A Swimming Pool of Lemonade
I went to visit Indie last night. He is near the end. I hate to see him that way, but as always he is unconcerned.
“Bibey old boy, I saw a lot of hard times. I appreciate you seeing me through.”
“You always stuck by me too man.”
“You know, we saw a lot of tragedy, but I had a blessed life. If there was ever a Doc who played more music and had more fun than me, I’m happy for ’em.”
“I don’t think there was, Indie. That’s why I had to write the book. I wanted to show people how you dealt with adversity.”
“Yeah well I didn’t drink that much.”
“I didn’t mean that.”
Indie motioned towards Barney the skeleton. “Check his brain, Bibey.”
I opened the skull cap. “No Jim Beam?”
“Ran out. Just wanted to prove to you I could get by without him here at the end. How bout pouring me up an Arnold Palmer?”
“Half sweet tea, half lemonade?”
“Right.”
I poured him a cup and he sipped a bit. “Damn, Bibey. Almost as good a friend as Jimmy Beam.”
“Just like you Indie. You were dealt some bad luck at time. You always did make lemons out of lemonade.”
“Hell Bibey. I’m doing the backstroke in a swimming pool of it.”
“You’re right. You’re the best at I ever saw. Hey just in case, though, I’m gonna restock Barney.”
“Son, you always were my favorite. I’ll never forget you.”
“I ain’t ever gonna forget you either Indie. Matter of fact, I’m gonna be sure no one does.”
He laughed. “You keep splashing in the lemonade swimming pool after I’m gone, boy.”
“Yes sir.”
Somehow I went to work today. It’s what Indie woulda done.
Dr. B
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Dr. Tom Bibey: Stories of the Bluegrass Music Road 
March 31, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I’m watching as my mother prepares for her journey to the other side, so I’ve been pondering the complexities of the process. I think that it’s much easier to contemplate if one has a belief in what comes next. Will I miss Mom when she’s no longer here on my side of things? Sure, but that doesn’t mean that I think she’ll cease to exist. I choose to dwell on the excitement of her next adventure (and the relief of her pain and suffering here) than I do on “losing” her.
March 31, 2009 at 2:04 pm
mrschili,
I am not a theologian, and don’t pretend to understand it all, but I believe in eternity. To me part of eternity is to leave behind at least some well intended acts of kindness while we are here on Earth.
I hope your mother has as little suffering as possible.
Dr. B
April 2, 2009 at 3:07 pm
bless!
April 2, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Thanks size 10. Dr. B
April 4, 2009 at 8:31 am
I will miss Indie too. Hope that his passing is not too painful. He deserves to get some rest….
I too believe that we continue to exist even if the body that contained our spirit (energy) dies. We simply are… I just don’t know how to describe it. We won’t until we make that “change”…
And we can take comfort that we will all “see” each other again….
April 4, 2009 at 9:08 pm
newt 221,
Indie won’t see Easter but he will live forever in eternity, and on Earth in the book.
Dr. B