I saw my friend Playford on Wednesday, but he was having a very rough day, and it was really tough to see him struggling so just to breathe.
I saw him again yesterday and was so grateful to see him doing much better. He seemed much more settled, although he also seemed a little bit weaker – in that when he raised his legs to answer yes and no, it seemed like he barely had the strength to do so. But he seemed so much more like the old Playford- and there were even a couple of smiles from him, especially when I asked him about their two children coming home for Christmas on Monday.
Towards the end of yesterday’s visit, I quizzed Playford on his favorite movie (he said Zululand) – his favorite T.V. show (he said NCIS) and his favorite music group (he said Nickelband.) He seemed to enjoy the spontaneous little project and I had more questions I thought I might ask him today. What is his favorite actor? His favorite actress? His favorite game? His favorite book? His favorite U.S. President? His favorite candy?
Just as I was finishing lunch and thinking of calling there to ask about visiting later that afternoon, the phone rang. It was a friend with some important news.
My friend Playford died this morning.