The Bearers of Sad News.

I got four hours sleep last night with things going through my mind but at least Will slept well.I was up and had the washing machine on even before I got dressed. We remade Dulcie's bed and tidied her room knowing Terry, who was flying up from Tasmania, would want to spend some time in there.When all was ready we headed off to Wendi's in Roxy, and then all three of us headed north in Wendi's car on the drive to Tewantin to break the news to Cuttie.It was about a 2 hour drive and we arrived at Noosa North Shore just after midday.

We got fish and chips by the river for lunch and then drove to the Aged Care Village where Cuttie now lives.The village had different housing blocks with about 8 residents in each who had their own room and bathroom. Cuttie was in MacDonald House.She was asleep on her bed and when quietly calling her name didn't work Wendi gently roused her. She was pleased to see us as we said hello and then she said,"Where's your Mum?"Wendi told her that she had died yesterday. Whether she didn't hear properly or just couldn't take it in I don't know but she said "Where is she?"Wendi told her again and then it sank in.She was so upset. They had been best friends for years and years. She was just stunned and shocked and there were long, heavy moments of silence as you could see her thinking about and remembering times past with Dulcie.We had to go and see her in person as it would have been awful to ring and then think of her, after the call, alone in her room.There was some sobbing and lot's of reminiscing and more long silences."She loved her children," said Cuttie."Yes, she always said she had no favourites," said Wendi."Yes, she used to say that to me, " said Cuttie, " She was such a big liar."She had to lie down as she was not having such a good day as far as pain went."Well, I will be joining my good friend soon," she said getting upset again."She'll be waiting with the kettle on," I said, and probably smoking a cigarette now we are not around to stop her."We stayed with her about 2 hours. At one point a nurse came in to give her some medication and I told the nurse that we had just delivered some sad news and could she keep an eye on Cuttie for the day?"Are you alright Blanche?" she asked. I was not convinced of her concern.It was hard to leave her but we said we would be back again soon. I showed her this picture,

and she loved it and I said we would print it out and bring it back for her.Will told the woman at reception exactly what we told the nurse and that we were concerned and could someone keep an eye on her after hearing the sad news." Did you tell the nurse?" said the woman."Yes" said Will."Well, she will keep an eye on her." She was so hard faced with no compassion that I could have slapped her."Cold hearted bitch" I muttered as we walked out, channelling Dulcie.We called to see Bill and Nancy, old neighbours of Cuttie's who regularly visit her. I had heard about them often but never met them and I was shocked to see how old they were. Nancy was 94 and apparently Bill was older! He reminded me of The Major from Fawlty Towers and had two hearing aids in.At first they did not recognise Wendi but soon realised who she was. We were invited in and told them the sad news and they were very sorry too."And how do you two chaps fit in?" asked Bill."Well, I am Wendi's brother and Dulcie's son," said Will "and this is my partner, Nick.""Oh, it's your father," said Bill.No one corrected him and I was mortified that I could look old enough to be Will's father and then was desperately trying so hard not burst out laughing at such a serious time.Nancy was talking now but I wasn't listening as I tried to contain my giggles and I just sat there grinning madly, stifling the laughter and nodding as I pretended to be listening to what she was saying. It was only then then that I realised she was talking about her sister having a stroke. I kept on nodding and quickly changed my grin to a look of concern.We didn't stay too long after that and set off on the two hour journey back to Brisbane and arrived home about 6.30 pm.All Dulcie's children were in her house together tonight to write Dulcie's eulogy for the Celebrant on Friday.Heck, I hope I can get some sleep tonight.