Marjorie stood in her backyard, looking at that handmade picnic table at the end of the property, in Nova Scotia. That was Richard’s favourite place to sit. During the calmest of days, they could enjoy her view and watch as the seagulls sunbathed on the exposed rocks.
How ironic that when they had finally retired and moved to their dream home by the bay, Richard only had two years to enjoy it. Every afternoon, when the weather allowed, she walked to the end of her property with her glass of wine. Richard would watch her from the kitchen window, making sure that he didn’t miss one moment. Her face clearly read fulfillment. It beamed through the kitchen window every summer morning. Her expression reflected with aid from the bay. It lit up every square foot of that house.
Memories now overpowered the smell of that salty water, the taste of its fresh bounty, and even her ability to enjoy sitting at that table ever again.
The last six months had been rough, no less than the water on a stormy day. Initially, the doctors had diagnosed his illness incorrectly and Richard didn’t get the care he needed. Proper healthcare was hard to find in this part of the world… By the time she found a specialist, before they received a proper diagnosis, it was too late to save her husband. It was hard for her to comprehend that, after fifty years of marriage—she would be alone.
Her daughter, Emma, had arranged for the sale of the house. She insisted she come to live with her and her family in British Columbia. She said she needed “looking after.” The movers had arrived, and she had to say goodbye to the bay, the seagulls, and her independent life.
Marjorie picked up her drink one last time and walked out into her backyard. The picnic table had a layer of salt on it. She rubbed her fingertips along it, anyway. She looked back at the house and cried.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello Melissa – Such a sad but beautiful story. I was astonished to see your title, since I had just read a fascinating article in National Geographic about that very same bay. This excerpt from the article may interest you: “If you want to see where dinosaurs walked and giant, ancient centipedes crawled, just follow their footprints. That’s what scientists are doing in New Brunswick, Canada, where the world’s highest tides rush… Read more »
Thanks for the article, Fuji. I grew up with the bay in my backyard in Nova Scotia. I have found fossils! Not only that, but I was always surrounded by seafood, and my dad was a fisherman. Storms make for wild waves. The Atlantic paid the bills. I love that you find interest in this particular subject, I do as well!
What a lovely life, Melissa, growing up with the bay in your backyard, your food all around you, and fossils as treasures. No wonder you have developed such a wonderful imagination. Even the wild storms would have been exciting for a child, I think, or maybe just scary!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHurricanes and tropical storms can certainly make it a bit scary! It was a lovely life. I mostly miss the smell of salt now that I live in Ontario. I love that you’re interested in that part of the world, Fuji!
A very poignant story, Melissa. It makes me happy that your protagonist spent the last years of her husband’s life in a beautiful place that gave them both joy, but sad that it was for such a short time. It’s nice that she is moving away to be closer to her family, but heartbreaking that she has to leave a place she loves. Your story is handled with great sensitivity as always.
Thank you for this comment, Carrie. Unfortunately there is some truth tucked within this. The healthcare in Nova Scotia is in dire straits currently. There are too many real life stories like this one. The protagonist is based on the tears and frustration of 980,000 people. Too many people have to pick up and move, just like the poor protagonist in this story. This was an emotional piece to write!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI did wonder when I read it. I’m so sorry to hear that. That makes the story even more poignant.
Melissa, you have crafted a poignant story of love, loss and wanting healthcare against a dramatic backdrop of natural beauty.
Thank you for your comment, Margarida. I always end up back near the water if lack in the store idea department.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello, Melissa. It was a heartbreaking read. I almost cried while reading it. I can’t imagine myself in the same situation as Marjorie. It is so hard to accept the death of loved ones and leave the home that you really love. Well done.
Thank you for this comment, Lotchie. It is very heartbreaking. Home is a place where Marjorie will always miss!
This is such an emotional read, Melissa. I can sense the joy and fulfillment that Marjorie and Richard felt on a daily basis when sharing their lives close to the Atlantic and its powerful nature. And then the grief of losing the companionship and to be forced to leave the area. How sad! But, at least, Marjorie had the experience and now has all the great memories. Most people don’t even get… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Christer! The last line of your comment is painfully true. How beautifully tragic it must feel to have such experiences for it to be stripped away ultimately. Lesson here is to appreciate what you have while you have the chance!