That was beautiful Nicola.
As for Daisy - she was old enough to know - at nine, especially being the eldest of the family - she knew. Hope she was able to say goodbye to her Mummy.
| The CBB http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/ | |
| To see another Spring http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=5831 |
|
| Author: | Nicola [ 16 Mar 2009, 20:55 ] |
| Post subject: | To see another Spring |
I wrote this for the March Gather in 2006, but never posted it on the board. The beautiful weather today reminded me. February 1939, Guernsey “Do you think we’ll be able to see mummy today, Auntie Madge?” Daisy asked, with a wistful note in her voice. “It’s been so long… almost a week already. There’s so much I want to tell her about. And Prim and I could pick some snowdrops to take to her. There are simply dozens in the garden now.” “Well… you know that mummy’s still very tired,” Madge said carefully. Her niece was prone to fretting with anxiety, and nobody wanted the little girl to upset herself before there was any need. “I know. Uncle Jem told me that she needs to rest, but I miss her so much…” Tears welled up in the blue eyes, and Madge dropped her book and gathered the child onto her lap to comfort her. “I expect just a short visit wouldn’t tire her too much, Daisy. Shall we wait and see what Uncle Jem says when he gets home for lunch? Maybe you could have a few minutes with her this afternoon?” *** “How’s Margot today, Jem?” Madge asked, the minute that her husband walked through the door. Her husband shook his head, frowning, “She hasn’t eaten since we took her to the San, and all the signs indicate that her heart is failing. I believe it was already too late for her when she left Queensland. We managed to prolong her life by a couple of years, but I’m afraid we’re losing her, Madge…” he choked on these last words. “Oh Jem, I’m so sorry. I knew she was failing, but I had prayed it wouldn’t come this soon, whilst the children are still so young. Daisy is missing her mother desperately. She asked if she could visit this afternoon, Jem,” Madge informed him. “I said I would ask you. Poor Margot… do you think… does she realise she’s dying?” “I don’t think so.” Jem’s expression softened a fraction. “She spends her few waking hours daydreaming … remembering our childhood, and those happier days she had with Stephen. She’s slipping away gently. But let the children have their visit, by all means. It might give her a lift, but I’m afraid that she’s near the end now.” *** “Mummy! We got you flowers!” Primula rushed to the bed, squealing with excitement. Daisy followed her more slowly into the room, feeling apprehensive as she caught a glimpse of her beloved mother, pale and thin, lying back languidly against the pillows. An undefined fear stalked up Daisy’s spine, causing her to shiver. “They’re beautiful, my darlings. Thank you so much for picking them for me,” Margot Venables whispered. She found herself exhausted by even the smallest effort these days, but she was determined to enjoy these few precious moments of her daughters’ company this afternoon. Daisy edged closer to the bed, and grasped her mother’s hand. “Auntie Jo says that next month there’ll be crocuses and daffodils and narcissi everywhere. Growing wild by the roadside, not just planted in gardens. And then after that, primroses! Imagine, mummy! Really primroses everywhere, just like in all the stories!” “I remember… there’s nothing like an English April,” Margot whispered, and for a moment, her eyes glowed and her cheeks flushed with colour. “All those years in Queensland, I used to cheer myself up by thinking that one day I’d see a Devonshire spring again. That’s why I gave Primula her name... And bluebells… wait until you smell bluebells, sweetheart, it’s like nothing in this world…” her voice trailed away, and her eyes closed. As she drifted off into a feverish doze, Margot Venables dreamed she was walking once more through the woods near her childhood home, and smelling the heavenly scent of bluebells... |
|
| Author: | PaulineS [ 16 Mar 2009, 21:10 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
Poor Daisy, old enough to fear, but not old enough to know. Her fear is so real here. Thank you Nicola |
|
| Author: | JB [ 16 Mar 2009, 21:22 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
That was beautiful, Nicola. Thanks for posting it. |
|
| Author: | Alison H [ 16 Mar 2009, 22:29 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
That was so beautiful and poignant, Nicola - thank you. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ 16 Mar 2009, 22:36 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
That was so sad *wants to give Daisy a hug* Thankyou! |
|
| Author: | Nell [ 16 Mar 2009, 22:47 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
Thank you Nicola. |
|
| Author: | Lesley [ 16 Mar 2009, 22:50 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
That was beautiful Nicola. As for Daisy - she was old enough to know - at nine, especially being the eldest of the family - she knew. Hope she was able to say goodbye to her Mummy. |
|
| Author: | Abi [ 16 Mar 2009, 23:36 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
| Beautiful, Nicola. Thank you.
|
|
| Author: | Miss Di [ 17 Mar 2009, 02:23 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
made my throat go all lumpy. Very poignant. |
|
| Author: | Amanda M [ 17 Mar 2009, 09:04 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
That was beautiful Nicola and very evocative. Thank you 
|
|
| Author: | Emma A [ 17 Mar 2009, 10:07 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
That was sad and lovely, Nicola - poor Daisy, and poor Margot, with her longing for spring flowers and the smell and sight of them. Thank-you. |
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ 18 Mar 2009, 02:07 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
That is so sad, thank you |
|
| Author: | Karoline [ 18 Mar 2009, 09:40 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
Beautiful Nicola, thank you |
|
| Author: | JustJen [ 18 Mar 2009, 22:14 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
Oh that is so sad and moving. Thanks for posting |
|
| Author: | shazwales [ 19 Mar 2009, 06:31 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: To see another Spring |
Thank you Nicola So much can be said in so few words. |
|
| All times are UTC [ DST ] | |
| Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ | |