed that this VA is so good, with a top notch staff."
"Thanks. It's not easy when bureaucrats are in charge. Plan on doing any activities? Doc asked."
"Hmm, I have been looking for a place that rents horses to ride. Used to ride a lot when I was a kid. One of my friends was the son of a rancher," I replied. The places I have found are pretty steep though. 65 bucks an hour is way too high for me."
"That's a good idea! I know a guy in Ellensburg that has horses but that would be about a 4 to 5 hour drive for you, one way. I'll give him a call and see if he might know any horse owners a bit closer," Doc said. "Might not pan out but I'll give it a shot if you want."
"Thanks Doc! I don't mind payin' if it's more reasonable. Might take up some bowling as well. No pool though. I think it's best I stay away from bars," I said.
"Yes, you don't want to go to bars," Doc said, chuckling.
"Besides, trouble always finds me in those places. Some guy is a jerk or slaps his wife or girlfriend I can't simply not do anything. Patti used to say I was too chilvalrous," I said, laughing.
"I'm that way too," Doc replied, laughing. "So no bars."
"Right. Funny thing is I rarely see those troubles outside of bars. Been at least 27 years since I been in one and I don't miss 'em. Except for shooting pool that is. But I can find other stuff to do," I said.
"Good advice," Doc said. "How are you sleeping?" Doc asked.
"With my eyes closed as far as I know," I replied.
"Very funny, Ben. Isn't it time for your prostate exam?" Doc asked, grabbing some rubber gloves.
"You're pretty funny yourself, Doc. You are joking, right?" I asked.
"Okay, this one time I'll give you a pass but you are due for one next year," Doc said, smiling.
"Don't remind me. Seriously, don't remind me," I said.
"So you are sleeping I take it?" Doc asked.
"Aye, most the time. Maybe a few times a week I have trouble but that's it," I replied.
"Good. If you do have problems you know the drill," Doc said.
"Wilco, Doc. You got anything for unexpected emotions?" I asked, trying to smile.
"I wish I did. Do you have any friends? Nearby, I mean," Doc asked.
"No, not nearby but I got some great friends online. They helped me with their prayers and with Patti's funeral. We pray for each other often, and get together to discuss metaphysics, religion, philosophy and wherever there is truth to be found. I reckon you could say we are like a fraternity group too. We call ourselves raccoons," I said.
"Like the Royal Order of Raccoons in the Honeymooners?" Doc asked, smiling.
"Aye! Almost exactly like that!" I replied, laughing.
"Now that's the most interesting thing I have heard in quite awhile," Doc said, chuckling. "Here's your lab slip."
"Oh goody. I can't tell you how much I enjoy the lab waiting room," I deadpanned.
"You hang in there Ben, alright?" Doc said, hugging me.
"Thanks Doc, you too. I'll be okay," I replied.
"Take care," Doc said.
That went better than I was expecting. Don't know why I was nervous. Doc misses you, hon. I could tell. Like he said, I'm gonna hang in there. For you my love, Doc, my friends, and myself. "cause it's the right thing to do.
It's been good talkin' with you love. I feel better than I have for a long time. Talk to you later. Love you.
