Harsh life stuff happened and they had to part. Too many angry words exchanged when under the influence had driven them apart. It had taken him a while to realise that and by then it was too late to reconcile.

Instead, a friendship developed as they continued to parent and co-grandparent, together but at a distance. They were still a family but they no longer lived under just one roof.

With earnest intentions they made it work throughout the years. He had always been strong and active. Determined to leave his mark on the world. To grow good young people into good citizens was his life’s purpose both professionally and at home.

The quality of the family relationship was something he was proud of, and when he needed them the most, they moved into his home. As he felt weaker and more tired they were there for him. His children and his ex came back to care for him. The next generation came to visit as well. He was proud of them all, happy they had pursued university education. Most of them had completed degrees or were well into their studies.

It was confusing for his children. Over the past weeks, he had needed to sleep more. He spent more and more time in bed. The trusted family doctor thought it was due to the illness in his digestive system. Something that shouldn’t have been there having grown in a painful and bloody manner. It had sapped his strength and drained away his previously abundant energy.

He had always been good for his age. When he was young he was tall for his age. When he was older he was strong for his age. Now he felt his age. All seven decades of his life had caught up with him over the past fortnight. He was still a big man but he had been scarily losing weight.

His mind started playing tricks with him. It was like he had turned up for Maths class with only his Geography equipment. Everything didn’t fit, he felt like he didn’t belong there. When was he? Even that was becoming less clear.

“What day is it? Why are they wanting me to leave? Have I done something wrong? It’s my house. You can’t take me out of my own home. What are you going to do with me? I don’t like the way you are looking at me. Leave me alone. Go away. I need to be at school. I need to be in charge.”