OLD SOLDIER NEVER DIES...(DON'T FORGET DEMENTIA)
physician Poet@ogodoimmaculate073116
16 days ago
A million times I would wallow off into the la-la land bringing the weirdest imaginations to life. But this evening I'm not off the moon again rewriting my stories and giving it the most wonderful happy ending, I'm rather just staring at my grandpa.
'Papa Gee' as we fondly call him have served in the military for years and seeing how he struggled to get his week legs down the front stairs made me wonder " Old soldier never dies, but indeed gets weak".
My dad on few occasions would show us photographs of Papa Gee's good days on military missions and adventures. We had a box, therein he packed his photos and items enough to stirr up memories each time it was touched.
The evening was cool and promising. You could hear the birds chirping harmoniously as they retire to their nests. The sun already setting, leaving the goldien brown reflection on everything below it. The breeze gently sweeping across the trees. One could easily fall asleep if left under it's gentle caress for a while.
I wasn't the only one enjoying a peaceful evening, papa Gee had struggled his way out to make the best of it too. The evening already positioned as one that would feed me some thrilling tales of old wars, victories and friendship.
I left the carpark where I stood and walked across my grandpa who now sat under the dwarf grape tree into the room.
"Papa Gee" I called and waved at him allowing the contagious smile of my grandpa sweep through my face as well.
I rushed in and came out with Papa Gee's box and on the other hand, dragged a plastic chair along.
Dad wasn't around today so I was prepared to hear the stories from the horse's mouth. My dad was a doctor not a soldier. They both saved lives, but if I didn't know any better, I would bet to enjoy the tales more from papa Gee.
Indeed the box bore memories. A pile of 6.4 * 8.9cm monochromatic photos, 2 large video tapes, a collection of uniforms and some small articles which only the owner could explain what they were and where they came from. For some reason, the green and milk uniform looked newer than how long it has stayed in the box and younger than the box owner even.
"What are you doing with your Little brother's science project kit? He has warned me to bring him the report if anyone was seen around his project kit." Papa Gee said staring with a face ready to hear my defence or suffer the wrath of being reported.
"Ooh papa Gee, this doesn't belong to Ken. It's yours."
I replied in a tone showing more disappointment than defence.
"Ooh I laugh. When did I become a part of school pupil on uniform? " He said laughing as he looked into one of the pictures I handed over to him.
At this point I could only look at my grandpa not sure what to say or feel.
"Imma, I love this cloth here, if your brother would let me, I would wear the shirt while he wears the trouser, we would visit his school, go to the mall, church and everyplace he wants. We would be friends".
"Ooh! dementia"I screamed
I might not have gotten my tales of war, but I quite enjoyed the funny balderdash of Papa Gee as he went on and on about his grandson's science project kit.
Foot note: Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in cognitive function, including memory loss, difficulty with communication, problem-solving, and judgment.
Listen to their stories while they can still remember...
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16 days ago
