PHOTO PROMPT © Sarah Potter
The one thing Abigail always wished for, was to be little again. After losing her husband when she was just a young woman, she raised their five children on her own; her life was anything but easy.
Then one day, it happened.
“Twinkle Little Star!” she sang, as she played with her dollies. Sometimes Abigail cried, but only for a little while, eventually returning to her childish games.
As their mother played with her toys, her sons and daughters looked on sadly. It was not an easy thing to watch as the woman they admired reverted back to her childhood.
This little tale of the best side of a bad situation, is my reaction to this weeks’ photo prompt on Friday Fictioneers,
Dear Ted,
Too much of a reality for too many sons and daughters. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
If only dementia was all puppies and dolls. Well done story.
The haunting reality of Altzheimers. Well told story.
That has to be one of the hardest diseases for children to deal with…
Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease to those forced to watch a family member going through it.
I once wrote a very similar story, only the young man was trying to escape all of the political and social pressures in his world.
I have relatives going through something similar at the moment. As much as it is sad, they say the best way to get through it is that you have to laugh at some of the situations they find themselves in, and some of the things that get said. That was nicely captured here.
A poignant portrait. Thank you
I think watching the child-like behaviour isn’t the worst of it, but the fear, confusion, quickly changing moods–and not recognizing those who love you. Sad story about harsh realities.
Loss is a twisted thing. And when the loss comes from death, the loss spreads. I hope her children are older now–able to care for themselves… and for the wonderful woman who cared for them.
Oh that pulled at the heart!
Very touching story. You handled the subject of dementia with grace and humor.
Sad as it is for them they should let her slide back to those happier times. When the children try to fight it they wear themselves out and frustrate the parent.
Great portrayal of a sensitive issue.
That would be a really difficult thing to see. At least perhaps, the Mom is happy?
If only it could be sweet like this… it can be anger and tears too…
I know, we watched our grandmother go through all the terrible phases, it was very difficult to watch as she called her doll after my father.