I got off work early and arrived around midnight. The leaden sky was pregnant with snow, the cold air stinging my lungs. Uncle John had pulled strings with the nursing staff to extend visiting hours, since Grandma had always been a night owl. I entered through the ER and made my way through the dim hallways, glancing through open doors at the shadowed figures recumbent in hospital beds amidst the low drone of electronics, waiting. Waiting to be released, waiting for the test results, for a second opinion.
When I saw Grandma’s face I knew what she was waiting for.
Beautiful atmospheric writing
Dear J Hardy,
Lovely and, at the same time, dark and haunting. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
That last sentence reads like a heart-breaking sigh… wow.
Very beautiful.
Lovely use of the prompt. The twilight of a life ending and a dark snowy scene is always apt.
This prompt has brought out the doom and gloom in many of us. Nice writing. I appreciated the ending that let the reader fill in the ending.
As I read this, I felt the ambiance of the hospital all around me. Then I realized I actually was at the hospital ;-)
A whole lot of waiting goes on here, and you captured it so well.
Such a fantastic description of the hospital, the patients and their waiting, waiting for whatever reason. So gla he made it to her in time. Beautifully done
Autobiographical. My uncle the doctor was waiting in the room and talking about an aggressive course of physical therapy to get my grandmother home. When I saw the look of distress on her face I asked her flat out if she wanted to go home to die. With tears in her eyes she nodded. This was difficult for my uncle to deal with because he was a cardiac surgeon and very caught up in the idea that death was the enemy. But my grandmother was born in the same room that she slept in at home and she wanted to die there. She did, about two weeks later. My father and grandfather also died in that room.
Pretty close to home. My Mom fell yesterday and has a cracked vertebrae and a compressed disk. Just found out my Dad’s stopped eating and he’s lost at least 20 pounds. They’re both in their 80s.
Wow. Sorry to hear that.
This is just heartbreaking.
However they died on their terms.
Thanks for sharing this.
– Lisa
I see the last sentence and my mind wants to say “WHO she was looking for.” Beautiful story. And, Oh, I remember the late night visits to see Gran. I didn’t get off work until 11 pm, but then she had worked nights all her life, so it was like morning tea to her.
I’m glad she got to visit with her beloved grandchild.
I could relive the hospital scene over and over. Excellent atmospherics,Hardy
Lovely and sad. When the time comes, it comes.
A haunting story. I like the idea of “waiting”.
Sort of experience we all should have at some time – one day we all have to face this ourselves in one way or another. This read very true – reminded me of my Dad.
It’s sad but in a way how can you blame her. We all will reach this point and nobody wants anyone they love to suffer. I hope she doesn’t have to wait for long.
A visual in every word creating a dark awaiting atmospheres. This is quite a metaphor. Loved it.
Isadora
Great story and comments. Yes there comes a time when they’re ready for the fight to be over and just fall asleep in a familiar place.
Brings memories…not all bad. Thanks. Good job! I missed the deadline. Here is what I would have done:
https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/10/12/you-dont-know-jack/
Scott