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25.10.17

MOVING MUM IN - a story in one hundred words

MOVING MUM IN

“It’s a lovely room, dear.” Judy’s lack of enthusiasm was palpable.
Penny took her hand. “What’s wrong, Mum? I thought you were happy to be moving in with us, and you can’t live alone any longer.”
“Knowing that doesn’t make it any easier. It feels like a step nearer the grave.”

Penny put a gentle arm round Judy’s shoulder and turned her towards the window. “See that sky? Sunset isn’t the end of the day – it’s just the beginning of evening. Now let’s have a cup of tea while we decide where to hang your pictures.”
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Roger Bultot's photo made me think of other kinds of sunsets and, as my own Mum will shortly be moving in with my brother, this story almost wrote itself.
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog  https://rochellewisoff.com/ from whence you can follow the link to read other sunset stories.

29 comments:

  1. What a lovely metaphor for old age, Liz.

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  2. It sounds like Mum will be well looked after. A nice cosy story.

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  3. Cup of tea in the evening sounds real nice! Penny's gonna have her cupful.

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  4. Although to extend the metaphor, once night falls, that's it.

    My Mom is in a similar situation, particularly since Dad died. She doesn't want to lose her independence but soon she won't be able to take care of herself. It's a difficult thing.

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    1. It's taken Mum a couple of years to come round to the idea, and even now she's wobbly, but she can't cook for herself any more and her memory is awful. She's 93 and knows she's not safe alone.

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  5. Oh, what a neat approach--- both hers and yours.

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  6. Dear Liz,

    This one brought tears to my eyes. Lovely story.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Glad you liked it, Rochelle. When Iain called it 'cosy' I wasn't sure whether that was good or bad!

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  7. Lovely, sensitively written story.

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  8. Such a poignant piece liz. You never fail to delight.

    Click to read my FriFic!

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    1. Thank you Keith - I loved yours this week too.

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  9. You've written a gentle compassionate story that's very true to life. Lovely piece.

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  10. A difficult life change handled with grace and kindness by the daughter. This is poignant for me, having seen my mom through this last stage of her life.

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    1. Poignant for me too, Linda, as we're facing this right now.

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  11. Love the voice of optimism. It IS true.

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    1. It is true - or can be if handled right.

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  12. Penny is going to a huge comfort to her mum. Touchingly done :)

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  13. I understand the feeling. My daughter had told me they will not send me to a nursing home when I am older. They will take me in themselves.
    Gotta love em when you raised em right.
    Scott
    Mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/10/31/reckoning-friday-fictioneers/

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