Each week, you can write on the weekly topic or any subject you choose. It’s up to you. The only requirement is that it be 300 words or less, not including your title and name.
This week’s writing topic is death. Interpret that topic as you wish. Write your story and post it in the comments section below. Once you’ve done that, read some of your fellow members’ stories and leave them a note of encouragement.
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, we’ll examine pages 49-65, “If You Were Born Catholic…” through “The Neighbor, the Chickens, and the Flames.”
Discussion question: Read Fennelly’s story, “The Neighbor, the Chickens, and the Flames,” several times to analyze it. Determine what storytelling devices she uses to recount this experience. What components combine to create this story? What does she accomplish with each?
When it’s available, the book study replay from October 8, 2024, of pages 49-65 of Heating & Cooling will be posted here.
This was a hard one, opening closed wounds. Our first grandson. The picture is of the darling sweet survivor who has had to live in older brother’s shadow. Beautiful young twenty-five-year-old now.
Yes, David, the Death topic brought a few painful memories and left me in a Doom and Gloom mood, with writing turned off. Always turn to one of Anne Lamott’s books to “kick-start” me.
I felt your pain of losing your parents. Well told. My parents too live in me. I cannot visit my father’s grave. He was buried in Ukraine. Sometimes when I go to New York, I pay a visit to Mama’s grave.
Dave, Thanks for putting an optimistic spin on your story and death. It’s well written, and when you explained Catholic beliefs, I realized some of the differences we Lutherans have. Thanks for sharing this difficult topic.
David, I was given hope of a better life after this one. Two plus months after my husband died, eight months after my grandson, Ryan. I experienced an interesting sight, or sign. During a message-type event, I vividly saw my deceased grandson on a treadmill type apparatus with balloons above. He was beaconing his Papa, my husband to join him chasing the balloons above, giving me hope that both were in a fun-filled place. Loved it.
Departed loved ones do live in our hearts and minds, posthumously giving us advice, bringing a smile, a memory. On the other hand, just imagine an eternity of The Barney Theme song….
Linda, how special Arnold must have been. And how awful he couldn’t see your faces one last time. My aunt also died in the nursing home during Covid. Thanks for sharing that heartfelt story.
My short words attached. I would notice John Roche being gone, could I attend tonight’s gathering, but I am unable to be there. Hang in there, everyone. Tomorrow is a new dawn of possibilities.
Kit,
You used a word that I’ve wondered about most of my life. Reincarnation. I’ve thought it a possibility that our souls get recycled. But the one question that keeps popping up is, if we are transferred to the next lifetime, why don’t we remember the previous trips?
J
John, we all would notice if you weren’t there. Your insight on subjects adds so much to our conversations and learning to write. I, too, have had lots of counseling–but mine is related to family (alcoholics, narcissism, abandonment). Glad you got help. So enjoy your input. Thanks for sharing.
Very insightful. We’re all a part of this group for a reason, not necessarily our own. And we’re still here, while some of our contemporaries didn’t make it this far. Give thanks for each day and give it the best you have.
How many will notice? We all will. You’re not living on borrowed time. You’ve beaten the odds and the house rarely loses. I’m glad you got the help you needed. Guys our age usually don’t.
that was kind of a deep rabbit hole you found yourself in last night John…and to answer your question about who would notice if you aren’t at the gathering tonight, I believe that everyone would wonder, “Where’s John?” I know I would…you have no idea how much everyone loves you, so please climb out of that rabbit hole and wash your face and show up.
352 in the morning. Trying to get some sleep with the help of green apple vodka. Came up with this doozy a few minutes ago. Death is not a happy subject. I have no clue where it’s gonna take me. I only know that I’m here and it’s now. 17’s in charge.
Neat Dar. But you lured me (the music lover) in with your title. I was waiting for a line from one of his songs, like PAPA’S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG (da da da da da da at).
Love this piece, Dar. Gives me new ideas for telling people the impressions they leave with us, what we noticed and that the small things, the way they greeted us, mattered. Thanks for sharing.
So sorry for your loss, however long ago. Hopefully, the sweet music you remember, and the loving memories mingle to create a beautiful legacy of your grandmother.
Julie, so sorry for your loss. It’s very hard losing a family member or good friend the first time; but it never gets any easier. I’m sure you remember the wonderful qualities about your grandmother.That helps.
I may have used this before, but it fits the prompt
Here is my version.
Indeed!
That was very touching Etya. Yes, the final event.
This was a hard one, opening closed wounds. Our first grandson. The picture is of the darling sweet survivor who has had to live in older brother’s shadow. Beautiful young twenty-five-year-old now.
Oh Jackie, What a heartbreaking story! You have survived unimaginable tragedy. What courage to recall it in this assignment.
Oh Jackie, that was beyond tragic for all of the family. It was an unspeakable horror. I can only imagine how hard that was for you to write.
Jackie, how devastating. I can’t imagine your pain or the tears you shed. Well written.
PS, the picture with my story is of Tyler and I. After the funeral, Norm and I stayed on for a couple weeks caring and comforting Tyler and ourselves.
Here is my story. A subject I tend to shy away from.
I can’t imagine the death of a sister so young. Much sympathy.
So sorry for your loss. Losing someone so young is painful and devastating. You described the loss well.
Lorna, The loss of your sister at such a young age must have been heartbreaking. You told the story well. Thanks for sharing the hard subject.
This was a difficult topic, so I lightened it up a bit.
Yes, David, the Death topic brought a few painful memories and left me in a Doom and Gloom mood, with writing turned off. Always turn to one of Anne Lamott’s books to “kick-start” me.
I felt your pain of losing your parents. Well told. My parents too live in me. I cannot visit my father’s grave. He was buried in Ukraine. Sometimes when I go to New York, I pay a visit to Mama’s grave.
Dave, Thanks for putting an optimistic spin on your story and death. It’s well written, and when you explained Catholic beliefs, I realized some of the differences we Lutherans have. Thanks for sharing this difficult topic.
David, I was given hope of a better life after this one. Two plus months after my husband died, eight months after my grandson, Ryan. I experienced an interesting sight, or sign. During a message-type event, I vividly saw my deceased grandson on a treadmill type apparatus with balloons above. He was beaconing his Papa, my husband to join him chasing the balloons above, giving me hope that both were in a fun-filled place. Loved it.
I absolutely love this!
A great visual. Maybe I’ll try that treadmill one day.
correction. Mom died in 2023, not 2022.
Departed loved ones do live in our hearts and minds, posthumously giving us advice, bringing a smile, a memory. On the other hand, just imagine an eternity of The Barney Theme song….
OMG. BARNEY! I blocked that song from my mind.
A stark reality we all face. We look to our faith for what lies ahead.
Session three story
Linda, what a poignant story. You wrote it well.
Linda, how special Arnold must have been. And how awful he couldn’t see your faces one last time. My aunt also died in the nursing home during Covid. Thanks for sharing that heartfelt story.
That was so toughing Linda. Covid stole so many things from us all. Even the chance to see our loved ones faces. Well written.
Your story made the sadness of the pandemic, and how it kept us apart, very real and personal. Great story.
My story related to friendship and death.
Norma, I, too, believe in “True Friends Never Part.”
This is a beautiful letter. And letters are so rare anymore and so powerful.
My story relating to death.
Judy, each time I here this story, I get emotional. How special that she had that teddy bear.
You made me cry.
I almost cry myself when I read it.
I loved this story!
Thanks Linda. It was hard to write for sure.
My short words attached. I would notice John Roche being gone, could I attend tonight’s gathering, but I am unable to be there. Hang in there, everyone. Tomorrow is a new dawn of possibilities.
Kit, great list. I also love learning new things about this earth. Thanks.
Great job Kit. I like the way you melded poem and prose. You had me at your aptly named Death Impressions poem.
How clever, your response to the prompt in the shape of a tree!
Kit,
You used a word that I’ve wondered about most of my life. Reincarnation. I’ve thought it a possibility that our souls get recycled. But the one question that keeps popping up is, if we are transferred to the next lifetime, why don’t we remember the previous trips?
J
Another oooopz.
John, we all would notice if you weren’t there. Your insight on subjects adds so much to our conversations and learning to write. I, too, have had lots of counseling–but mine is related to family (alcoholics, narcissism, abandonment). Glad you got help. So enjoy your input. Thanks for sharing.
Very insightful. We’re all a part of this group for a reason, not necessarily our own. And we’re still here, while some of our contemporaries didn’t make it this far. Give thanks for each day and give it the best you have.
I would notice, John. You are an integral part of my writing journey. I owe a lot to you and your support.
How many will notice? We all will. You’re not living on borrowed time. You’ve beaten the odds and the house rarely loses. I’m glad you got the help you needed. Guys our age usually don’t.
That was pretty deep John.
that was kind of a deep rabbit hole you found yourself in last night John…and to answer your question about who would notice if you aren’t at the gathering tonight, I believe that everyone would wonder, “Where’s John?” I know I would…you have no idea how much everyone loves you, so please climb out of that rabbit hole and wash your face and show up.
352 in the morning. Trying to get some sleep with the help of green apple vodka. Came up with this doozy a few minutes ago. Death is not a happy subject. I have no clue where it’s gonna take me. I only know that I’m here and it’s now. 17’s in charge.
Death
Dar, Nicely written. You have such a talent, and I enjoy all of your writing. Thanks for sharing.
What a tribute and sendoff to a friend!
That was just very nice. A bit of humor, and details of his life.
Neat Dar. But you lured me (the music lover) in with your title. I was waiting for a line from one of his songs, like PAPA’S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG (da da da da da da at).
Love this piece, Dar. Gives me new ideas for telling people the impressions they leave with us, what we noticed and that the small things, the way they greeted us, mattered. Thanks for sharing.
Here is my story about death.
What a whirlwind experience, with little time to prepare for such a loss. I am happy the memories you shared with your husband comforted you.
Barb, this is a well-written tribute to your husband. I believe in visits from our loved ones when we need them. Thanks for sharing.
Very touching. Sometimes the memories of scents can last a long time.
This is a very touching tribute and well written.
Heart wrenching story, Barb. Warmly written.
W O W ! Powerful, Barb.
Thank you.
I’m sure this memory brings you comfort. Well told..
Yes, Dar, it does bring comfort 22 years later.
Here is my story.
You are fortunate to have a grandmother who taught you how to play the piano and appreciate music. I am sorry her life ended too soon.
So sorry for your loss, however long ago. Hopefully, the sweet music you remember, and the loving memories mingle to create a beautiful legacy of your grandmother.
a beautiful tribute to your grandmother.
What lovely memories of your special grandma.
Julie,
Well told.
Did you ever get over your bimanual interference?
J
Julie, so sorry for your loss. It’s very hard losing a family member or good friend the first time; but it never gets any easier. I’m sure you remember the wonderful qualities about your grandmother.That helps.