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A Welcomed Guest
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A Welcomed Guest |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
Through sleepy eyes, Aunt Ann confessed all she had to eat all day was popcorn and Reese's Peanut Butter cups. "Aunt Ann, I know you have lasagne out there, I'm going to heat it up in the microwave and toss a salad" I offered. The kitchen table held rows of prescription drugs, an apple still holding it's knife, and a jar of peanut butter she had no doubt struggled to open. The thermos of coffee nearly empty, I always filled it before I left. I cleared the table and brought 2 place settings, entertaining the idea of bringing fresh flowers in from her sorely neglected yard. I quickly decided against it, knowing she would attempt to follow me, the walker simply hindering her as it had become a force to be reckoned with during her bout for independence. Cautiously, she drew the walker to her and picked herself up as she steadily gained momentum. Adorned around her neck she guarded the key she always wore, for without it the front door would remain closed and deadbolted. This house truly a fortress in so many ways. Gracing the dining room were the most beautiful table and chairs you ever saw. Styled in imperial accents almost like a queen's setting, the chairs tall and stately. The wood a lovely sheen and a bureau stood proudly beside a closet door holding a full length mirror casting a timeless reflection. "Honey, before you heat the food would you mind stamping a few bills? The phone company will wonder if I don't get this bill in the mail." She asked almost in desperation. I notice the bill had only been received yesterday and I smiled. The stamps were on rolls contained in a bureau type desk whose nooks and crannies held pictures of grandchilren and family taken over many years. As I prepared the bill to be mailed, she had reached the table and sat down with a heavy sign. "Aunt Ann, would you like a printed address label for the envelope?" I asked. "Please! I have hundreds, thank heaven I've lived here all these years, and I'll never use all the ones I received." she laughed. The microwave was affectionately called the "Mike" and she loved it for quickly heating her coffee and lasagne. I had slowly become a full blooded Italian sharing these meals with her over the many months since she had become housebound. Standing in front of the stove I glanced out the window and noticed plump, juicy tomatoes growing on a vine. "You have tomatoes? I didn't think your garden was growing anything this year?" "Joey put those in, and did you notice the new curtains Mary Alice made? Aren't they beautiful, she loves doing things like that. I knew the tomatoes would be sweet and delicious because nothing had grown in her backhyard that had ever failed. The ground was rich as buried treasure. She called to me "It looks elegant, honey, I don't know if I would have even eaten anything if you hadn't come over" We sat there, lost in time, in a house where she had lived for 66 years, and ate lasagne and drank ice tea. The reflection in the mirror next to me showed many things, but the one thing I noticed was that it also reflected the sunlight warming, and the sound of the clocks ticking reminded me that no one should eat alone. Her garden was still growing because it held light, and love. Another Friday would come and then another, until one Friday would come and she would no longer be there. The house would go on, the mirror still reflecting, and the tomato garden bare. Yet, we were nourished from that meal and all the ones we shared and they nourish me still. I sure do miss her.< !signature--> Kathleen indy31_99@yahoo.com [This message has been edited by Irish Rose (edited 06-05-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Kathleen - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Jana Tovey Member
since 2000-05-30
Posts 257USA |
I am crying, now. I shouldn't have read both of your stories together. This reminds me of my great-grandmother...her house, her key. Thanks for sharing. |
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Romy Senior Member
since 2000-05-28
Posts 1170Plantation, Florida |
Wonderful! Everyday moments with the ones we love are the most precious... I loved your story! |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
thank you both, I'm attempting to write a book dedicated to my Aunt. "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace." Elizabeth Barrett Browning |
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Romy Senior Member
since 2000-05-28
Posts 1170Plantation, Florida |
I hope you will let us read more while your working on it! It sounds wonderful! |
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