The Codgers

The Codgers

David C. Russell

Word Count 1,246

“Who’s going to deal first?” Carl asked of his two new acquaintances.

“What the heck are we playing?” Asked Bob, seated directly across the table from Carl.

“Uno or Poker?” Ned Volunteered. seated beside each gentleman.

“Ned, you have a servant’s look, go for it,” Carl said, reaching out his big hand to give the Uno deck to Ned.

“Servant? Hardly. I worked almost forty years as a school bus driver,” he said. As he dealt each player seven cards, Ned asked his playmates their respective professions.

“I sold insurance, was an independent Underwriter,” Bob said.

“School teacher, sub and full-time,” Carl replied, tone competent.

The three gentlemen had been retired and widowed for under five years. Each, previous home owner; each had bought a unit at the Ravenwood Care Facility over the past six months.

“Bob, wild, draw four,” Carl said, being the first to start the game.

“Ned, draw to,” Bob said in turn.

“Always have started behind ground zero,” Bob said, sighing deeply.

“Let’s play three games, guys,” Carl Said. No score was kept, but in the end, each player won a respective game.

The men were seated at a round table in a corner of the dining room. A television, in another corner, played Sports Center from the ESPN network. The announcer droned on about the pending strike being faced by Major League Baseball.

An aide walked over to give one of the men their medication. Smiling she inquired if any wanted a juice or coffee. Each stated their preference.

“Things have gotten to the place in this country where the Almighty dollar is the be all and end all,” Carl said.

“People love their money or the security of having it,” Bob replied.

“Not sure. Never had too many dollars let alone Almighty ones,” Bob commented, staring into the distance.

“Guys, in a couple weeks there is something of a Career Day being held at the local high school. Having been a teacher, I get informed of these things. How about we go and talk about our experience?” Carl asked.

“How we going to get there?” Bob asked.

“I’ll get us there, you just decide to go or not go,” Carl said, pointing his index finger at Bob.

“It’s also National Elder Care Week,” Ned stated.

“What are you suggesting by that piece of info?” Carl asked.

“We need more care workers in this country to give a shit about codgers like us. Look who works here for example.”

Carl made arrangements for transportation to the high school for its career day assembly the second Wednesday in May. His niece, Rene, transported the threesome from the care facility to the high school that was across town.

“Do I need to be back at a certain time?” Rene asked.

“By two o’clock if you can,” Bob said, adding, “I like the old Westerns on ME TV that run during afternoon hours.” Carl and Ned were agreeable to this arrangement.

Entering the gym nasium, Bob remarked how the crowd seemed enthusiastic. Minutes later, on stage, he was introduced to the audience who gave him a warm applause.

“You folks are sure invested in what’s going on today. The crowd size tells me this scene looks like a national election day here at the old school,” he said. Carl gave him a look as he noticed Bob’s expression and words veering off topic.

“I used to drive school bus. I’ll never forget the day a student had a baby on the bus," Bob said, nervous laughter ensued. He continued, "She was a blonde, the baby was cute as all get out and didn’t fuss.” Slight applause attempted.

“Being a school bus driver pays pretty damn good as long as you have a wife who will work outside the home, too,” Bob said, smile wide.

“Now, you folks go fill out your voting record and choose the best candidate for the offices of President and Governor. You know who the heck that person is.”

Ned, dressed in a dark blazer spoke next. In his mind he had been thinking about a variety of things before coming here to the assembly.

“Kids, I used to be an insurance underwriter back in the day. I worked for myself and loved every hour of doing so. I’m going to give you a little test today, but this test will be ungraded and the results known only to you. I am a darn good teacher, too. Here are my five questions,” Ned exclaimed.

Some students talked among themselves while others appeared disinterested, or chose to tolerate Ned and his discourse. He asked five simple questions: Where are we now?

Who is the current President and current Governor?

Who is favored to win the NBA championship this year?

When is Mother’s Day?

Can you spare me a couple bucks?

A break occurred for ten minutes before Carl would give his talk to the assembly. The Principal expressed his concern that Bob and Ned were slightly out of order today. Carl decided to work this observation into his talk. He planned to be a newsmaker this day in this assembly.

Dressed in kakkis, a gray shirt with three buttons beneath the collar, he took to the podium.

“First, you are all going to be held here for a good while. I have a lot to say and a few demands to have met before any of us go out of here.”

“My associates, Ned and Bob, gave of their time and of themselves to be here today. Most of you will forget them by this time tomorrow. Such is the state of things in our country regarding the young giving a shit about the old, the elderly, the crazy, those nuts, the infirmed, the demented. First, I want some civic group to provide us a steak dinner at the Ravenwood Facility one evening next week. Second, I want some new American guys and gals hired as aides at $12 an hourt, ASAP.” Carl’s major demand was to have new blinds installed in each of the resident rooms to replace the old blinds or even older curtains in some cases.

The News reporter from the weekly sent a text to the major services to bring attention to this assembly and to this crackpot on stage.

Carl stated he had a defense force he could call on if anyone tried to broach his efforts. Most seemed to take his word.

Meantime, Bob had become distressed not expecting a change in events and became continent. Ned began to fidget, which led to vocal self-stimulation as gibberish.

Carl continued to talk as if he were addressing a legislative body, and ignored his associates’ respective behavior.

At three o’clock that afternoon, Rene came in with both a Psychiatrist and police officer. Paramedics were called to transport Ned and Bob back to the care facility. In exchange, a local department store volunteered to provide the blinds and such requested as resident room amenities, free of charge. A regional steak wholesale concern offered to provide enough steaks to feed the facility staff and residents for two separate occasions. Carl would be given television time on two major cable news outlets over the next month.

The Principal stated as conclusion to the day, “We have all witnessed much occur here today. One thing we can take away from this is to honor your personal convictions and beliefs, but exercise character and integrity in doing so.”

End