CATNIP

I took a buddy in to the VA a few weeks ago. Babalougats.

He was a good friend many years ago, and a babe magnet. 

He's not in the best of shape; 3 heart operations and no teeth. But to say his flower has faded would be a mistake. He is as bright and funny and charming as ever. 

He lives in one of those bedbug motels in Arlington. The first time I went to see him, and saw all those oxygen tanks lined up across the back wall, man it shook me. I started going every couple weeks to take him for breakfast. He is great company. The banter is non-stop between he and I.

Any way, I took him to the VA for a check-up. 

He comes back out to after the exam; his eyes are wide open. He looks like a cartoon character that just got hit with a frying pan.
“They want to admit me. My kidneys are shutting down”

He’s been in for about 10 days now. They have drained 60 pounds of fluids from him and got his heart rate to where it should be. It was at 140 when I took him in.

While he was in he didn’t want to tell his mom. Didn’t want to worry her. She’s been sick.

Then he got the call two days ago. His mom had passed.

You know, its funny. The strangeness and timing of this life just can't be measured

I said to him “Well, at least you didn’t have to put yourself through all that”.

He said “I was thinking the same thing”.

I visited Bubba at the hospital last week. We told the nurse I was his brother. Relatives only in ICU.

She said “You guys look so much alike”

Bubba says “He was always the pretty one”

I said “Yeah, but Bubba got all the girls”

Bubbas says “Yes. I was like Catnip”

Catnip. LMAO. I been using that one.
Fuckin’ Bubba.

There are some really cheap apartments across the street from mine. I talked to him last night about moving in to those when he gets out.

“ I don’t have any furniture” he says.

“Oh hell, Bubba, we’ll get you some furniture. People give it away all the time. I gave away a bed just last month”

I’m hoping he’ll go for it.