Thanks to Ted Strutz we have a very thought provoking picture prompt for our Friday Fictioneers. Thanks also to our NEWLY RETIRED!!! leader. Congrats to her for starting a new and exciting life as writer/illustrator. Now, here is my 100 word story.
Once she was my rock, but now she’s gone all wonky. See? Day after day she wears a pillbox hat, one she felted herself for Christ’s sake, with scenes of the alps in screamin’-green and electrified-pink. And the dress (yes, entirely hand sewn) is dandelion-yellow silk decorated with small pieces of plastic cut to resemble rhombus window panes.
The necklace? you ask. Handmade?
Indeed! Tiny figurines she sculpted herself, people she loved, still loves or will love, she says.
I am not among them.
She hums, I bring her dinner. Winks, I bring her wine.
Tomorrow she’ll be serving herself.
Up From the Ashes 
A sad image indeed. To get old is not easy, to take care of someone is not easy either.
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I think some can handle such a situation like champs, others can only run away. Neither should be judged. Glad you stopped by. Alicia
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Sad when life’s circumstances comes between loved ones but part of reality.
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It is. Thanks for seeing my story in a kind light. Some might see Mr. Smith as merely giving up. Alicia.
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We never know what we would do unless in that same position.
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I can see the scene. Great description. Sad tale.
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Thanks, Honie. I hope I’m never, ever in a situation like this. From either end..
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Me too.
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great description. i could imagine what she looks like.
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Very much like that Ferris Wheel. Glad you could “see” her.
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I really feel for the guy and fully understand. Hope he find himself a young ‘un!
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I think he’s totally missed the fun dwelling within Mrs. Smith. She may be wonky but . . . Thanks, Perry. I always enjoy your comments.
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That line ‘I am not among them’ is a line that says it all about the way he feels. Well done Alicia!
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Thanks for catching that, Sandra! I don’t think she ever loved him.
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We each get only one life. Who has a spare one to spend on someone else?
Good piece.
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Thanks, Mick. My mother, who loves my father “more than tongue can tell” is wearing herself out caring for him. Thank goodness both of their minds are sound. It just the 94 year old bodies wearing out.
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That’s sad Alicia. Love is a strange thing.
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This says so much in so few words – very touching.
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Thank you, quite a compliment. Alicia.
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I wonder how much he ever really loved her if that’s how he feels now. Tough story, but well written.
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I think it’s the other way around. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Dear Alicia,
It sounds like Mrs. Smith has gone beyond eccentric. Great descriptions.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks. The carnival ride reminded me of a pillbox hat and crazy necklace. Thus spins 100 words.
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I can picture her easily thanks to your great description. A sad end to their relationship.
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It is sad. Thanks.
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This is so sad. I’d say, he only wants the sunny days, but then, he’s not among her loved ones, so his action is somewhat understandable. It’s sad to watch personalitites change, and hard not to judge people because they can’t help it. I watched my mother deteriorate after a severe stroke. One day she loved everyone, next day she hardly knew us, sometimes it was difficult to stay calm… Great story.
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My father is quickly deteriorating, physically, and it is so hard to watch. Thanks for sharing your story about your mom. Alicia
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I missed the title at first reading. Mistake. I really don’t know what I would do in his position. Maybe it doesn’t make any difference to her if she’s totally out of it.
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I so agree. I tend to think of myself as a selfish person, but hope I would step up for someone I truly loved (there are many on my list.)
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I’ve already gone wonky. However, Connie still makes me get my own wine. My Dad had dementia the last few years of his life. Mom was a real trooper. I hope I never find out that I have to be that strong. Excellent piece, Alicia.
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Oh, boy, I’m with you on that.Thanks, Russell
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Oh! I wonder what he would have felt if the roles were reversed, and she had left. He’s now among her loved ones, so maybe she knows his true nature. Great writing.
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Thanks. He never was among her loved ones ~ before or after she went wonky. So very glad you stopped by. Alicia
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Such a deeply moving story, Alicia! The choices that people have to make are never easy, are they? And yet, whatever happened to “Until death do us part?”
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Sometimes I wonder if people realize how terribly binding that phrase is. Time and change . . . But I agree the words have been uttered. Thanks for reading and commenting. Alicia
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OH my gosh, Alicia! I see the dress. I see the woman wearing the dress. I see it’s me bringing her dinner but not me bringing her wine. The story reminds me of my past life as a nurse. Not sure if it’s this 😊 or 😞. But a great story nevertheless.
Lily
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I’m glad you could see Mrs. Smith and am glad you liked Mr. Smith’s story.
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So very moving, Alicia. We all face things differently, but this story really moved me… the mystery and beauty in it is electric.
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Gosh, thanks, Dawn. It started with the hat then took on a life of its own.
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The voice is really great–paints quite a picture. Ironically, I think I went to this woman’s tag sale yesterday–the specifics are spot-on.
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Ha! That’s funny. I actually am in a writing group with a woman who dresses quite like this. I love her free spirit.
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She won’t notice he’s no longer visiting; sad but one must move on sometimes…
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I totally agree. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, too.
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Great description, Alicia. I can just picture her perfectly and see her being not at all in touch with what’s going on around her and smiling. Sad tale. Well written, as always.
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Thanks, Amy. I like how you see her smiling! I pictured her that way, too.
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I saw her as almost childlike.
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That’s so sad. I wouldn’t judge a person who weakens, but when you can’t handle it, you go for help. It’s tragic when it can’t be found. Thankfully, I found help within the community for my mother who had Alzheimer’s. We finally had to find a good nursing home for her. I can afford a caregiver 24/7 for my husband here in India.Well written, Alicia. —- Suzanne
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Thanks, Suzanne. So far my husband’s mom and my parents have all their wits about them. Fingers crossed that he and I got their genes. Thanks for you thoughtful comment.
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It’s sad for the caretakers to deal with someone who is happy in their lost world but you’re unhappy seeing them that way. The caretaking is monumental. I think more should be done to create proper facilities for those with dementia and alzheimers. I’ve had friends that become tiresome from repetitious conversations. No jugdement to those who say, “Enough!!!”
A timely piece described in a way that still demestrates caring. A thought provoking write.
Isadora 😎
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I just love the description of Mrs Smith done up as the roundabout – it’s wonderful. I especially like the idea of the hand-carved necklace. Poor Mr Smith. He must have thought he was loved at one time. Great interpretation.
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Thank you, Margaret. I’m glad you enjoyed Mrs. Smith’s crazy outfit. I can’t believe there’s actually a color called Screamin’ Green.
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I would love a man who would bring me wine with a wink 😉
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Oh! Me, too!
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