After about four months had past, her health deteriorated. Linda’s neighbor had found her on the floor unresponsive. She had been there for two days. She is now living in a nursing home for the time being. When I went to find her, a nurse had to point me to her as I did not recognize her. She lost so much weight, her frame is skeletal and she is now in a wheelchair. The nurses say she is not eating much.
She and I found a place in the dining hall that was quiet to talk. We sat there in silence for a long time. If I asked her a question, her response was yes or no without elaboration. When I asked her how is her will to live, she put her head down, chipped at her worn nail polish, and slowly replied “it’s good.” I gave her some updates about my own life and she listened intently.
We continued to sit in silence. Linda seemed so tired....
I mentioned that Etta James had died. She asked who was she. I explained that James sang a famous song called “At Last." Linda looked at me blankly. Then I played it on my phone. She closed her eyes, she smiled knowingly and began to hum along....
