Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: DELICIOUS (02/04/16)
-
TITLE: Like A Sun Ripened Strawberry | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terry R A Eissfeldt
02/11/16 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
His mind, lost in the desert called Alzheimer’s, wanders like a sand dune in the Sahara; a victim to the wind. You never know what he’s going to say, or obsess on.
This past week it’s been strawberries.
Each time I passed him, either in the hall, or in his room, he was muttering about strawberries.
“…like a sun ripened strawberry…sweet…you can taste the sun….like a strawberry…ripened by the sun….”
I tried to engage him in conversation about strawberries; wild ones, strawberry fields, picking them, how to grow them. Nothing deterred his mantra.
“…like a strawberry … sweet…you can taste the sun…like a sun ripened strawberry…”
On Wednesday, Mr. Metz’s son, Jerry, visited. I hoped for a hint about this obsession.
A few weeks previous, the obsession was the AM/FM radio on his bedside table. Jerry told me his father had been a radio announcer. It helped pay college fees.
“Hi Jerry,” I knocked gently.
“Hey,” he smiled, “Come in.”
Mr. Metz stared straight ahead, quiet, unengaged; like a child in a new school. Not sure who was a friend or a foe.
“Hi Mr. Metz,” I gently squeezed his bony shoulder. “How are you today?” A dumb question. But social protocols are learned habits.
Mr. Metz turned his blue eyes at me then to Jerry. Blank disregard ruled his face. I heard a heavy sigh escape Jerry’s lungs.
Then suddenly a ray, like sunshine, washed away the confusion. Mr. Metz was present. Jerry, adept at reading his father’s moods, grabbed the wrinkled hand.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Jerry, my boy!” His faced beamed brighter, “So good of you to come. Will you read the Bible?”
“Sure Dad.”
I slipped out without asking about the strawberries.
Thursday morning the strawberry obsession was in full swing, and getting out of control. One volunteer had taken it upon herself to bring Mr. Metz some strawberries.
I heard the raised voice from my desk, a few doors down the hall.
“NO! Like sun ripened strawberries….ripened by the sun….NO!”
“I’m sorry Mr. Metz,” the young woman cried.
Crashing dishes and slamming furniture ejected me from the desk and I sprinted to the room.
The volunteer was on her knees trying to pick up the strawberries and ice cream she thought would please the old man. Mr. Metz was sulking in his chair, vibrating with frustration.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Wilson,” she sobbed.
“It’s okay, Veronica,” I helped her clean up then gently guided her out the door.
“…like red ripe strawberries….like strawberries ripened by the sun…like a sun ripened strawberry…”
I quietly sat down beside the old man and gently placed my hands over his. He looked into my eyes. The confusion and frustration from not being able to communicate what he meant stabbed me in the heart. I wished, for the millionth time, I could unlock a muddled mind.
“Mmm,” I put one of the few remaining strawberries in my mouth. “I love strawberries. Tasty.”
“The seeds get under my dentures.”
I almost choked on the delicious berry.
“Um…yes, I’m sure that can be a problem.” I looked up into his clear blue eyes. “You’ve been talking about strawberries all week.”
“Have I?” He was contemplative.
“I’m sorry if I’ve caused any problems.” He reached for the well worn Bible.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s word…I don’t really like honey…but a sun ripened strawberry…that’s sweet.”
He opened the beloved book to a well worn page. “Will you read it to me?”
I took the book from his shaking hands and saw the scripture clearly marked. Psalm 19:9 and 10.
“ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgements of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, even the drippings of the honeycomb.”
“Like a sun ripened strawberry.” Mr. Metz leaned back in his chair and drifted off to sleep.
When I arrived Friday morning I heard Mr. Metz had died. The night staff assured me he went peacefully. Apparently he was smiling and the juice from a strawberry dribbled from his mouth.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I enjoyed this story. Very touching.
Thanks for sharing this insightful and authentic episode in your career.
Blessings~
I thought this was truly the best...so glad you won a well deserved EC!
Blessings~