Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: CHILL (10/29/15)
-
TITLE: A Few Silent Moments in October | Previous Challenge Entry
By Brenda Rice
11/03/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
It was my family’s tradition to gather at the river house during football season. The house, a rustic ranch with windows facing the river, was cozy and comfortable, and always filled with aromas of grandma’s homemade biscuits. Gran’s tomato gravy was to die for, or because of. Either way, we starved ourselves for a couple of days before our visit.
After parking my car, I walked to the rear of the house and peeked in the patio doors. There they were my gran and poppa side by side, in the glider slowly moving back and forth. Sliding the glass door open, I made my entrance. Our greetings always included hugs and lots of kisses from Gran.
“Where are Jim, Susie and John?” I asked. “I know they’re here somewhere just waiting to prank me.”
“They took the paddleboats out for a spin, Wally. They’ll be back soon.” Gran chuckled as she patted my shoulder. “You’re pretty jumpy. Relax and pour yourself an iced tea.”
Later in the evening when everyone had settled in their rooms or were watching television, I found Gran sitting on the deck alone. “Whatcha doing out here by yourself?”
“Oh, just listening to the water against the dock. It’s soothing in a way. Hand me the throw off that chair, if you don’t mind. I’m a little cool.”
I reached for the Alabama throw and covered Gran’s legs securely. “How does that feel?”
“Good Wally . . . real good. It’s nippier than I thought.”
Gran’s tone or the look in her gray blue eyes made me ask, “Is everything alright? I mean, are you okay?”
“Wally, you have always been my sensitive one. You read me too well young man. I’m okay, but there is a problem with your poppa. His doctor says his lungs are worse . . . more fluid than before.”
“What does that mean exactly? Are they giving him more medicine or . . . what?”
“Yes, they have changed his meds, but the doctor thinks he . . . well uh . . . um I’m not doing this very well, am I?”
“Gran is he dying?”
“His doctor thinks he’s in the final stage of respiratory failure. He said six months if we’re lucky. I wanted to tell you first so you can handle this with the others. I’m not sure I can tell this story many more times.”
“So, Poppa and my folks already know?” Gran shook her head, yes. “Okay, I’ll tell my siblings in the morning. Don’t you worry about a thing.”
Just then a breeze swept across the deck. I pulled Gran’s sweater
closer around her shoulders. She covered my hands with hers, and held them firmly for a few silent moments.
Early the next morning, I told my siblings about our poppa. We shed our tears together, but promised to be strong for our mom and for Gran. All too soon our visit ended. We returned to our lives leaving the care of our gran and poppa to our parents.
October came again and I found myself headed to the river. Our gathering would be different this year. Poppa would be missing. His funeral had brought us all together in June, but we promised Gran that our October tradition would continue.
I arrived about four in the afternoon and headed to the back of the house where I hoped to find Gran sitting on the deck. Sure enough, she was there facing the river rocking slowly in her chair. “Hey Wally. You’re the first to arrive.”
I walked behind her placing my hands on her shoulders. “You feel cool. Let me get the throw for you.” As I covered her legs and pulled her sweater close, I felt her shudder and then, I saw tears glistening on her pretty face. My own emotions were difficult to control.
As I tightened my grip on her shoulders, Gran covered my hands with hers. A breeze blew in from the river, as we shared a few silent moments.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
The only thing I wonder about is Wally calling his brothers and sisters siblings. I think it might seem more personable to call them by their names. Just a suggestion. Blessings, LaVonne
It was well deserved.