I have gone back once again to listen to this moving story, and, pardon me if I said it before, but your voice is just beautiful - warm, and resonant. I have a small question about one line. You said, "I’ll stay here until you want me to leave." You could have said, " I will stay here as long as you want me to". Your version seemed to imply that she might want him to leave. Was that your intention? I hope that is not a silly question.
Mum has her routine and usually prefers to stick to that, so I didn't think she'd want me to stay with her beyond her usual bed time. 'Guests' are also not supposed to stay overnight in the rooms. So I was sure I would be leaving either by her wish or by rule of the care home. That wasn't the way it worked out though. Thank you again.
"... a reciprocal trade of anxiety and reassurance, an exchange based on a courage that I don’t possess ... " You hit home here, Matt. I know the experience well -- the pretense of being in control for my child's sake, and many years later, for my mother's benefit. It's tough. Coming back around to the watering can in the ending here was perfect.
This is so rich with melancholy and yearning, how love is expressed in ways that one doesn't expect but is right where the other one needs it to be. Absolutely lovely. Thank you.
Such a keen eye, and the words to match, finding beauty in the everyday. Gentle too, a rare tenderness in the vulnerability of your thoughts. Touching, as ever. X
I can totally relate to the chair sleeping; when my mum had to have an emergency hip replacement I went to Cyprus, and spent every night on the sofa next to her recliner, in case she woke and needed the loo. (Every 2 hours at one point because of the drugs she was on)
I have become an expert is sleeping upright, so long as I have a soft blanket.
Ah, it sounds like you were all the company your mum could need or wish for. I'm less good in chairs: too lanky, I suspect. She woke at 5.30am with a new and unexpected vigour, asking for coffee and breakfast and with the volume setting turned up to 20 for a re-run of yesterday's Deal Or No Deal. :) Thanks for reading, Lisa. x
Ah Matt, yet more beautifully written words. Sending love
Thank you, Mark.
I have gone back once again to listen to this moving story, and, pardon me if I said it before, but your voice is just beautiful - warm, and resonant. I have a small question about one line. You said, "I’ll stay here until you want me to leave." You could have said, " I will stay here as long as you want me to". Your version seemed to imply that she might want him to leave. Was that your intention? I hope that is not a silly question.
Mum has her routine and usually prefers to stick to that, so I didn't think she'd want me to stay with her beyond her usual bed time. 'Guests' are also not supposed to stay overnight in the rooms. So I was sure I would be leaving either by her wish or by rule of the care home. That wasn't the way it worked out though. Thank you again.
Thank you Matt. My mistake! I was reading this piece as fiction. Pardon me.
No apology needed at all. I’ve yet to share any fiction here on Fragments, but I love that it could be read in that way. Thank you, S.
"... a reciprocal trade of anxiety and reassurance, an exchange based on a courage that I don’t possess ... " You hit home here, Matt. I know the experience well -- the pretense of being in control for my child's sake, and many years later, for my mother's benefit. It's tough. Coming back around to the watering can in the ending here was perfect.
Thank you, Sharron. x
This is so rich with melancholy and yearning, how love is expressed in ways that one doesn't expect but is right where the other one needs it to be. Absolutely lovely. Thank you.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Sue. So glad you enjoyed.
This is absolutely beautiful!
Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed.
Such a keen eye, and the words to match, finding beauty in the everyday. Gentle too, a rare tenderness in the vulnerability of your thoughts. Touching, as ever. X
Thank you my friend. x
💛✍️💛
Exquisite and tender Matt
Thanks so much for reading, Sudi. So glad you enjoyed.
Beautiful as ever Matt.
I can totally relate to the chair sleeping; when my mum had to have an emergency hip replacement I went to Cyprus, and spent every night on the sofa next to her recliner, in case she woke and needed the loo. (Every 2 hours at one point because of the drugs she was on)
I have become an expert is sleeping upright, so long as I have a soft blanket.
Ah, it sounds like you were all the company your mum could need or wish for. I'm less good in chairs: too lanky, I suspect. She woke at 5.30am with a new and unexpected vigour, asking for coffee and breakfast and with the volume setting turned up to 20 for a re-run of yesterday's Deal Or No Deal. :) Thanks for reading, Lisa. x