The Chair Now Sits Empty...

According to A Short History of Chairs*, "the simple definition of a chair is a movable seat, with a back, for a single person". I think that it is also worth noting that "the chair was reserved for kings, lords, and bishops; ordinary folk sat on backless chests, benches, or stools." My daddy could occupy a chair with the same regal stature of the kings of old. He could handle a couch pretty well too. There were many an episode of Walter Cronkite that were "snored through" while reclined upon the couch. But late in life it was the chair.

The chair now sits empty.

One chair in particular. A recliner. A golden recliner. He became close friends with this recliner while recovering from a heart attack several years ago. As one might imagine, this was a special relationship; one that maybe only a guy could understand. There were not many visits that I would not find

him in the chair. He was either deeply involved with a crossword puzzle or helping the folks on the Golf Channel. Sometimes one might think that Walter was on again. I am sure that somewhere along the way great pearls of wisdom were imparted to me from that chair.

The chair now sits empty.

As time rolled on there was less reclining in the chair. Just sitting. Sitting comfortably, mind you, but no reclining. The chair slowly became "Command Central". All the basic needs were within arms reach: the remote, notepad with pen, certain medicines, kleenex and a cow bell. Oh, this was a COW BELL. This was not a little dingy dingy like some might think. This was made of iron, I think, and pealed a rich baritone note that could be heard throughout the house and to a certain degree, outside.

The chair now sits empty.

I mentioned that daddy and the chair became close friends and as with a lot of relationships this one grew stronger as the days went by. Here lately daddy depended on the chair more and more. It was a place of comfort. It was a place of rest. A little bit more padding had to be added to the cair in the form of pillows and at times it was not quite right. But you know what, it was his chair and sit in it he did, comfortable or not. 

The chair now sits empty.

Somewhere in the middle of social theory and ergonomics exists the ideal chair. But when the wide array of applicable theories and artistic sensibilities combine with a world of distinct cultural aesthetics, the perfect chair is as individual as the person* sitting in it.

Daddy doesn't need the chair anymore.

The chair now sits empty.

*A Short History of Chairs, Graham Blackburn http://academia.edu