
Mom, Dad & Me
MOM
“I wish I could sleep forever.” She said it casually, like commenting on the weather. She wouldn’t look directly at her son as they sat sipping coffee. In his 50s now, he had his own problems.
“Seems like I’m tired all the time,” she said. She wasn’t looking for pity. That wasn’t her way.
“Have you gone through the safe deposit box? There’s some old jewelry . . . hasn’t been touched in years. Take whatever you like. Maybe it’s worth something but I don’t know. It’s of no use to me, though.” She glanced at him, still not willing to meet his gaze.
DAD
“Great to see you again.” He smiled thinly at the computer screen, trying to sound cheerful.
“Hi Dad. Great to see you too.” Had it really been fifteen years? “Nice of the staff to set this up for you.”
“Your brother helped too.” Oh. Of course he did. I watched the smile shift ever so slightly. “He’ll be back again tomorrow.”
In the background, I saw the wheelchair, food tray, pill bottles and toiletry kit on the side table.
“How’s your mother?” he asked. Even now, he still couldn’t say her name.
“She’s fine,” I said, and wondered if he cared.
“How are you?” I asked.
He didn’t answer, but just crossed his arms and sighed.
ME
It was my first appointment and I was extremely nervous. After fifteen minutes of light chat, she said, “So why are you here?” I hesitated.
“I’m not sure . . . but I can’t sleep.”
“Why do you think that is?” she asked.
An image of my Dad appeared. I could feel my shoulders tighten and I had trouble swallowing. Tears started.
“I think I need to forgive someone.”
She leaned forward slightly and offered me a tissue. “It’s okay. Just let it go.”
Something twisted inside. I shook my head as more tears streamed down my face.
“I can’t.”
“Then maybe just write it down. How would that feel?”
I took a deep breath. “Yes, I think that might help.”
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GooglePreston, I really admire the way you tell the story from three perspectives through three different characters. Great novel inspiring approach. William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying” is told by many characters. Are you like Faulkner showing that reality is created in the eye of the observer? Your simple dialogue and explanation of the character’s thoughts and behaviour are evocative. I will definitely read. “Mom, Dad and Me” again for ideas to… Read more »
Thanks so much Margarida for your insightful and kind comments. I was trying to show some of the subtle manipulations that occur within family dynamics, and especially how “old wounds” can have long-reaching effects.I really like the Faulkner insight: reality is created in the eye of the observer, which also captures much of my intention.
Preston, this is so touching and will hit that discordant chord with anyone familiar with broken families, or even those with just a tangential experience. Maybe I shouldn’t ask but…was it close to home?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks so much Allan. Yes, this story closely followed a specific time in my life and encouraged me to write about it. Although it has been many years since my parents passed, I often reflect on these stories to help provide new insights moving forward.
That is a beautiful and touching story, Preston. I hope time heals the old wound, at least partially.
Thanks so much! Absolutely, time and perspective provide much healing.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCompelling writing, Preston. Like Margarida, I like the different perspectives, but it is actually in what is not being said, rather than in the rather dismissive dialogue, that the true story lies.
Thanks so much Fuji!
Your story is sobbing, Preston. I love it, especially the last two sentences. Writing what we feel can help us ease the pain. Well done.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Lotchie. I really appreciate this and am glad it resonated with you as well.
You are most welcome, Preston.
I agree with Fuji’s comment, Preston. You allow us just enough into the lives of your characters to read between the lines. A poignant and emotional story that stays with the reader. And, as always, really well written.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks so much Linda! I really appreciate it. ?