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Better Late Than Never, by Jim Bartlett

10/1/2020

 
“Standing before the mirror, Gordon Maxwell brushes off his lapel, then straightens his tie. It’s a ritual he follows with precision, as every morning he holds his meeting at 7:30 sharp, and there’s nothing he despises more than those who lack punctuality. Today, however, he will be the one who is late. In fact, he’ll not be making it at all, because in 4 minutes he’ll be dead.

“Halfway down the stairs, a burning in his left arm pulls him to a stop. There a wave of nausea overwhelms, and the burning becomes a stabbing pain cutting deep into his chest.

“The paramedics find him later that afternoon at the bottom of the stairs, someone at work having called 911 when he didn’t show up.”

Gordon shakes his head. “Okay, okay, Doc, you’ve made your point. Probably the third time.”

“Gordon, I’m just trying to impress some urgency here. You smoke. Your blood pressure is too high. Your cholesterol is 320. You’re 50 pounds overweight. And you’re 67 years old working a high stress job. If I Googled your name, I’d get a picture of a time bomb.”

“I know, I know. Look...just 2 ½ more years and I can retire. My divorce bled me dry, I have to work a little more to get my retirement back in shape.”

“But you may not have—“

Gordon raises a hand. “I have a meeting in 20 minutes. You can beat me up at our next appointment.”

With that, he tosses on his jacket and is out the door. In the car, he lights a cigarette, puffing his frustration. Their district came in second in sales again this quarter, and that new guy – Brian? – continues to show up late. He decides that once he’s back at the office, he’ll be firing that incompetent waste of space to set an example.

His return delayed by construction and heavy traffic, he roars into his parking space and hops from the car, catching his shin on a post. A stream of profanity vents from his mouth, but only for a moment, as a warm throbbing spreads down his left arm, stealing away his breath. He tries to call out, but the pain drops him to his knees, and everything goes black.

* * *

“Can you hear me, Mr. Maxwell?”

He opens foggy eyes to see a nurse standing over him, a beeping sound coming from behind.

“What happened?” he asks.

“You’ve had a heart attack. You were lucky, one of your employees, Brian McGee, was running late and saw you go down. He gave you CPR until the paramedics arrived.”

Gordon shakes his head. “He’s always late.”

The nurse bristles at his tone, but finds a smile. “His son’s here with brain cancer, so he stops by in the mornings when he’s having a treatment. While he’s waiting, Brian teaches First Aid to seniors. Which includes CPR. Had he been on time, you would have been the one who was late. Too late...”
​
Mary Wallace
10/1/2020 04:39:14 pm

Well done Jim. Everyone is fighting battles we know nothing about. Better late....

Jim link
10/1/2020 05:00:00 pm

Thanks ever so much, Mary. Indeed, there are those who fight their battles in silence. Speaking of which, I read a comment in your lovely poem that you are currently unable to write - may I be so bold as to ask why?
Thanks again!
Jim

Mary Wallace
11/1/2020 02:22:05 am

I have a genetic condition which affects my collagen. Since it is everywhere throughout the body, a flareup can create issues with any or all body systems. Managing to hold your body together with a disrupted mind(collagen their too) is proving too hard. Will be back on board soon I hope. Thanks for your concern.

Jim link
11/1/2020 02:54:13 pm

Hope I wasn't being too nosy - looking forward to seeing you back soon, and best wishes for managing that collagen (and mind ;-)

Michael McCarthy
10/1/2020 06:40:42 pm

That should be included in advice for those approaching retirement! Great idea , could not guess where it was going, and a first class twist!

Jim link
10/1/2020 06:57:30 pm

Thanks so much for your kind comments, Michael!
Hope your New Year is a good one!
Thanks
Jim

Doug
10/1/2020 07:57:53 pm

Excellent job on many levels.the value of time/life, being judgmental, etc. Very thought provoking for your readers. Keep them coming.

Jim link
10/1/2020 08:11:24 pm

Thanks Doug - so many great points you make and I am really thankful for your thoughts.
May the New Year be good to you and yours.
Thanks
Jim

Kat Slats
10/1/2020 08:25:15 pm

Well done my dear friend. We should all remember to #JustBeKind❤️

JIm link
10/1/2020 11:39:59 pm

Thanks so much, Kathy. It would seem such a simple request - just be kind - eh? But we seem to be lost in another world as a society, and kind sometimes - too often - gets kicked to the roadside.
Thanks
Jim

Mike B
10/1/2020 09:39:18 pm

Such a Great story Jim!!! You covered many issues. Some were wakeup calls for many of us... I loved the surprising twists at the end...

Jim link
10/1/2020 11:42:00 pm

Thanks much, Mike. I really appreciate your kind comments and even more so that you enjoy the stories!!
Thanks
Jim

marjan sierhuis
10/1/2020 10:03:22 pm

Wonderful storytelling Jim. May your creative juices keep flowing for those of us who enjoy reading your work.

Marjan

Jim link
10/1/2020 11:43:49 pm

Wow - thanks (again) Marjan. I am always appreciative of your comments, almost as much as your own stories ;-)
You keep 'um coming, too!!
Thanks
Jim

Carol Garrasi
10/1/2020 10:52:22 pm

That was excellent Jim. Ditto to all the comments......especially Kathy's...... Just be kind. I appreciate your talent with every story you favor us with.

Jim link
10/1/2020 11:47:58 pm

So very kind of you Carol. One of the best parts of writing is having folks read and enjoy your work. SO I do appreciate your comments. As I mentioned to Kathy, kind sometimes seems to have lost its flavor, and I think the more we all work at it, the more we can bring it back to a world thirsty for a change.

Thanks
Jim


Comments are closed.

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