What Seems to be the Problem?

Cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Sun, 10 Jan 2016
  • 1681 reads
8 comments
 
Come in.  Do take a seat. Mrs. Parker, isn’t it? 
Forgive me...I’m new to the practice, but I had heard of your sad loss.  
And, let me say, on behalf of the team, and myself, of course,
How very sorry we are.
How long did you say you’d been married?
Sixty two years...my goodness!  A letter from the queen? 
Bet you treasure that.
So, let me see...it’s how long since he passed away? 
Eight weeks ago?  
High time you were putting things behind you,
And don’t forget...time’s a great healer!
Time to be getting on with a new life...albeit a different chapter.
Speaking of which, do you read, Mrs. Parker...much I mean.  
Reading would help to pass the time.  There is a library in town.
Except, as you say, I see from your notes you do have rather bad cataracts. 
TV’s out of the question, too, I suppose
But there’s always the wireless, and CDs, as you say.
Your daughter bought you a player.  That’s nice.
I expect she pops in to see you a lot.
Well...we all live busy lives these days.
What’s that you say, Mrs. Parker?
 No – you, nor your daughter killed him.
Merely gave permission for the life-support machine to be switched off.
Yes, indeed, it is a shame we can’t put back the clock.
No...that would have been out of the question.  
He’d suffered a massive stroke.
Nothing anybody could have done.  
No point at all delaying the inevitable.
Mrs. Parker you do need to remember, your husband was a good age.
Ninety-three, not a bad innings, the both of you.
May I suggest ‘Bereavement Counselling’?
They’d be able to guide you on that road we call, ‘The Grief Cycle’.
Mrs. Parker, I know you’re way past riding a bike. 
It’s nothing like that. Goodness me, no!
Only trouble is there is quite a waiting list.  
In the meantime, how about joining a club, 
But I take your point about teaching old dogs new tricks, so maybe not.
I also accept the fact that no age is a ‘good’ age to die, so I stand corrected. 
And answering your question about counselling, no...you’re right.
All the talking in the world won’t stop you missing him at night,
Nor the cup of tea in bed he brought to you each morning. 
Look, not meaning to rush you, but I’ve other patients to see, so maybe try these,
Oh, and Mrs. Parker...no alcohol of any sort whilst you’re on them.
Close the door, would you be so kind, as you go out?  
It’s just turned rather chilly, hasn’t it, Mrs. Parker?
Certificate 15
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Comments

Submitted by Mark Say on

... but I think it conveys the emotions that must be so common among the recently bereaved. Painful, but lovely.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thank you, Mark.

Tina

 

Submitted by gletherby on

There's so much in this. Very nicely done and sadly it is reflective of many people's experiences. Gayle

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Unfortunately you are so very right, Gayle.

Your comments, more than appreciated.

Tina

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

There's nothing more tragic than to be left alone after loosing your loved one. So sad when others don't really have a clue how hard it actually is.

Such an honest piece of writing Tina.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thank you for reading, Jenny, and for your words.  More than appreciated.

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Counselling needed in sensitive communication with your patient in those few minutes you have at your disposal. And how (not) to make things worse by trying too hard to be jolly? Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

You are inspired, in your reasoning, Rhiannon.  Inspired.

Tina