Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Mother (as in maternal parent) (04/24/08)
-
TITLE: Mother Is Okay | Previous Challenge Entry
By Allen Scovil
04/26/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Oh no, I just have to get something for my mother on Sunday.
That's right; Mother's Day, and I'm trying to figure out what to get her.
Hm? Actually, that's why I'm in here, nursing this beer. I always get depressed about this kind of stuff. Don't get me wrong; I like my mother, admire her even. Listen, she's ninety-one and still able to look after herself.
Yeah. Mike -- that's my older brother -- he set her up in her own apartment, you know, in the seniors' development over on Dundas.
Right, that one. It's really great. She gets to mix with the other seniors whenever she wants, and she can shop in the mall right next to the complex.
The problem? I don't love her.
Yeah, I know; heresy. That's why I get depressed. They say, 'You ain't human if you don't love your mother.' But you gotta see, I don't feel any bond, you know what I mean, the kind that says 'she's the greatest Mom on the planet,' the way some guys I know go on. Of course she never was the huggy-kissy sort -- too straight-laced for that.
Oh sure, I visit her regularly, tell her what I've been up to, listen to what she has to say, but that's it.
Seriously. I'm what they call cordial; warm, friendly; no love. I've seen a shrink about it now and then, but they're no help. I mean, if they can't medicate you for something, they don't know what to do with you.
My dad? Well, he's been dead now coming on twenty-five years, and I definitely wasn't close to him either -- workaholic, you know. Worked himself straight into a heart attack, ha ha.
You think? Yeah, I suppose I could be taking after my old man. It fits the pattern, doesn't it -- which is pretty thin comfort for a twice-divorced loner like me.
Ha ha. Nope; couldn't bond with them either. Hey, Miss? Two more beers here please!
Now, where was I? Oh yeah; loner. To be honest, I've pretty well given up trying to make friends any more; it's not worth the trouble. After all, my last best friend was this runty kid I knew back in grade five.
Well, I do keep trying now and again, but the fish don't ever seem to be biting. It's got to be something wrong with the bait, if you catch my drift. So I end up here at The Glass-bottomed Mug when I'm feeling low, when I need somebody to talk to. A buddy like you beats TV any day when I'm down.
I could never get into those reality shows myself. Give me sports any day: baseball, golf; that's reality I can relate to. Thinking of which, I promised myself to watch today's Jays-Tigers game.
Yeah, I know it's started, but that's okay.
What about my Mom? I guess I'll get her a yellow rose; she always did like those. I may not feel much, but I can still do right by her. Catch you later, bud.
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.
I take the 5th, when it comes to who I "ditto".