Adriana, A Short Story About A Mom Who Feels Ignored
Posted: Monday, November 02, 2009
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
No, Mother, I don't need you to help me pack. I've called Nadine and she'll be glad to pick up the extra money."
"Nadine?"
"Yes, mother. Remember she cleaned house for me on a regular basis for a while. It turns out that she's between jobs now, so she'll be glad for the extra cash. She can work as many hours or days as I need her."
"It's covered. Thanks anyway. We're just moving across town. It shouldn't be any big deal." You know, even Adriana can help. She's only six, but she really knows how to pack her own clothes. Well, I better go, now. We'll get together one day and have lunch".
She slowly laid the receiver down in it's cradle and took a deep sigh. She pictured her daughter, Mary collecting boxes on her way home from work every night. She remembered how tired she used to be when Mary and Steve were small. There was never enough time in the day to finish chores. There was dinner to prepare and always errands to run. How she wished she could help Mary. Norma had extra time now that she had retired. She could be packing while Mary was at work and then maybe have a nice dinner for her when she and Dan got home from work. What a great feeling that would be.
"Oh well," she said out loud to herself. "I tried to help but that's the way she wants it."
She wondered out in the back yard with Fritzy following close by.
"Now you stay close to me. Don't even think about going towards the sidewalk. I don't want you to have to go back inside."
"Fritzy's full tortoise-colored tail waggled in what seemed a perfect rhythm to Norma. His eyes rested on her.
"You're a good boy. I know you are." Let's see if we can get some weeding done today. Maybe my back with last more than a few minutes today.what do you think Fritzy?"
Norma always got the biggest weeds first and then she knelt down on her knees and got as many little weeds as her arthritis would allow.
After a few minutes, she stood, arched her back into a stretch and took a deep breath.
"Well, Fritzy, that's about it for the weeding. Let's take a walk and then we'll start dinner."
Taking a walk was different now that Karen had moved away from the neighborhood. She felt her mouth curve into a smile as she recalled all the laughing and secret-telling that only best friends can share. She was determined to keep walking each day, even though it was a reminder of the good times with Karen. Fritzy walked beside her, faithfully and again, with a perfect rhythm, as he did everything.
As they walked by each house, Norma would always wonder who lived there and what were they doing. She could tell who enjoyed working in the yard by the beauty and serenity it presented.
She got Fritzy some fresh water and sat down at the computer to check her e-mail.
"Oh Good, a note from Steve," she said out loud to herself.
Hi Mom,
How are you?
Is Dad still playing a lot of golf?
I know you wanted to have Teresa and Tammy for a week this summer but Jackie and I have decided to send them to camp. We think it would be really good for them to be with other kids their age and also they would be kept busy with different crafts, etc. The camp has a fine reputation and that way, we can let the Nanny take the summer off. I hope you understand. I am sure the girls will write you from camp.
Maybe we will come to Florida for Thanksgiving depending on Jackie's job at Macy's. Remember, unfortunately, that is the busy time of year for retail.
Gotta go.take care.
Steve
She passed the full length bedroom mirror as she went to get the laundry in the bathroom. She stopped for a moment and looked at herself. Those extra ten pounds show up in my stomach. Why does it all have to go to my stomach? She stood up straight and held her stomach in. I need to touch up my hair this weekthat gray has to go! When did I become an old lady? Inside. I'm not old. It's like I have on this suit' that comes at a certain age. That suit' makes people think I can't help pack or I can't take care of two little girls for the summer..I'm the same person I used to bemaybe less energetic, but I'm the same. And why do they call us "Senior Citizens?" I hate that name! Even the work world doesn't want anyone over fifty any more.
"Come on, Norma, quit feeling sorry for yourself. That's the way it is."
Norma listened to Jim's golf tales while preparing a spaghetti dinner. Jim tossed a salad together as he relayed the condition of the golf course to her.
At least we have each other. Jim needs me. We have been together for 40 years. What if he goes before me? I really wish I felt needed outside of Jim. Maybe I will do some volunteer work. I am definitely going to look into it.
Norma and Jim settled in their favorite chairs and began to watch, "Wheel of Fortune." She knew Jim loved her and would always be there for her and that was a warm comfortable feeling. Still, she felt a longing for someone to really need her.
"OK, Norma, you are being so silly. You have raised your children to be independent, fine citizens. That's exactly what they are. They are good kids and have done well, financially. Now just stop with all the drama and get yourself a volunteer job. Anyway, you know they love you and would do anything for you, if you needed them.
Norma plumped her pillow and stretched out on the couch. She glanced over at Jim, half asleep and tired from the golf. She didn't want to disturb him. Maybe there would be a good movie on tonight.
She would do her leg lifts while watching television. At least she could be somewhat in shape, even if she did have ten unwanted pounds. Maybe she would dose too,,,,why not.
The shrilling ring was so loud she flinched. Jim was asleep. She didn't feel like answering the phone. She'd let the machine pick it up. She closed her eyes againafter the third ring, the six-year old voice made her leap to a sitting position.
"Grandma, are you there? Grandma, please pick up the phone. This is Adriana. Grandma, if you're not there, please call me back. My gold fish died."
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Ahhhh, a touching story - just when she felt unwanted and unneeded - love it and was wondering why the title and now I know! Marijo
Nicely told, Fran.
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