Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: COMPUTER (05/19/16)
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TITLE: Sister Chat | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sherry Brock
05/25/16 -
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“Yes,” she says, reaching into a shirt pocket for her aids.
“Hello. Aunt Velma, it's good to hear your voice. Yes-- she's right here. Yes-- she's puttin' in her ears. No-- I can't scream that loud either.”
Handing Mom the phone, I busy myself preparing lunch, while she and Aunt Velma chat.
“No dear, Shannon doesn't live with me,” she says. “I still take care of myself. Of course I know I'm ninety-six. I don't need nobody all up in my business-- you know that. What? Really?”
At the tone of her voice, I turn in anticipation. Mom places her hand over the receiver of her ninety's style cordless phone, and shaking her head, relays the information in a whisper. “George left Jeannie. Velma's upset.”
I move toward her with questioning outstretched hands, just as it hits us both-- George left Jeannie years ago.
“I know dear. I know...yes, it's terrible. I don't know what she'll do either.” Mom plays along and they continue to chat. Aunt Velma waivers back and forth between present and past, often not knowing the difference. Mom navigates it easily, never letting on that half of the conversation is either old news or pure fiction.
Returning with a sandwich, I hear Mom say, “I miss you too, dear. Yes- I would love for you to visit. Just have Connie call Shannon and make a date.” She rolls her eyes at me because we both know there will be no visit. They've not seen each other in more than a year because Velma is bedridden in a nursing home six hours away.
When she hangs up the phone I see tears in Mom's eyes. “What's wrong?” I ask.
“Poor Velma. I can hear her getting weaker with every call. If only I could see her. I have this awful feeling she's not going to be with us much longer.”
Her words tug at my heart. Mom rarely sheds tears or shares her emotions. The thought of losing her little sister and being the last surviving family member, is obviously weighing her down. Then it hits me! “Mom, would you like to see Aunt Velma?”
Her eyes brighten, but then she lowers her head in despair. “You know I'm not able to make a trip like that. I just can't ride….”
“No Mom...I mean, like see her on a computer screen. It's kind a like being on TV. What about that?”
I see her mind twisting, working, but not able to understand how such a thing is possible. “There's a thing called Skype, Mom. I have it on my laptop. You call and not only talk to the person, but you see them too. Would that make you feel better about Aunt Velma-- if you could see her?”
“Yes-- if it doesn't cost too much. Is that really possible?”
“Easy peasy Mom. I'll call Connie right now.”
I place a call to Velma's daughter, Connie. “Shannon, that's a wonderful idea. I use Skype all the time to talk to my grand kids in Caliaornia. Let's do it.”
A couple hours later Mom sits in front of my laptop with teased hair and bright red lips. She's wearing her favorite dress and a killer smile. “Turn it on, Shannon. I want to see my sissy. How does this thing work?”
I hit a few keystrokes, and suddenly there she is. “Hello, Aunt Velma,” I say, starting the conversation, but Mom nudges me out of the way.
“Velma? Is that you?” Mom says with nose nearly touching the computer screen. I pinch my lips together, suppressing a giggle. I can only imagine what that looks like on Velma's side of the screen.
“Clarice? You on you're way to church?” says Aunt Velma. Her face is ashen, but brightens when she recognizes her older sister. No red lipstick for Velma, but she's wearing a beautiful turquoise blouse, and the silver pendant Mom gave her on her sixtieth birthday.
“No, Sissy. I dressed up for our visit. This is a special occasion.”
“Daddy sees that red lipstick and he's gonna whoop you, missy.”
Mom laughs as a tear rolls down her cheek. “I know, Sissy… I know.”
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Blessings~
Loved, Clarice's red lipstick and Velma wearing the pendant. Really brought a smile to my face.
This had it all, humor, the serious issues of what happens in our twilight years, love and technology.
Great writing from start to finish.
Blessings
Touching story of two sisters reuniting over Skype. It reminds me so much of my dad's side of the family; two of my dad's sisters would phone or Skype weekly.
Typo: California.
Your portrayal of these two sisters was endearing from start to finish!
Blessings as you continue to bless us with your writing.
Welcome to the advanced category and your EC award.
Congratulations on your well deserved win.