Bubba Story.

Today has been one of the trying ones. A cousin, Clifford Story, has stage 4 cancer. I saw him last in May and he was being very optimistic about it. He was on chemo and radiation and his plan was to take each day at a time. Since I've not heard from him since, I took a little trip into the Valley today to visit. I stopped at his house and his wife, Gloria, let me in. Well, the cancer has progressed and Bubba, we've all called him that since time immoral and I don't believe but there are a few in the family that know his actual christened named, is now in the skilled facility that is attached to Lanier Hospital. Gloria is hoping to bring him home on the morrow but I don't think that's a practical idea with all of his issues and she herself is not in the best of shape. I listened to her and gave her moral support then I traveled to Lanier for a visit.
Upon arriving at Bubba's room I was given a bit of a jolt because it seemed to my myopic eyes that mine and Clifford's uncle was sitting in the room; the Boss Hogg himself: Weaver. Then the apparition spoke and I realized that instead it was another cousin, P'nut. No "and", "if", "but", or "or"s about it P'Nut has startled many of us in the family a time or two with his close resemblance to Weaver, and Weaver having been gone over 15 years.
Bubba looked tired. All he has been through has taken a lot out of him. Even after being in the medical field as long as I have and knowing what to expect; it can still come as a shock when faced with reality. Quickly, Joe Friday took over for a few fleeting seconds while I frantically groped for a handle. Just enough time for me to compose myself and take over while Joe steps back, ever vigilant, ever ready to take over again at a moment's notice. I could see that Bubba wasn't up much for talking so P'nut and myself did some catching up; it seemed like forever since we've seen each other. P'Nut is a grandpa now and a course he had pictures to share. I caught him up with what was going on with myself and then we exchanged news on the family that we knew about and speculated on the ones that seemed to have flown under the radar. Bubba enjoyed listening to the exchange. During this time, lunch was served for Bubba and I kept a watchful eye on what he ate. He ate about half and partook of all the servings. After a while it became apparent that Bubba was getting tired so P'Nut and myself took our leave. I spent the rest of the day in contemplation and reflection.
Bubba was always the positive note in the family. It seemed to take an awful lot to rile him up and then it was still showed in a very gentle way. It is very hard to see him like this but once he is gone I too will be one of the lucky ones who's life has been enriched from having known him.