All The Way Home
"How ya feelin' Nannie?" Joey spoke his words to her softly and clearly.
"It's been forty-five years Joey Joe, and you still call me Nannie?" Half smiling, she managed her words out with much effort.
"Fine then. N-a-n-c-i-n-e!" He intentionally dragged his words out in a childlike fashion. "That's what brothers are for Nan."
She smiled as much as she could, and carefully reached across the many wires and tubes that draped her body for her brother's hand. They sat in silence for several minutes before Nancine went to sleep. Joey sat by her side for hours quietly watching her, prepared to ring a buzzer for a nurse, or call for help if needed.
Nancine was fifty years old, her brother forty-eight. She'd been diagnosed with breast cancer only two years ago, and after two remissions, and many hopeful statements, Nancine had taken a turn for the worst.
Her spirits were sinking, and her pain was near constant. Even with heavy medication, Nancine wasn't comfortable.
"She's lucky to have you" a nurse announced as she walked in to check on Nancine. "Oh no ma'am, I'm lucky to have her."
Days like this went on and on for months, while Nancine was in the hospital. Finally, Nancine decided it was time to get out of the hospital, away from the treatments, and spent her limited time where she belonged - at home. Joe came to stay with her, and he took care of her, and supported her through every tear, and groan.
It wasn't long after being home that Nancine's decline became increasingly rapid and difficult. The only thing that kept her going that long, was Joe. Everyday he'd treat her to old scrap book viewings of her earliest accomplishments, and peeks at cherished family photos. Nancine loved seeing the whole family together. She'd light up during those special times. They'd talk about their fondest memories, and laugh with all their might.
Nancine and Joe had quite a laugh about their earliest times together.
"Joey, do you remember when I taught you piggie-toes?"
After a hearty laugh, Joe replied that he sure did, and he'd never forget it. When Nancine was only five, she taught her three year old brother the "This Little Piggy" bit. As soon as he learned, he insisted on doing it to her feet any time she dared to go barefoot. Sometimes, he'd even run over for a "piggie attack" when she was pulling her socks off to put slippers on at bedtime.
"Joey?"
"You don't even have to ask Nannie!"
Joey crept down to the end of the bed and lifted her foot into his lap. "This little piggy went to market..."
Nancine smiled a wide smile as she closed her eyes, and lay her head back on the pillows.
"This little piggy stayed home". She nodded her head slightly with approval. "This little piggy ate roast beef". He gave her a little tickle on that middle toe. "This little piggy had none!" There was silence. Tears welled up in Joey's eyes as he finished it up. "This little piggy went WEE WEE WEE! All the way home!" There was silence.
"I love you Joey Jo", barely escaping her cracked lips.
"I love you Nannie".
"Again?" She grinned.
"You got it!"
On the last toe, Nannie managed to harmonize her final words..."All the way home."
Copyright 2000 - Laurie Bell - All Rights Reserved
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