We started out as coworkers, and eventually I was sort of his boss. Malcolm was one of the young "pups" of which I found myself the den mother.
When I think of Malcolm, I think of how patient he was with the elderly residents in his care, kindly coaxing them out of their confusion or loudly but gently asking them to "PUT IN YOUR HEARING AIDS". Like the rest of us, he tired of wearing the gowns, the N95 masks, etc. but he did it without complaint, looking forward to when the residents could come out of their rooms and socialize.
And mostly, he was just a sweet kid.
In the kitchen, he was known for his "legendary" breakfasts. Working the day shift, we could order anything for our breaks, and the cooks gladly obliged while we all marveled at Malcolm's metabolism. They loved his huge orders, and he was also their "go to" whenever they needed a taste tester for new recipes.
He once casually asked me what my favorite lunch special was, and I voted for chicken saltimbocca. The next time the cooks prepared that dish, Malcolm took it upon himself to stash a serving away for me.
I can honestly say that, although he was so young and I'm old enough (and then some) to be his mom, I'm a better person for having known Malcolm. He found a new job about a month ago and left our care facility after deciding he didn't want to get the COVID vaccine just yet. I told him he'd be greatly missed, but it was a good new opportunity for him.
He tragically died last weekend. He was just 19 years old, taking the year off before starting college because of the pandemic.
From what we've been able to gather without being too pushy, he smoked some weed that was - unbeknownst to him - laced with fentanyl.
Dammit, Malcolm. Damn world.
This whole work week, we've shuffled along like zombies, trying to remain cheerful if only in appearance. A couple of residents have picked up on it, and I confessed that I'd unexpectedly lost a good friend.
They offer sweet words of comfort and encouragement since, heaven knows, they know grief, having lived as long as they have. I still couldn't bring myself to tell any of them that it was Malcolm we'd lost.
Rest In Peace, sweet Malcolm.
I still hear you and believe I see signs of you letting me know that you're still here with us, but just out of reach. All these little coincidences...
I'm grateful to have known you.
I'll never forget you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linking up this week with Mama Kat for the prompt:
4. Write a blog post inspired by the word: light
18 comments:
How terrible! So sorry for your loss.
Thanks, John. The whole thing really messed with me, but I'm getting there.
GEEZ, fentanyl in WEED? WTF!! I am so so so sorry. Tremendous loss - to our world. I never would have though MJ would have fentanyl in it. So sad.
Linda Sue, thank you. Who'd've thought?
What a senseless loss! My heart goes out to you all. Fentanyl in weed is remarkable. Even more so considering weed can be bought legally in your state. Wonder if he got black market goods because of age?
Thanks Brian. Yeah, that's what we're thinking - that he got some bad "street weed" because the legal age to buy recreational pot is 21.
Visiting for the first time; so sorry to hear about the loss of Malcolm. When I saw his picture, before I read your post, I thought how young he was. I was thinking he was still in high school. What a sad story and I am sure he will continue to be missed forever by those who loved him and knew him.
betty
Abby, i chose this time to check back in because this story has touched me so much. I’m so sad for the loss of your young friend, for the grief his family must be feeling, and for the the overall sadness of losing someone so young who was aspiring to be someone so great. Just so sad. :(
I’m surprised to hear you have yet another new adventure coming your way. Surprised, yet excited for you. I loved having new opportunities every few years. Kept the excitement going! Can’t wait to hear what your new opportunity is.
Take care of yourself, hold your own young ones tight, and enjoy the new journey you’re about to take.
We’re all thinking of you....
Hi betty, thanks for stopping by and for commenting. Yep, Malcolm will be greatly missed forever.
Shadowrun300, gosh, thanks for checking in! Your words really help, and yeah, I feel so bad for the family as well as all of Malcolm's friends. We move on.
I'm so very sorry, Abby. Thank you for sharing Malcolm with us.
Thanks, Paula.
This is such a tragedy. My heart breaks for his family and for you and for HIM. He was robbed of so much and for such a stupid mistake. This could happen to any of my kids. I'm so sorry. Damn world.
Kat, thanks, you said it. He was a good kid from a wholesome family, not at all a stereotypical "pot head". We're still trying to wrap our heads around it.
OH Abby this is awful on so many levels. Malcolm was also a cutie and you can see by this photo that he was a kind soul. I'm so sorry.
Peggy, thank you, you're very perceptive for just seeing a photo. Malcolm is one of the kindest souls I know... and I'm old.
I've read all the comments and your responses. It's like looking for it to make sense. But people die, and mostly we don't know when and how it will happen.
Live Fully.
Condolences to you and all who knew and loved Malcolm.
Anita, thanks, friend. "If we knew all about our lives ahead of time, we wouldn't have to do it"
Oh, how terrible. Just tragic. I'll say that this could happen to most teenagers or young people, as few of us get through those years without a little mild drug use or other risky behaviors. It's part of youth. My condolences to all who knew and loved Malcolm.
Post a Comment