Sunday, July 13, 2008

Entry #16

Winnie Rides Again
by Amy T.


Two bright, shining orbs in front of her told her what she needed to know, she was about to be free. The cliff wasn’t far. Exhilaration coursed through her veins. She was old enough to know better and stubborn enough to ignore it all. The custom Fat Boy revved against her painful hip. She decided to speed up.

Clara entered the room and whimpered, “Memaw?”

Winifred Rose Arbuckle lied broken on the bed, wires connecting her body to the machines. Vacant eyes were locked to the oxygen tank with, what looked to Clara, like happiness. The gauge and wires kept her grandmother alive but her mind was gone. Memaw fought when the cancer was found in her hip.

“I’m going to keep riding no matter what it takes!”

This ugly grey room with yellow trim seemed sterile but the small plant in the corner looked rather vibrant in contrast. Clara’s tears came and she stammered her regrets, her confessions, her love and adoration for the grandmother that did everything her own mother couldn’t or wouldn’t do.

Winifred could only hear the rumble and the roar of the engine beneath her.

Clara said her goodbyes and kissed her Memaw’s forehead.

Winifred raced off the edge, embracing peace as Clara nodded her consent to turn the machines off.

26 comments:

Gone said...

Super story, the special name for her Grandmother was poignant.

Beth said...

Amy, it's up. This read even better here than in e-mail. Truly one of my favorites.

Charles Gramlich said...

Sad in a way, but also full of hope. It's nice to think we could all go out that way when we have to, living another life, another world. Free.

wrath999 said...

Very nice. Touching tale and that a lot of people have to go through to this (unplugging a machine)makes it that much more.

Great job
alex

Posol'stvo the Medved said...

My kids have a Memaw too.

I liked this. I hope that I have the chance to cross over on a Harley as well.

Sarah Hina said...

So wonderfully sad, and beautiful. She went with the wind in her hair.

I loved how you connected the oxygen tank with the motorcycle. And Clara's pain was palpable.

Such a bittersweet interpretation. And lovely writing. Really enjoyed it!

JaneyV said...

Amy - great story here, simply and poignantly told. The loss was tangible and yet the hope of a happier, thrilling existence fir those we love is a perfect ending. Really well written!

Anonymous said...

I often thought that if death were imminent, I would like to go "out" like a Cossack...jumping into a deep pit with the lions. Good for Meemaw! I think both characters are courageous. Good writing, and sad - but, enjoyable story.

Sameera Ansari said...

That was such beautiful handling of such delicate an issue.

My crazy life said...

I'm all choked up and tearful after reading this story. I love the way it draws the reader in. Great writing. -Rita

24crayons said...

The Grocer - Thank you!

Beth - I appreciate that, you have discerning taste!

Charles Gramlich - I wanted Memaw to have her way with it instead of letting the cancer take her.

Wrath999 - Thanks so much!

Posolxstvo - My kids don't have a Memaw, but I know that a lot of kids do have one, and I think I want to be called Memaw.

Sarah - I am so glad you noticed, I didn't know if I was being obvious enough.

JaneyV - Thank you, you got it!

Kgilbert - I appreciate how Memaw wanted her way and got it.

Sameera - I appreciate the compliment, and thank you for coming to my blog too!

Wannabe Writer - It's awesome to me that you were drawn in, thanks!

Sheri Perl-Oshins said...

Very interestingly done. The two simultaneous "realties" colliding. I liked it a lot.

Parabolist said...

I'm a fan of the motorcycle paralleling the oxygen tank. Nice writing, Crayons.

BernardL said...

Realizing there is something more than a heartbeat to life makes the leaving easier.

Scott said...

Very sad, and so, so close to home.

Esther Avila said...

So sad. Sometimes the other guy wins, and in this case, cancer did.

You did a good job writing this.

AngelConradie said...

this was incredibly touching! wonderful!

tea and cake said...

Wow. Is all I can say, wonderful, delicate and sensitive writing. Gave me goosebumps. Thank you, Karen.

Dottie Camptown said...

I will only echo other comments, but the way you switch between voices is very seemless and shows a great deal of talent. Nice work!

Anonymous said...

Like Dottie I agree with the other comments. Very nice written - sad but beautiful

Mr. T said...

I can only hope that I can go out into that dark night on my terms like memaw.

Who would have thunk that memaw was a closet road hog. ;)

Beautiful writing for the sad passing of a loved one.

JR's Thumbprints said...

... and some will say old folks make for a boring story. Not here. You've done a wonderful job connecting the relationships between your characters. Bravo!

Julie Weathers said...

This was really a poignant and wonderful story. It takes skill to weave these emotions together like this.

Chris Eldin said...

I agree with Charles--it's sad, yet there is hope.
Truly a talented bit of writing.

Aine said...

This made me smile!

Having worked in nursing homes for many years, my colleagues and I often commented on the perfect ending for residents who had spunky personalities. I'm happy for Winnie-- and Clara is a wonderful, brave girl.

Anonymous said...

I hope she keeps riding in the beyond. Such a tough task for Clara.