We worked hard, determined I was, not to be ‘A Carried Wife.’ More worried about other’s perceptions, I got it wrong. Because he was a lawyer, earning big, didn’t mean people would expect me to slack. Engrossed in that thought, I took my eye of of the ‘us.’
Not seeing his palor, hearing that cough. I failed as his wife. Each night I fell into bed shattered, not fit for the part. Worked, unaware of his appointments. I didn’t hold his hand, wipe his head. Here I am now, clutching a cold yellowed hand, wishing … it wasn’t his deathbed.
Written in response to the picture prompt set at Charli’s Carrot ranch. Thank you for having me back. If you want to give her challenges a go, press the horse 🐎
Please comment I love to talk.
Been there, lived that. Hubby #2, when I was in my feminist years. Lots of regrets over the many ways I could have helped him prolong his life, except for the two children who are the best of us.
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So sorry to read that but your right your children are a measure of the best bits. Xx
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That is very sad, Ellen. So much grief in 99 words. Sometimes we spend so much time worrying about what we think others expect of us that we don’t have time to be what we want to be. What a loss.
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So pleased you came.
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A devastating but wise tale. Great job.
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Thanks Sam, i will pop over to your place for a read, in just a bit. 😋
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That’d be great.
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Already been and you answered my comment … i will be back.
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Stay golden!
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The worry and regret tinges the wife’s guilt and yet also shows that she never understood her role. Sad and yet beautifully written. Always happy to see you ride onto the Ranch, Ellen!
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Worrying after the wrong doing, is too late, but will she learn. It remains to be seen. Thanks for having me Charli.
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Your story is an unexpected take on the prompt – which is good, of course! You show skill in how you have achieved consistency between the wife’s initial worries about what people think, and her self-blame after she discovers her husband is dying. Neither of her perceptions are right, and both are self-centred.
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Penny thank you, for your time, comments like this are what push me to improve. With age and hindsight, it is easier to see how vanity and fear made us miss what was in front of our noses.
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I am forever worrying about what others think of me and it does hold me back sometimes. Good response to the prompt picture!
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We can miss the best bits if we allow others perceptions to matter. Thank you for commenting?
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You are welcome! And yes you are right!
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So absolutely thought provoking. I think we all come to realize this, unfortunately in our later years. Oh the wasted time trying to conform to what is really your mind .Your own perception of what might be expected. Ellen, a very well written piece.
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You visits and comments arw very appreciated, thank you.
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So much said on so few words. Very good Ellen, a very strong message x
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I am pleased you like it. Thank you.
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Excellent Ellen, ignore others especially what we think they think of us, it’s all vanity! What and take care of the important things ! 💜
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Yes like our own health … and writing of course 🤣
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Of course 🤓
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I think we’re all guilty of worrying what other people may think about us. Your piece of flash fiction is a message to everyone who reads it that we should always care more about how we feel about ourselves when a good opportunity presents itself.
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Yes! Hugh you are correct. I wonder what magic we have missed while worrying in a mirror, or holding back what we mean in case we are judged. X
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I can only imagine it would be lots of magic, Ellen. In August 2012, I’m glad I finally realised my mistake of worrying what others thought about me. That’s when I let the magic through.
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It is when you allowed yourself to be, you. X
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Ooohh this is a heartbreaking tale…sometimes women just dont know what and how to act…as society has so many expectations..
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Mostly it is women, who worry about what others may say behind her back, not a good way to be. Tjank you so much for taking time to comment. See you again soon I hope.
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😊😊😊
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I loved this read! Infact, I read it 3 times. We lose so much of ourselves in the perception of others…
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We do, when all that matters is being the best you, you can be. Lovely comment thank you.
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Good to read you back. The things we think are important are often not.
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Not a light tale, (following my ‘woty’) but I am writing what comes for this post. Comments are wages and I just got paid. 😄 we also worry about what others say or think … and none of it matters really.
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