This piece was something I could relate to…. I was a caregiver for my father for over 3 years. The bathroom scene. And the description of the hands such a great description. I had recently noticed my mom’s hands in the same way.
Eloquent. I'm curious about the quote at the start -- who said it? I appreciate the airplane flight as illustration of the eldercare journey. Well done!
“The hands that had touched me and my mother” — oh my! This line left me reeling. As others have already commented, this is a many layered and arresting short story.
You practiced beautiful restraint in that one line, enough to allow the reader, us, to interpret for ourselves what the inferences were. That's fine writing. I'm a writer. I got you.
Thank you for reading. That last sentence is referencing my healing from past traumas—sometimes revisiting the memories, but the pain gets less and less.
I could relate...having to navigate my elderly Mom with dementia through some challenging places. I know how it tests you. Thank you for sharing this touching story.
Michele, there are so many undercurrents floating in your well-crafted story. For me, it's about forgiveness, loyalty, caring, patience, healing, protectiveness and, ultimately, resilience. All very touching and thought-provoking on this Sunday morning. Thank you.
Sylvie, your comment expresses so closely my own reaction to this story. Bravo, Michele, for weaving these complicated but very real emotions into an all too relatable piece.
Beautifully written, poignant and powerful.
Thank you, Julie.
I enjoyed your story - unsentimental and true to life.
Thank you.
This piece was something I could relate to…. I was a caregiver for my father for over 3 years. The bathroom scene. And the description of the hands such a great description. I had recently noticed my mom’s hands in the same way.
Thank you so much. Time has a way of moving so quickly, the hands always show. ♥
Eloquent. I'm curious about the quote at the start -- who said it? I appreciate the airplane flight as illustration of the eldercare journey. Well done!
My grandfather was getting impatient waiting for the plane to take off. Thank you for reading.
“The hands that had touched me and my mother” — oh my! This line left me reeling. As others have already commented, this is a many layered and arresting short story.
Thank you for reading.
Frightening — many of us may be on that flight one day — but with redemption from helping hands.
Indeed, it could be any of us. Thank you for reading.
You practiced beautiful restraint in that one line, enough to allow the reader, us, to interpret for ourselves what the inferences were. That's fine writing. I'm a writer. I got you.
I appreciate you, thank you so much.
You tell a layered, poignant story in just a few well-chosen words. A pleasure to read.
Thank you for reading.
Beautifully written. Thank you.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you ... I am guessing it took some courage to write this. Grateful that you did...
A poignant story. And a close parallel to the story that just happened to my beautiful former daughter-in-law and her sisters. Very close.
Please explain your last sentence of the story.
Thank you for reading. That last sentence is referencing my healing from past traumas—sometimes revisiting the memories, but the pain gets less and less.
Thank you. You are a brave, forgiving and kind soul. May you find ever more peace.
I could relate...having to navigate my elderly Mom with dementia through some challenging places. I know how it tests you. Thank you for sharing this touching story.
My heart bleeds for you. You are made of strong stuff to have lived this, then write it and share it with strangers.
Thank you for reading. I firmly believe that by sharing our stories, we and others feel less alone. ♥
Michele, there are so many undercurrents floating in your well-crafted story. For me, it's about forgiveness, loyalty, caring, patience, healing, protectiveness and, ultimately, resilience. All very touching and thought-provoking on this Sunday morning. Thank you.
Sylvie, your comment expresses so closely my own reaction to this story. Bravo, Michele, for weaving these complicated but very real emotions into an all too relatable piece.
Thank you, Lin. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
Thank you, Sylvie.
Several interesting hints…. Were you telling us something about the real relationship?
There is more to the story, indeed