Rules of the hop:
Write 6 Sentences. No more. No less.
Use the current week’s prompt word.
Link the URL to your post via the blue “Click here to enter” button below.
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Spread the word and put in a good one to your fellow writers.
Prompt word: remnant
Martha sat with her hands folded in her lap watching, who she was told were her great-grandchildren, chasing each other with a garden hose beyond the large window in her cozy room.
She’d overheard the word ‘fading’ used, in sentences containing her name, a lot lately.
Language had become a barrier in recent months, rather than her lifelong ‘poetic wings’, as common words oft eluded her grasp only frustrating and confusing her caregivers.
From somewhere a child squealed, and suddenly her lap contained an infant so familiar that she was filled with joy as she brought it to her breast and inhaled its aroma- her first born lie cooing in her, now youthful looking, arms until she heard her name.
“Martha? I heard you speaking to someone, are you alright?”
She nodded, and contentedly sighed, nourished for the day with a secret inner peace from another (of many) remnants that she was at a loss to describe to anyone.
It’s Six Sentence Story Thursday Link Up! – GirlieOnTheEdge’s Blog (wordpress.com)
For other stories on this prompt, click the link below.
Sillyfrog's Blog 
So very poignant, Susan, and yet, a glimmer of light. Martha is able to find peace within her memories. A comfort not shared by all who find themselves experiencing the loss of faculties or diminishing memory.
I’ve been wondering if people who lose the ability to communicate have experiences that they cannot (obviously) discuss. When a computer word processor stops working it doesn’t affect the data within.
Perhaps, much of their distress is that loss of communication? Babies and dogs dream and have internal lives without language. Wouldn’t it be nice if memory loss elders have unseen comforts in the form of experiences we can’t possibly understand?
Yes, at least from my experience with someone close to me, it is a huge frustration being cognizant there is a proper word to use but it can’t be found. It’s not that they don’t know what is happening or don’t know what to do, but there are short circuits that prevent the necessary communication, prevent them from performing certain tasks. They know what they want to do but not what it takes to do it.
Pat said it beautifully in her comment, “my hope for all those with memory loss, that they are able to be comforted, even if for a few moments, and even if they are unable to recall the dream afterward.”
This is such a tender story for myself and others who have or have had someone they know with fading memories. This was difficult to read without becoming emotional. Your last line is my hope for all those with memory loss, that they are able to be comforted, even if for a few moments, and even if they are unable to recall the dream afterward.
Thank you very much Pat. I, too, have loved ones like that.
I feel that we’re viewing what they’re going through but can’t possibly know the internal complexities. The human mind is so amazing, it occurred to me that they may be finding comfort from something we can’t see. ❤🙏
“Poignant” would be the best word to describe your beautiful story. It is also thought-provoking.
I’m pleased it touched you. Thanks very much! 😊
Very poignant stories. It’s difficult when memories fade and you forget whom you are. Beautifully written, Susan!
Much appreciated, Shweta!
🤗🙂
Connection is not always in the detail, but in the remnants of feelings evoked and shared. Beautiful, hopeful six!
❤ So true. Thank you!
Beautiful description of her remembering her first born although forgetting many other things.
Thank you, Frank. 😊
The word “poignant” has been used a few times, and rightfully so. Anyone who has had the misfortune of having a relative suffer through dementia will say the same; this story hits that little trigger in the heart that floods you with memories of sitting on the couch, holding back tears as your grandmother asks you for the tenth time, “who are you again?”
Beautiful contribution.
Thank you. I’m humbled by the many kind and personal reactions. I pleased this may have offered some comfort in the form of hope.
Beautifully written and perfectly paced. Well done.
Thank-you, Doug. 😊
Oh Susan, this is a beautifully written piece. From the comments in the thread I can see how many of us your thoughtful and gentle story has touched. I have a sad but hopeful feeling inside. Thank you.
Hope is always a “what if?” and that’s what stories are too. Thank-you, Chris. ❤
🙂
the impressive thing about this exercise in flash fiction, the bloghop in general, and your contribution, in particular, is how effective a story can be when brevity it guiding principle.
very well, done.
Thank you, sir. The ‘short story’ can speak volumes and is my favorite genre. These exercises are, indeed, a pleasure.
a touching and well crafted piece. good six. good job.
I love the concept that when my marbles have gone there will be internal respites to enjoy. 🤗
The human mind is a vast universe. We can only hope! Thank-you, Laura.
Such a moving piece Susan. No need to describe her experience.
Such a tender story, Susan, and the more so because it’s told from the point of view of the woman with the fading memories. There’s something there that has touched all of us. Excellent story.
The response has been humbling. Yours included. Hope was my guidance on this. Thank you!
This one pulls at my heart strings. Well written.
Thank-you! Thanks for the ‘follow’ too. 🙂
Indeed, it’s the knowing and not being able to use words to say it that often frustrates the toddler. Who is to say that it is not similar with elders who end up going back to that place?
That’s exactly where I was coming from! Thank you.
A touching piece giving a glimmer of hope to those of us who fear this above all else.
Bravo. You wrote this tenderly and thoughtfully, and gave the reader a look at some of the tough realities regarding this loss.
Much appreciated. Hope is needed on this topic. 😊