My brother Murray and I Facetimed today and
he told me this.
My Dad was 92 years old and he was over the
moon because he was going to a Christmas Dinner with his favourite girl. Mom
had been in long-term care for one year while dad lived alone in an adjoining
apartment facility. It was December and Dad's apartment neighbours were
scheduling an annual Christmas Dinner. Mom's meds were balanced and she was
feeling better than she had in a long time. Dad asked my brother Murray,
"do you think it would be okay if I took Mom to the dinner?" Murray
replied, "I don't see why not." Murray made the arrangements. The
caring staff promised to have Mom's hair done and a lovely dress ready to wear.
Mom could be seated in a wheel chair and if she grew weary during the evening,
he could leave with her. Murray sensed Dad's excitement as the date grew
nearer. Murray had Dad's suit dry
cleaned, and Dad had a favourite tie to wear. Murray said he would accompany
Dad to Mom's room to insure all was well. Dad was noticeably pumped about this
evening. His face and his mood told Murray that Dad was going on a date, a
special evening with his sweetheart. They took the elevator to the first floor
and as they walked down the lengthy corridors, an enthusiastic Dad surprised
Murray by breaking out in song. The tune was unfamiliar to Murray as Dad sang
heartily the words to 'Darktown
Strutter's Ball' a landmark 1917 recording by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. Upon
finishing it by the end of the corridor to Murray's utter shock, Dad jumped off
the ground and clicked his heels together.
I'll be down to get you in a taxi, honey
Pick you up 'bout half past eight
Oh honey don't be late
I want to be there when the band starts
playin'
Remember when we get there, honey
Two step, we're gonna have a ball
I'm gonna dance out of my shoes
When they play the Jelly Roll Blues
Tomorrow night at the Darktown Strutter's
Ball
Got my new threads ready
And they're really something
With you in yours we'll look a smash
We're gonna make a splash
And when the band starts playin'
Baby we'll start swayin'
Remember when we get there honey
We're gonna dance the night away
And things are gonna hit the roof
When they see the way you move
Tomorrow night at the Darktown Strutter's
Ball
Mom and Dad have been gone since 2007 and
2008 respectively, and Murray, Neale and I cannot help thinking about them
occasionally.
