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Friday, June 4, 2010

Were you saying goodbye, Mom?

Can you tell a story in exactly 55 words? That's the G-Man's Flash Friday challenge. Check out the challengers here.


After Alzheimer’s destroyed you,
you had one glowing day, clear as sunlight,
when your blue eyes twinkled at me.
Your face was beautiful in its ancient joy.
You reached up and cupped my face
in your hands, smiling as you studied me.
It’s wonderful you said, and I knew
it was dying that you described.


~~~~~


32 comments:

Alan Burnett said...

Seldom can 55 words have been used to better purpose.

Lorenzo — Alchemist's Pillow said...

Chris, for me, finding inspiration for creating beauty even in such hard trying moments is perhaps the great mission of art. You and your mom are gently showing the way. The photo goes so wonderfully well with this poem

Elisabeth said...

You offer a fresh perspective on death. Permission perhaps for your mother to go. Permission to you to let her.

It is wonderful.

Karen said...

Maybe, Chris, she was speaking of having you there beside her.

Brian Miller said...

and i hope that it is all she dreams it is...smiles.

Argent said...

Really beautiful and poignant.

John (@bookdreamer) said...

The long goodbye of the slow death is one of the worse burdens the child faces when becoming the parent. Here's mine

Birdie said...

ohh dear Chris, my prayers are with you and your beautiful mom! hugs!!

G-Man said...

Well...I'm not too proud to say that this really choked me up.
Wonderfully written Chris.
I hope that you can continue to be strong throughout this coming ordeal, I think and know you will be..
Excellent 55 My Dear..
Thanks for contributing in the midst of your situation, I really appreciate it.
Have a Kick Ass Week-End...G

Syd said...

Chris, this one leaves me sad. This has been a week dealing with death and I would like to think that your mother was saying that the day was wonderful, being with you was wonderful. But maybe not. I do love the photo.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

wow....this is soo powerful...

The Thirteenth Crossing said...

This was an incredible piece. I'm moved beyond words. Fantastic 55.

55 Flash Fiction Friday: I Thought It Was Thursday

clean and crazy said...

beautiful 55. such a gift you are and what a wonderful picture.

Anonymous said...

Once again your words bring me to tears, God Bless you both.

Magpie said...

Oh, Chris, my heart is breaking. How can this be so sad and so lovely at the same time? My heart goes out to you and your brother. Maybe your mom is seeing and feeling something that's not meant for us just yet.

The Bug said...

Oh, just lovely. I'm learning that I shouldn't read your stuff at work though - hard to explain damp eyes to my boss :)

Bubba said...

A wonderful sentiment with the ring of truth to it. Lovely 55.

Anonymous said...

I'm in love with that picture. She is beautiful. And so are you.

Monkey Man said...

Be well, my friend. This is a tough one.

Lu Ann said...

Sounds like an interesting challenge... and even more to say and make the reader feel such and intense post...


And yeah... sometimes goodbyes are far different than what we imagine, some of them may be sadder, better or even poetic.

Marion said...

Unbelievably beautiful, Chris, really...how wonderful your Mom gave you a look at the peace she is feeling now. Take good care.

Alice Audrey said...

At that point death is a release for everyone concerned.

Still, hugs.

Akannie said...

Love you, Chris...hope you know you're in my prayers... beautifully and wonderously said...xoxoxox

steveroni said...

Oh Chris--this "55" just blows me away. You are inspired when you write on this topic--your mother.

Soooo spiritual!

Jess Mistress of Mischief said...

Amen! Beautiful 55

CiCi said...

This is one of the very best 55s I have read. Ever. Same with the photo. Awesome. Takes my breath away. I want to enfold your mom and you in my arms and hug away your pain.

marie said...

So beautiful! I have a special place in my heart for those who have alzheimer's. May peace be with you through this time. Glad to have found your blog via the Friday 55!

e said...

Beautiful photo and sentiment...peace to you both.

Sheri said...

oh, my, goodness. not only was this an awesome 55, this brought to me tears! that moment has to be one you will treasure for the rest of your life. thank you so much for putting yourself out there by sharing something so personal and breathtaking...

Tabitha.Montgomery said...

I'm speechless.
xo

Unknown said...

I've missed you. I am back. That picture says it all. I'm just sending lots of good hugs for your both and the love that we daughter's have, which is eternal. It IS wonderful...I'm glad she reminded us.

♥namaste♥

Her Big Sad said...

This picture is beautiful and your words are beautiful too. I am praying for your Mom's gentle crossing, and for strength for you. You have and are, such a gift.

♥Hugs♥ and prayers!