From the wheelchair, Lucille watched a young mother wrestle her four small children. The mother's octopus hands snatched little fingers from probing outlets, tall vases and pudding cups left on end tables. Her constant motion made Lucille sympathetic. The mother noticed her staring and gave a weary smile.
"I had four," said Lucille. She gazed at the sleeping newborn wrapped around the woman's chest.
"Did you?" asked the mother. She retrieved her three-year-old from entering Silvia's room. Silvia would've screamed for hours; it was good the mother was quick. "How did you manage?" She gave a pleading look.
"Hard to remember." Lucille gazed at the sleeping bundle. "But you seem to be doing fine."
The mother chuckled. "That's kind of you." Her smile faded. "I'm not sure sometimes." She glanced down the hallway softly bouncing the sleeping child. "Karl is visiting his grandmother. She gets tired of us all packed in her room so I try to give them some time alone."
Lucille nodded. "My grandkids live in California. Too far away to visit," she defended. By the look on the young mother's face, she knew she hadn't been convincing.
The woman hurried off several more times collecting her three active children from racing down the nursing home hallway. This time she made them sit in chairs and handed them plastic toys hidden inside her purse. This pacified them for a bit. She wiped a strand of auburn hair out of her eyes perspiring from the exertion. When she sat down the sleeping baby awoke. It began to squirm and kick. She let out an audible sigh.
"May I?" asked Lucille.
The mother smiled with relief. "Yes." She unwound the baby sling and handed the fragile child into Lucille's arms.
Lucille rocked the pink footed baby. The small face gazed at her and raised an arm aimlessly. Lucille savored the newborn scent. She lifted the girl's face next to hers and started to kiss the delicate cheek. Then paused. "Do you mind if I--" Lucille faltered. It seemed odd asking.
"Of course not," said the mother as she pulled the toddler into her lap.
Lucille put withered lips against the baby's cheek and kissed the delicious softness.
What a beautiful slice of life. You have encapsulated so many feelings and emotions in this superb piece.
ReplyDeleteThat was just beautiful, Catherine. I feel a little sad, but a little happy too. You did your job well! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou've told us so much about Lucille in just a short encounter. It's sad, but she's making the best of her situation and keeping her heart open. She's strong and beautiful. Wonderful writing.
ReplyDeletewhat a tender exchange.
ReplyDeleteGreat take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteWhat a heart-warming story! Nice writing.
ReplyDeleteThat was beautifully written and a beautiful encounter.
ReplyDeleteJesus said "Suffer the children to come unto me, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." My children have decided not to have children, What no grandchildren? how sad. I live in eternal hope.
ReplyDeleteOldegg, you are always kind and detailed in your encouragement.
ReplyDeleteShannon, I just visited my Grandmother and I felt the same way.
Eveningstarjilly, I'm glad you felt like that about her.
Floreta, Stan Ski, Schererart, and Patios, Thank you.
Geoff, I know that must be hard. I bet here are families around you who would love to have an adopted Grandfather in the meantime.
A beautiful piece! There's so much real life in it. And the writing is easy to read and calls you on to continue.
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me of when I worked in a nursing home and how much a a little child could alter the mood of the residents. Being 16 myself, and from a huge family, I didn't appreciate how delicious a newborn could feel in your arms. Thank you for the reminder. Creative and wonderful detail.
ReplyDeleteI loved the description in this and the delicate, touching story.
ReplyDeleteI realize it's the holidays and I may be a little sappy right now, but I had a big lump in my throat! That was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat writing! I've often wished I were Elastigirl since I never seem to have enough arms to meet my little ones' needs. So I could commiserate with your opening paragraph. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMary Anne, "easy to read" is exactly what I want it to be! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNara, I've never worked in a nursing home but I've visited plenty and I know what you mean about children changing the atmosphere (in more ways than one lol).
ThomG, description is a weak point for me; so thank you.
Monica, I've been sappy too! And seeing abandoned elderly people always make me teary.
M.Gray, my kids are older now but I still remember not having enough hands.
Absolute awesome! LOve how showing it was, no tell at all. I like it very much.
ReplyDeleteGWOE, Whoo-hoo!! That makes me feel as cozy as coffee.
ReplyDeleteAmazing and tender
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jeeves.
ReplyDeleteA lovely story. Young Mums do need encouragement, I know I needed to be told I was doing o.k.sad that the grandma couldn't or wouldn't see her own grandchildren, but the young Mum was willing to share a delicious baby, new life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story. I felt I was there looking on.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! There should be "rent-a-grandkid" programs to help both the elderly and the tired young parents!
ReplyDeleteLinda May, I think every Mother hopes she's doing it well. I wanted to be told that too.
ReplyDeleteKeith, I'm glad it felt that intimate.
Nancy Bea Miller, wouldn't that be an awesome solution? :)
So beautiful! I felt for both of these women, maybe because i am edging closer & closer to the older woman.A wonderful moment. Thanks!
ReplyDeletewonderful view of both these women. The tired young mother coping best she can, at a time when it is hard to see beyond the minute by minute care of little ones and Lucille, who has been down that road and past it from the other end of life, revels in the joy of it. Both women, lonely for different reasons.
ReplyDeleteBrenda, I know what you mean. I have to borrow my friend's babies to get my "baby fix" now.
ReplyDeleteDee, isn't it interesting that we find all the same emotions on both ends of the spectrum?