Who is Mr. Grant?

Copyright © 2018
Brian Doherty
All rights reserved

I noticed that my mother had baked a couple of apple pies.  I was excited because she knew how I loved pies.  But she normally didn't bake two pies at a time and asked her what was the extra pie for.

"I want you to go to Mr. Grant to bring this over to him," she wrapped in tin foil.

"Who is Mr Grant?"

"The old man next door."

I was feeling a little iffy about going over to Mr Grant's house because he had been giving me creepy looks whenever I pass by his house.  It was very awkward bringing the pie over to Mr. Grants house.  He invited meinto have a beer and a chat with him so I did.

After spending time with him more often, turns out that he was a really great guy. Every chance that I get I would go over to see him and spend some time with him.  I am surprised that we had quite a few things in common.  I really enjoyed his stories growing up and how he was in the military.  Of course there were sad moments as well.  I was really sad to hear that he had a condition that he would only live until the end of the year and not sure he will reach Christmas.


WRITER'S FIRST DRAFT NOTES
...Mr Grant, a 64 year old, who lived alone, moved in next door from me a couple of months ago.  Every morning he sits outside the front door reading his newspaper with a cup of coffee. 

...I saw blinking lights through the curtains of my living.  I paced across the floor with my cup of coffee.  I peeked through the blinds.  The ambulance was parked in front of Mr. Grants door.  I walked outside and paced toward the ambulance with silence. 

...He held me in his arms on the couch for comfort.  It was really nice to be in his arms. I was really sad because time was running out on Mr. Grant because he was dying and I wished I knew him longer than I did in such a short time.

..."Mr. Grant you can't die," I said, "I'm only after getting to know you, and I enjoy your company very much.  You taught me alot."  He could tell from the tone of my voice that I was very sad.

..."I know you don't," he said, "But whatever happens, I want to die in my own house."

...Mr. Grant was loosing his strength that I started to come over to his house on a regular basis to take care of him.  He has been in and out of the hospital.

..."I have a feeling this is it," feeling very weak in his bed.  "My time has come."

..."No."  I held his hand.

..."Yes, I'm afraid so.  I must go."

...I was getting really upset and sad. I gazed into his eyes. "Take me with you."

..."You can't. You have your whole life ahead of you.  You need to continue living and experience things on your own, until its your time to go.  But I will be waiting (on the other side)to guide you)." 

..."I love you" I cried, holding his hand. "I will never forget you."

...A tear started streaming down Mr. Grant's face as he took his last breath.