“Remember when we used to come here all the time?” Lisa rested her chin on her palm, elbow propped onto the tablecloth, and dreamy eyes gazing out the diner’s window.
Her mother nodded, throat too full of ache to speak. She signaled for the check. Lisa looked so much like Gloria in that posture. The two had the same mannerisms, the same coloring and freckled cheeks, even the same tone. The niece’s resemblance to her aunt had been a source of joy. Still was. Always will be. But there was loss there, too.
Now that Gloria was gone.
For Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers
(photo prompt – © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields)
Na'ama Yehuda 
So much feeling in this one… That bittersweet thing of loss and reminder. Beautiful.
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Thank you, dear one. xx
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xoxo
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Na’ama Y’karah,
I agree with Dale. I could feel the aunt’s ache. We have a nephew whose mannerisms are so like his deceased father’s (my brother in law) that it’s startling. These aren’t learned. Jesse was only 2 when Jerry was killed in a car accident. And of course, it makes us miss Jerry
You have a real knack for these types of stories.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle,
It is fascinating to me to see how people are and are not like each other … and the intricacies of and/and realities of emotions and connections and what and how they are communicated is … well … where I spend a lot of my time. Including with realities that are far less than ‘good enough’ and yet the resiliency that can grow in spite of it. So … I’m so very glad if some of this gets communicated in my writing! XX
And, yes to the ache of loss and the sweeter ache of hope and the warmth of connection. xx
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The pain of loss, well shown, and the cycle of life that keeps us going. Nicely done.
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Thank you, Iain! I think that when we lived long enough (and some of us earlier than others, perhaps), we learn to recognize and manage these cycles of life and love and loss and connection … THANKS!
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I really like this… speechlessly like this. Sitting by the window, the empty seat across from me where a dear one once sat. There’s a lot of this ache going around these days. You’ve captured it well. 🙂 ❤
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Thank you, Jellico! I think it is part of the human experience, and to some of us more acute than for others, or more immediate at this time. Yes, a lot of ache to go around these days … I’m glad this resonated, though not glad for the ache …. xx
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This, too, shall pass with time, I’m sure.
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Yes, it will, and time will do what time does, and new challenges and joys will come along to keep us company.
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A bittersweet recognition
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Yes, very much so! Thank you!
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I’m glad she has her niece to remind her that something of her sister lives on.
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Thank you, Dora … Yes, I am glad that she has someone to remind her and someone to continue to love and remember with.
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Yea, I caught that end line before it came. Gently written.
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Thank you, Crispina! I’m not surprised that you ‘got’ it before it was spelled out!
(Will be visiting CCC later tonight or tomorrow … didn’t check out the photo yet, but will right before I write – that’s how I roll … ;))
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It’s ok, Na’ama, I’m running late with everything this week. Oh well, ust mean I@m busy!
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Busy is good. Too busy is less good. Goldilocks kind of stuff … 😉
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I had loads more time when I couldn’t walk far. Now I want to be out there, walking. And taking photos. All of which eats into my writing time. Trying to juggle. I’m almost wishing for winter to curb my adventures!
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Well, I think sooner or later your wishes will come true … 😉 Meanwhile, it is a good thing to find balance, seasonal and otherwise … 🙂
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Yea. Trying.
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‘Tis all we can ever do, ya know. 🙂
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Yea
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🙂
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A heart plucking piece indeed.
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Thank you, James!
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Grief is hard. And the only way out is through.
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So very true, Linda! Thank you for this comment! xx
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Family resemblances are a constant source of pleasure, and sometimes pain.
You expressed this well, Na’ama
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Thank you, ceayr! I’m glad it got communicated! Here’s to connection and (hopefully) good memories.
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So sad, that feeling of loss. Beautifully written.
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Thank you! Life is full of love and loss and some more love, isn’t it?
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Definitely sad and more common as time goes by.
Ronda
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Yes, that’s is a truth! Thank you Ronda!
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the loss was heartfelt. great post.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Lovely story, Na’ama. A niece who looks like a daughter, and acts like her, is never quite going to be good enough. But I guess Mom is emotionally sufficiently aware to take the good and gradually let go of the loss.
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Yes … Family resemblance can often be a double edge sword, but it has the potential to bring more connection than disorientation … And I think these two are going to be okay … xx
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Life’s a mixed bag always. It’s this-es and that-s all the way down. Poignant story, Na’ama.
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Thank you, indeed it is a mixed bag, isn’t it? And if we find more sweet in it than not, we are well ahead of the curve already!
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