An Absent Mind(40)
When I went into the room, he was in his chair beside the bed, facing the window that looks down on the garden. His eyes were shut tight, almost as if he were squinting.
I yelled out, “Yo, Pops,” but got no response. Not that I was expecting any. I moved over to the bed and plopped myself down beside him. He didn’t budge.
I hesitated for a moment, then reached into my pocket and pulled out the envelope and took a long, deep breath. As I tore it open and pulled out the single page, I said, “Pops, this better be good, or else!”
I began to read the scribbled writing: Dear Joey, I never told you while I was alive how much I loved you and how proud I was …
My body sank and I began to shake. I didn’t know whether to be ecstatic or furious. He actually was proud of me. He even said he loved me. But why couldn’t he say it to my face when he could think, when he could speak? He had forty years to utter just those few words—words that would have changed both our lives.
I looked over at him, hunched in his chair. Suddenly, his eyes opened and seemed to focus on me. He mumbled something. The only word I could make out was son. And I wasn’t even 100 percent sure about that. What I was sure about was that his eyes were saying what his voice couldn’t. I reached over to hug him. Then I opened up his clenched hand and squeezed. I swear I could feel him press his palm against mine.
I don’t know how much longer he has, but I won’t miss a day from now on—not one!
Montreal Gazette
January 21, 2014
Reimer, Saul Nathaniel. Peacefully, in his seventy-seventh year, on Monday, January 20, 2014, at Manoir Laurier in Montreal. Beloved husband of the late Monique Proulx Reimer. Devoted father of Florence and Joey. Cherished brother of the late Miriam. Loving son of the late Lawrence and Hannah Reimer, and son-in-law of the late Sebastien and Carole Proulx. Caring father-in-law of Bernard Weiner. Adored grandfather of Howard and Daniel. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the warmth and kindness shown him by the wonderful staff at Manoir Laurier. Funeral services will take place at Silverberg and Sons, Wednesday, January 22, at 2:00 p.m. Donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
Also by Eric Rill
Pinnacle of Deceit
The Innocent Traitor
About The Author
I was born in Montreal and graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts, and from UCLA with an MBA. Having held several executive positions in the hospitality industry, including president of a global hotel group, I finally figured out that I was more the creative type than the corporate type. So I packed up and headed to the Caribbean, where I wrote my first novel, Pinnacle Of Deceit. That was followed by The Innocent Traitor.
My third novel was to be another thriller, but after I was more than halfway through, I put it aside and penned An Absent Mind—a novel I knew I had to write, having been through eight years with my father’s Alzheimer’s. My goal was not only to write good fiction, but also to provide readers with a true picture of this dreaded disease that afflicts more than 35 million people worldwide. I truly hope I was able to achieve that.
Acknowledgments
I would once again like to thank Jim Wade, my editor, for his work on this novel. His perception and acumen is truly appreciated. In addition, I would like to acknowledge Carol Edwards, my copy editor, and a special thanks to Sharon Nettles, proofreader, editor, and all-around helper for her diligent work in making sure this novel made it to press on time and in good shape.
Dr. Serge Gauthier, Director of the Alzheimer’s Research Unit at McGill University, is one of the most respected researchers in the field. Without him, this book would not have been possible. He spent an enormous amount of time making sure my medical facts were correct and encouraged me to continue when the going was tough. Thank you, Serge!
And of course, Christine Schaffer, who read draft, after draft, after draft. If there were a prize for patience and understanding, she would be the clear winner.
To Chris Dymond, Kia Bossom Wood, Andrée Laganière, and Jim Brodsky—I thank you for your support.
And finally, a posthumous thank you to Jim Phillips and Mel Leeb, who were there for me every step of the way. I am so sorry you aren’t here to see this book come to fruition. I miss you both.