By Tracy Rivera
His cries wake me from a hazy dream. I curse the Lego embedded in my foot, and hop towards the light.
“Shhh. I’m here.”
Wide, trusting eyes look at me from the bed rail. “Have a nightmare?” I ask.
I move to gather our ritual items: book, water, diaper.
While I read his favorite Dr. Seuss, he rests his head on my shoulder. A sip of water, and then I lean him down to change his pants.
“That’s an angry rash,” I murmur, wrestling with the cap on the ointment.
As I leave, I flip the light off.
“Good night, Dad.”
That didn’t end how I expected. Very well written. Author brings the characters to life.
Thank you. My first response – I’ll hang this on the wall. 🙂
Beautiful. Vibrant!
I feel like you made this possible. Thank you. ??
Ps. Those ?? We’re supposed to be a heart. Lol.
I thought I had the ending to this one figured out, Tracy–but you fooled me good and proper! Great job!
Don’t you love a good twist? 🙂
Great, sad ending 🙁 Good job Circlet
Thank you. The Circle has been a huge inspiration. Trajectory changing type stuff.
This is very sweet. The characters are lifelike. It brings back those days.
It’s amazing the things that stick with you after caring for an elder. I was struck by the similarity of trust and helplessness in my two year old as in my grandparent. The tantrums were similar too. Lol. These are the things I can smile about now.
a very poignant piece, especially for anyone who has had experience with parents/relatives with alzheimers or dementia. In the beginning, we see a wonderful, devoted mother/father, and in the end we find a wonderful, devoted daughter/son. Loved the simple elegance of this tale.
Thank you. Your comment means so much. That is exactly the feel and message I hoped to convey.
Brings back memories of me caring for my grandma before she passed. The roles became quite reversed as you so excellently portrayed – the grandparent retrogressing into childlike innocence and helplessness. Your story is moving and brilliantly written. Well done!
Thank you. I cared for my grandmother as well. It takes courage to step into a role that swings between awkward and heartbreaking. Kudos to you for helping her exit with dignity.
Brings back memories of me caring for my grandma before she passed. The roles are quite reversed as you so excellently portrayed – the grandparent retrogressing into childlike innocence and helplessness. Your story is moving and brilliantly written. Great work!
You had me! I was visualizing my own kids when they were young — only to find an aging dad. Lovely and moving piece!.
Thank you Hulda.
Avery good book . Very heart warming. Tracy excellent job.The ending was a surprise. Thanks to you for putting love into a caregivers service. Pauli
Pauli- thank you for taking the time to comment. Those of us who knew and grew up around caretakers will be forever grateful for the lessons learned.
What a privilege to care for a much loved parent ( or grandparent ) after their care for us…awesome Tracy!!!
Thank you. That’s exactly right – a privilege. A full circle moment.
I had to read this twice. Moving and precious.
I also had to read it twice and the second time, it moved me to tears. Thankyou.
A great ending! Thanks for sharing. 😉
Very touching. Nicely done, without undue, cloying, sentiment but an obvious feeling of love.