Web photo from canadiantraveller.com

CHASING SUNSETS

By Rhodora Fitzgerald

“You old fool! We can’t just go off and drive across the state like we’re a couple of teenagers!” said the elderly man’s wife from the hospital bed they had recently set up in their bedroom. “Why not?” he asked. “We’ve always wanted to see the sun set over Lake Michigan, haven’t we?” “Well, yes,” stammered the woman, “but that was before I became sick!” she argued. “You aren’t dead yet!” he boldly reminded her. “Marion, please talk some sense into my crazy husband,” said the weak woman to her attending nurse. “Well dear,” Marion replied, “I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t go for a drive on a beautiful summer day like this.” “In fact,” she added thoughtfully, “I think it’s a great idea, and if you’d like, I would be willing to drive you to the coast myself.” “Then I’ll pack a small bag for us and we’ll go,” decided her stubborn husband. “Oh James, you’re impossible,” mumbled his wife.

“It can be quite cool by the water in the evening. Don’t forget to pack a blanket,” said Marion. “I’ve already put one in the car with the bag,” James said with enthusiasm as he returned from the garage. “Alright then Catherine,” he said returning to his wife’s bedside. “Are you…” his disheartened voice trailed off as he realized that she had once again slipped into a state of unconsciousness. As he dropped into the chair alongside her bed, he heard Marion’s calm voice and felt her gentle hand on his shoulder. “It’s alright James. This is the way it is when the cancer reaches the brain. They are feisty and full of life one minute and unresponsive the next. It’s to be expected.” “It’s still early in the day. We’ll wait awhile and go when she wakes up,” she suggested sympathetically. “If she wakes up,” he added solemnly.

Only a few moments time had passed when, to his surprise, James looked up to see his wife rising from the bed with more energy than he’d seen in a long time. “Catherine! What are you doing?” he asked. “Well, If you’re going to insist on dragging me out to Lake Michigan, we’d better get moving,” she said as if it had been the plan all along. “It wouldn’t make any sense to get there after the sun has already set.” Her last statement came with a bit of spunk that left James wondering from where she mustered her ambition.

The drive to Ludington took about three hours. Catherine managed to stay awake for most of the drive, only dosing for a few moments at a time. With their own personal chauffeur, James and Catherine snuggled together in the backseat of their car. James took care to keep the blanket wrapped around his wife to keep her warm and he held her close. Along the way James and Catherine told Marion about the many sunrises they had seen over Lake Huron. Because they lived on the eastern side of the state it was something they did frequently. They explained how they had always dreamed of driving across state to say goodnight to the sun at the end of the day, but never seemed to find the time. “I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t find the time,” said Marion. “Oh, I guess we just always thought there’d be time to do it another day,” sighed James. “Raising three children takes a lot of time and energy,” said Catherine, “We’re guilty of putting them and the other demands of life ahead of ourselves.” “Really kind of sad, isn’t it?” said James reflectively. “Well, you’re doing it now,” said Marion, “That’s really all that matters.” “Yes, thank you for driving us,” said James. “Oh, it’s my pleasure,” said Marion zealously. “I’ve never seen the sunset over the lake either,” she added with a smile into the rear view mirror.

When the dark blue Chevy pulled into the parking space at the State Park, the sky was already hinting of pink. “We aren’t any too early,” said Marion pointing to the sky where the sun was suspended slightly above the waters edge as if it had been waiting patiently for them to arrive. “Oh, it’s going to be a beautiful night!” said Catherine as she scrambled to get out from beneath the blanket. “Where are you going?” asked James in disbelief. “Well, certainly you don’t expect me to watch the sunset from here?” she grunted. “I didn’t wait 57 years to witness it from the backseat of a car!” “Are you sure you’re up to walking on the beach?” he asked protectively. “I am! Are you?” she challenged. With a shrug he looked into the smiling face in the rear view mirror, “Are you coming along Marion?” he asked. “No, you two go on and I’ll wait here for you,” she winked. “Alright, we won’t be too long,” he said as he climbed out of the car behind his wife. “Take your time,” she hollered, as she watched them walk hand in hand towards the water.

About 30 yards out and approximately half way between the car and the lake, Marion could see that Catherine was starting to slow down. “She’s getting tired,” she thought to herself as she watched James guide her towards a park bench. “Ah, such a loving husband,” she nearly spoke aloud as she thought about the last year she had spent with the Jacobson’s. At first she had only needed to visit weekly to monitor Catherine’s condition. As time went by and her health worsened she began making daily visits until finally the time had come when it became necessary for her to move into the spare bedroom. Over the last three months Marion had grown to love James and Catherine and by the way they made her feel welcome in their home she was sure the feeling was mutual.

The sun had started to sink into the water now and the fiery horizon served as a theatrical backdrop for the scene that played out before Marion. James and Catherine had nearly become nothing more than silhouettes against a darkening sky. She watched as James waved his arm towards the sky and then pulled his wife into a tight embrace. Catherine looked up at him and as his eyes met hers they shared a tender kiss. As they returned their gaze to the sky, Marion tried to imagine what the conversation between the husband and wife might be as they shared this magical moment.

“Have you ever seen a sunset more beautiful?” James asked once they were back in the car and heading home. “I can’t say that I have,” Marion said from the drivers seat. “Is Catherine OK?” she asked. “Yeah, she’s just tired. The walk and the fresh air did her in,” James said as he pulled the blanket up around his wife and pulled her close.

Marion noted how quiet the rest of the ride home was. Catherine had slept the entire trip and James had hardly spoken a word. “I’ll help you get Catherine into bed,” said Marion, after she had pulled the car into the garage and turned off the engine. Marion barely had the rear door open when she realized something was wrong, but the tear that ran down the old mans cheek told her that he knew much sooner. “Oh dear,” she said, “the time has come.” Then after a moment’s silence, she sighed and added, “Well, at least she got to see a glorious sunset.” “Yes she did,” said James. And then wiping away a tear, he added, “And so did I.”