The Last Song

It was my little sister’s idea, and it was nothing short of brilliant.

As a matter of fact, it gave me an opportunity that I will never have again.

Dad had been placed in the Covid-19 ward and we were not allowed to visit him.

“I called there last night and the nurse put the phone up by his ear so we could talk to him.” she said.

Like I said, brilliant!

I tried to call several times, but he was always unavailable for some reason. Dinner. Asleep, Staff meeting.

And, I kept getting the brain weasels asking me why I hadn’t talked to him. Again and again and again.

Finally, last night, as the Christmas star appeared, I was able to get through.

“Capital Rehabilitative Care, may I help you?”

“Yes, my father, Calvin Hobbs, is a patient in the COVID-19 ward. May I please speak with the ward?”

“Yes, let me get you through.”

Ring…ring…ring…ring. Finally –

“Hello COVID-19 Ward, Jemiah speaking. How may I help?” came through in a Jamaican accent.

“Can I please speak with my Dad, Calvin Hobbs?

“Certainly, you can speak with Mr. Calvin, but you know he cannot speak right?”

“Yes, I know he is intubated.”

“Okay. Give me a moment.”

The line went silent and I waited. Finally, the line came alive with low hissing sounds and the beeping of monitors.

“Mr. Mike, I am putting the phone on speaker and laying it by his ear so he can hear.”

“Thank you…

Dad, I was calling to check in on you. “

Hiss…beep.

“Everything here is going well. We are getting ready for Christmas. The trees are up, and the dogs are running around it.

Hiss…beep.

“Oh, and the cats keeps trying to climb the trees. They think the ornaments are toys.”

Hiss…beep.

“Work is going well, and everyone sends their best.”

Hiss…beep.

“I have been working on that book I told you about. You remember the one that they want to adapt to the stage? It is going well.”

Hiss…beep.

“I am making Grandma’s green jello for Christmas. I will save you some.”

Hiss…beep.

Sigh…

Well, there is always music. My Dad always loves to sing, and I know his favorite song.

“You gotta know when to hold ‘em

Know when to fold ‘em

Know when to walk away

Know when to run.”

The hissing of the machine sounded louder.

“You never count your money

When you’re sitting at the table.

There’ll be time enough for counting

When the dealing’s done.”

“He’s trying to hum along.” said the attendant.

It was perfect!

“I love you, Dad! Merry Christmas!” and the call ended.

The next morning, I got the news that my father had passed…

“You gotta know when to hold ‘em

Know when to fold ‘em

Know when to walk away

Know when to run.

You never count your money

When you’re sitting at the table

There’ll be time enough for counting

When the dealing’s done!”

RIP, DAD!

I do not own the rights to the lyrics for “The Gambler” The other words are my own. M.J. Hobbs copyright 2020.