This week's challenge: Using between 33 and 333 words, write a response including the third definition of the word:BLUE (adjective)
3 a : low in spirits : melancholy
b : marked by low spirits : depressing
She tried to follow her mother’s example and simply skate across
the surface of life, where it was safe.
But as much as Tess loved her mother, she was simply too
smart for that. She couldn’t resist delving deeper, where the
reality of the past and present reside. It was painful, but she was compelled to do it,
the same way she probed a cavity with her tongue when she was
waiting to see the dentist.
Now, as her mother’s life was drawing to a close, Tess would
have to redouble her efforts to just skate along. What good would it do now to
discuss (yet again!) the sexual abuse Tess had suffered at the hands of the
revered family patriarch? Or the cruel way Tess’ grandmother had
systematically diminished the little girl’s self esteem? To maintain peace, Tess would
have to outwardly accept her mother’s view that these things couldn’t have
happened, “at least not that way,” or simply weren’t “that bad.”
Tess wanted her mother to leave this realm finally enjoying the
peace she deserved. She didn’t need Tess’ voice ringing in her ears, challenging
her. “Why didn’t you protect me? I was only a little girl!” Tess was tempted to ask (again), “How can you still display their pictures in a place of honor on the mantle?”
But what good would that do? Mommy had lived nearly 80 years
on the surface, skating along where the ice is always smooth and there are no
obstacles in sight.
Every visit with her mother these days left Tess a little
blue. Not because she knew she was going to lose her beloved Mommy, sooner
rather than later. She accepted that as the natural order of things.
What hurt was that she and Mommy had spent their entire relationship on the surface, without ever truly knowing or understanding one
another, and now they never would.
Very touching story.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a lot of families from those older generations had that mindset. My grandma is in her 80's and she always wanted to sweep anything and everything that wasn't pleasant under the rug.
Beautiful, story and touching.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great story. I can relate to the 'on the surface' part because my family is very much like that. They don't talk about the 'bad' things, or those things are polished so they aren't so ugly.
ReplyDeleteSo sad. That moment when we understand it's too late to fix a relationship is a terrible one. Well done.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully crafted. Heartbreaking, but lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said. I love the image of skating on the safe surface. Lovely.
ReplyDeletethis story does run deep, yet it still seems to barely scratch the surface
ReplyDeleteit's sad to know all that blame and guilt and pain rested below the surface of what seemed to be a relationship based on love
you touched the heart with this tale
Thanks for linking up with Trifecta this week. I enjoyed your extended metaphor of skating throughout this piece. A sad tale, indeed. And a common one. Hope to see you back soon.
ReplyDeleteThis was the case in our family. Mom denied until her life was ending. Thank you for an honest, moving assessment of the unfairness of forcing kids to keep secrets. This held my attention and is the subject of many of my poems as well. Thanks, Gal. Peace, Amy
ReplyDeletehttp://sharplittlepencil.com/2012/06/21/blue-babe-trifecta/
On the surface... I wonder how many times had Tess wished she could just rip the covers off - like a bandaid - that may tear at the skin but expose what needs to be aired out.
ReplyDelete