Ahmad is heavy set, slow, cantankerous and diabetic. His left foot has turned dark, almost completely black and he walks with the aid of a stick. Dr Gan has him on a strict diet and some medication but Ahmad’s not fond of limitations or pills and says he wants to enjoy what’s left of his days and not be confined to ‘rabbit food and nasty friggin chemicals.’
‘I’m eighty,’ he says. ‘Don’t i have a point?’
‘You do,’ i say because it’s what he wants to hear.
‘As long as i can get out of the house and walk to the coffee shop without anyone’s help i’m doing OK. The day i can’t go for coffee and sit and chat with my pals will be the end for me. If i can’t do that, what’s left? I’m not asking much, just the chance for coffee and a chat. Anyway, them doctors don’t know shit.’
He looks at me and says, ‘What do you think?’
‘You have to look after your foot,’ i say.
‘You always say that,’ he says, ‘but what’s the use? One of these days they’re going to tell me they have to cut it off. I know they’ll tell me and when they do i have my answer ready, i’ll tell them fuck off. Anyway, i wouldn’t survive the operation. I arrived with all my pieces and i’m going out with them all, black foot or no black foot, and if you were me you’d be the same.’
He leans on his stick and sets off for the coffee shop, a five-minute walk for me, thirty for him.
And I thought Starbuck’s prices were too high.
Michael
Thank you
Good one!
Bruce
Thank you
I really enjoy it. My husband is same as Ahmad.
Ellie
Thank you very much
My best to you
john
Allowing people to make choices for their life works fine until those choices start requiring other folks to change their own lives to care for the “independent.” soul.
Absolutely, Myra
a real and ongoing problem
Thank you for reading and responding
Best always
john
Brother John – We all know an “Ahmad” raging against the limitations of life and of aging. Indeed we all have a little “Ahmad” in us, too. Though logic would indicate following the doctor’s orders, I still have to respect Ahmad’s choice and not think less of him.
Always difficult
Brother David
logic versus inclination
Brother john
I agree with Ahmad. Too much interference at the end that takes away quality of life. Thank you for this sensitive portrait of a man just trying to live and die in peace.
Ellen
Thank you so much for your compassionate response
Much love
john
Your so very welcome. Love, Ellen
Wonderful observation, John. I’m with Ahmad here: I’d hate to find myself beneath the wheels of a bus thinking: “Shit, I wish I’d eaten that vanilla slice after all.”.
Chris
Thank you very much
and i must say i do agree with you
Always
john
You can’t help but appreciate someone who knows their own mind. We are all going to die, why be unhappy when we do so?
Hugs
Point well made, David
Thank you
Hugs back
john
A true picture of aging and ill health. I had a lot of sympathy for Ahmed. Nicely done, John.
Kate
Thank you very much
Good to see you here again
like old times
Big hugs
john
Beautifully written, John. Ahmed came alive on the page and I do admire his spunk and his clarity. That final phrase, ” a five minute walk for me, thirty for him”, said it all and said it well.
Thank you, Joan
for this fine response, much much appreciated
My best to you
john
Detriment in the shadow of dignity. I often wonder at where I might draw the line if and when the time ever comes for such decisions. At what point does life become so much less than living? Most thought-provoking John.
Warmest regards.
An excellent and thoughtful response
Don, Friend
Thank you
Ever with my best
john
You’re most welcome John and thank you…always a treasure to read your words.
I love him! Life on his terms. Weak foot, strong mind.
Thank you
Dear Gina
for the always wonderful support and encouragement
With love
john
He sounds very familiar to me, John! The only sad thing about it is I’ve seen people like this completely change their mind when the rubber meets the road…and they suffer a huge emotional loss!
Hope you have started a super week 🙂
♡
Lorrie
Thank you, Strong Woman, for reading and responding.
Be Well!!!
Ever
john
Hehe! Thank you, John 🙂
Reblogged this on ' Ace Friends News ' and commented:
Another winner John love to see you back and and showing the pen is mightier than the sword .. Ian ⭐️😊👍
Ian
Thank you so much
Ever
John