A special edition of KosAbility in memory of my parents.
My Dad died last night in his sleep. While not totally unexpected, he was 91, it still comes as quite a shock to the system. You see, my Dad was always my best friend.
Further, my parents died within 2 months of each other and halfway around the globe from me.
Although my health in recent years precludes me traveling to Oz from California, we have kept in touch via phone and internet. One of the worst side effects of disability is the inability to simply go where you want to go, when you want to go.
Follow me over the mating ampersands
My younger brothers lived close and, with their guidance, the Oz health care system, a very civilized, compassionate, and generally efficient (here it comes!!) govmint backed!!! national scheme (not Ponzi) took care of their needs for the last few years.
Some of you may know that I operate a Monday night group of poets. Naturally, I have written a couple of elegies for the departed. The artwork is a watercolor collage based on a black and white photograph of the not-yet-wed pair as they strode across Martin Place in Sydney heading towards the marriage registry office to pick up their marriage licence in 1942. A marriage, incidentally, which lasted for 69 years!
Donald Cameron Campbell
May 10, 1920- September 8, 2011
Wee Donnie Died Last Night
Wee Donnie died last night
Faithful to the end, he was
A loving man, a gentle man
The father everybody hopes for
When they get down to pray.
Confidant, friend, advisor
Comfort in the worst of times
Drinking buddy in the best.
Who can say they heard him
Say unfriendly words unless
Those words were well deserved
For behavior well beyond acceptable.
If I am only half the person
My father was throughout his life
I will truly be worthy of the title
Nature’s gentle man
© CJ Campbell September 2011
Julia May Helen Campbell (nee Leth)
December 30, 1922- July 12, 2011
Mum-
Julia May Helen
“Hurry up there’s more to do
You’ll never get anywhere
By standing round and waiting
Did I not tell your Dad and you”
To hurry!”
Here’s a story worth relating
Many times. When I think I
Must give up, give in, I hear
Her voice, loud berating
“Hurry up”
“Stand up, go, do something dear.”
Never one to keep opinions
To herself when the men of her
Generation told her “Never fear.”
“ Don’t worry.”
Was her prompt reply. No burr
Ever clung to heel deeply as
Her sharp and probing barbs
Hidden ‘neath the feline fur.
“Finished
Are you?”
Yes, Mum,
This time
I’m finished.
Sleep well.
© CJ Campbell July 2011
Peace Mum and Dad
Your Col
11:21 PM PT: This diary was posted at 7:45PM Pacific. About now (11:15) Mum would be saying "Don, I've had enough, I'm off to bed, you coming?" and Dad would say "Well Jules, I think the boys and I have room for one more beer and another song, what do you say Col?" And what do you think I would say (with guitar in hand)? One guess!- CJ