Relaxing on a park bench enjoying a warm summer afternoon... I laid back, nice and comfy. Watched clouds slowly drift by. An elderly lady happened by and sat next to me. "Wonderful day, isn't it!" "Oh yes," I replied. "An excellent afternoon indeed."
She stretched her legs, adjusted her glasses, and softly hummed a catchy tune.
In the distance, children were busy at the playground. We could just make out their shouts and laughter.
"Next week I'm gonna be 84, young man; goes by so quick. I try to stop old man time, but he slips through my fingers all the same." I smiled at her. "Yeah, I hear ya," I softly replied.
She turned, "Ya gotta lump on your tummy, don't ya know." And with both hands.... pointed at... it.
I made a big show of "discovering" this wayward bulge. Looking totally surprised, I threw up my hands, sighed, and said, "How about that!" A puzzled look crossed her weathered face. Rather than prolong the drama, I confided, "It's a stoma." "A what?" she demanded with wide eyes. "You know, a piece of intestine sticking outta my tummy."
She turned up her hearing aid. "Come again?" "Why sure," I laughed.
"It's a lifesaver. Not like candy lifesavers, mind you... but a true hero all the same." She chuckled. "Ah, such a kidder. Your mom would have been proud." Then whispered, "I'm not really here..... or there." Confused, I reached out to touch her arm, but only felt the wooden slat of the bench. With a start, I woke up. Looking around, it came to me. "Whoa, just a dream."
Twilight was starting, casting long shadows on the walkway. I thought about Father Time. Forever marching forward. Ticking off the minutes, hours, and days of our short existence. I mused about my recent surgery, adding more time to my scorecard. Patted my stoma, and slowly headed for home.