The Native Iowan

As I spend the days sitting on my arse, leg-up, mobility severely restricted… my mind wanders…

A few years back an old compadre spent his last few days on this spinning orb in hospital, in hospice, waiting for Death. His family were near, he was receiving the best care possible for one that is dying. The best care possible for one that was waiting for Death.

I was lucky in that I got to spend my ol Pard’s last few eves on this planet, his last words, tales, jokes and tears… all while sitting by his bed, drinking a nice scotch, reminiscing, saying goodbye…

My Buddy had not planned to die in a hospital bed in Queensland. Nope, that was not the plan at all. But we all know plans dont always and all ways go “as planned”. My buddy thought he’d check in, get some medical help, get back on a plane and fly back home, to Gizo, to the Solomon Islands.

It did not happen that way at all…

So we’re sitting by his bedside. The end is near. Death could come any moment.

Family all around. My wife has gone for a walk with by Buddy’s wife, taken her out of the room, out side, to get some air, to get away from the room where we all waited for Death.

I was sitting with my Buddy’s son, we’re chatting, telling stories. A nice bottle of fine whiskey is open, we sip the lovely dark fluid.

My Buddy’s son helps his dad drink, moistens his lips with his favourite drop. helps him take a last “wee dram”…

My Buddy has asked the nursing staff for some pain-meds.

A nurse arrives to ask what is needed. She see the bottle of grog, listens to the banter, smiles at us in a knowing way. We chat a bit. The mood is light, as light as can be when Death is imminent.

When asked about his pain my Buddy sates “its killing me, I cant take it”…

When asked more about the pain my Buddy admits… “My hemorrhoids, they are killing me”…

We all fell on the floor laughing…

He died about 24 hours later.

Smiles through tears…