By Valli Henry-Boldini
Mom’s voice at the other end of the phone is anxious because her carer is late.
“Don’t worry, mom,” I say. “She’ll be there soon.”
A flustered Tracy finally arrives. “Damn traffic,” she says.
“Love you, baby girl,” I say. “Call you tomorrow.”
~
The phone rings the next day. My estranged sister’s voice is irritated. “Get here now. Nothing can save mom this time.”
Numerous emotions escape down my distraught face.
My Venice to London flight arrives at the hospital just in time.
She has waited for me, her firstborn. My hand squeezes hers tightly as she takes her last breath.
So emotional, I feel like we’re being allowed to share a very raw experience right here which I think a lot can empathise with.
Awww… Thank you so much Bex…
Thank you for the read . A sad ? but powerful 101 words to highlight and emotional good-bye .
Thanks for sharing …. nicely written piece .
Thank you so much T…
A very sad and emotional piece well written and intimate. You must have shed quite a few tears writing it. It must have been hard to remember those moments.
Thank you so much Antonella… yes, it was hard…
A Poignant moment with the desperation of hope and sadness
Thank you Gail…
So touching how this relationship is poignantly and vividly painted with just a few brush strokes. The mother-daughter bond is so clearly portrayed and brought to life by the mother’s holding on to be able to say good-bye. Its sparseness carries the power and beauty of poetry.
Thank you so much Lesly for your kind words…
It’s amazing how much can be said with so few words.
I was struck by the abruptness and, what I felt, the insensitivity of your sister in telling you that your mother was on her deathbed. There is also a part of me that is saddened by the estrangement with your sister. Our siblings share a history with us that no one else can, even if their experiences and recollections are different than our own. And they should be there to share our loss and the pain of grief.
You also showed us how important you were to your mom, despite the distance in geography. She reached out to you in fear and then again in love. So touching and poignant.
I salute your bravery in sharing your pain and in a story that generates emotion in so few words.
Thank you so much Cynthia. Your comments are much appreciated…
A wonderfully thoughtful response
Never something one is prepared for or can ever get used to, even harder when there is distance. I’m glad you were able to be there and you always had a special bond. A moment during a very sad time.
Thank you so much L…
You moved me. There is sweetness, reassurance and pain. Few words but emotional. Thanks Valli
Thank you so much for your kind words…
I found this powerful. A great deal of emotion is conveyed in very few words. Well done Valli.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment Linda…
Wonderful – if sad! In just a few, succinct words I clearly saw distinct characters and felt the stab of loss! … That Venice to London Flight… mine was Melbourne to Auckland… xx
//Thank you AJ for you kind comment. So sorry for your loss…xox…