"He's Standing Right Over There"

 

  His breathing had changed and was shallower now. The medication was helping to maintain

a comfort level that kept the pain he was experiencing at bay. The "Boss" and her mother sat

on the couch scrolling through pictures from the last 70 or so years.

 He was born in Munich Germany during the war. 1943. After meeting the "Boss's" mother

while she was on a trip overseas, in the early 60's, he came to America. They were married

and had two children. Later they divorced and remained friendly once the dust settled.

Splitting his time between Germany and the US he had an auto repair business here and 

a small construction company in Munich.

 

Last year he was diagnosed with lymphoma that developed into three tumors. Chemo was used

initially but failed. After some consultations, a treatment called CAR-T was used.

 As with any treatment the outcome can vary. You hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

He never fully recovered and ended up with other issues. The CAR-T did work and he was 

cancer free. The other issues were most likely side-effect induced.

  The "Boss" was unconsciously monitoring his breathing as he slept. They chatted about the pictures.

He exhaled.

She waited.

He was gone.

His face suddenly took on a look of serene peace.

Her mother looked up, paused and said, " Can you see him?"

"Where??"

"He's standing against the wall next to the bed" 

She looked and saw nothing

"I don't see him"

"He's there, he has on brown corduroys and his favorite turtleneck, from the 1970's. I forgot about

that outfit.  He looked down at the bed where his body is and said "That's not me" "

 

He passed yesterday afternoon around 3pm and is now at peace.

 

We had a running joke at family gatherings. Whenever he would get angry about some issue I would 

tell him to stop being a Sour Kraut. 

 

 

We would blast Rammstein once in awhile and get in trouble from the ladies.

 

God Speed H.F.K. , God Speed.