Grandma
I went into the captain’s office and closed the door so that I could talk with Jean in private. Not that Dean would listen in anyway, but I felt that if I could block out the rest of the world, it would be a more comfortable phone conversation. I sat at the captain’s desk, picked up the phone, and dialed Jean’s number. Jean answered, “Hello.”
“Jeannie it’s me, Beatrice!”
“Oh my god, it’s great to hear from you Bumble Bea! How are you?”
“I’m doing good Jean. More importantly, how are you?”
“I’m great, thanks.”
“Whew, I‘m so glad to hear you say that. You sound great. I was almost afraid to call. Afraid to hear about your cancer.”
“Oh, it’s fine. They got it under control now. I feel fine, I just have to get monthly infusions to keep my immune system up. Life is grand. And guess what? I’m going to be a Grandma!”
“Oh my god… No way.”
“Yes, way, and I am so happy.”
“Belle, I bet?”
“Yes, Belle is pregnant and I am so excited! Life is grand. How are you doing Beatrice? How was the Mardi Gras?”
“I’m okay. The Mardis Gras was okay too.”
“Just okay? Tell me all about it. It must have been amazing.”
“I wish I could,” I replied.
“Well, why can’t you?”
“Because I don’t remember a damn thing about it! But Dean told me that is normal.” Jean laughed so hard out loud. She made me laugh too. Wow, it was wonderful to be laughing together again. I noticed the digital clock on the desk read 7:11. I instinctively closed my eyes and said “Thank You, God.” Wait, did I? I think I just prayed!
“Where are you staying Beatrice?” Jean asked.
“On a Navy base near New Orleans,” I replied
“No kidding? Are you serious?”
“Yep, far out huh? Dean is a hero here.” Jean laughed. I’m sure she thought I was jagging her. “We’re staying in a Captain’s apartment on base while he is out somewhere on his boat. I’m calling you from his desk phone in his office. Cool huh?”
“Yes, very.”
“And he even has a computer sitting on his desk too. It has a picture of a half-eaten apple and says “Apple.” Reminds me of the Adam and Eve story.”
“Beatrice, we could email. I have a computer at work too. I’ll set up an account for you. Call me back in a couple of weeks. We’ll be able to email every day!”
“That’s outta sight! I said. I’ll call. Take care of yourself Jean.”
“I will and you too. Bye for now.”
RUCKSACK GRUNT - A Vietnam Veteran's Memoir 