Play Some Cads?

Monday, 2pm
Bernie in bed, shoes off, no covers, asleep.

Kathleen says Hi and Bernie is immediately back to life.  "How are things?" "Not too bad," says Bernie.  A few pleasantries follow.

Bernie's eye continues to improve and his forehead remains flake free.

We find him with pillows supporting one side of his bottom and legs.  The bed is a special kind of hospital bed, an air mattress which has cells on the left and right sides.  The air pumps to pressurize the left side, then the right.  The purpose is to heal the sore on his bottom.  His using pillows and shifting his weight is a help.

He complains about the catheter causing pain.

While Kathleen is checking with the nurse to see if zinc is part of the normal routine, a silence ensues.  I ask Bernie.  "Did you ever play cards?"  "No." "Even in the seminary?" "No, but the Irish played cards all the time.  Do ya wanna play some cads" He says assuming an strong Irish dialect, and his familiar elfish twinkle.

"Did you play any games in seminary?"  "No." "What did you do for fun, then?"  Then comes a stuttering "Oh dear God, Oh dear God...."  He can't remember something and it drives him crazy.

From a lighting fast set of responses to suddenly something is derailed and he gets frustrated -- the words don't come.

The aide arrives to take Bernie to occupational therapy. We make our farewells.

On the way home Kathleen calls Alice from Nazareth House to report in.  Alice suggests we arrange a urologist to visit to see if the catheter is still needed.  She agrees to do so Monday afternoon.