The doctor entered the room; “Sharon, it’s time to say goodbye, go home, call your sons; I know one lives in New Jersey, I think and the other lives …where?”
Tears flowed as she said, “Denmark so far away; Barry will be cremated…” Sharon choked on her words and said, “I’ll save the ashes for our younger son, Jeff, they were so close” She met his eyes, “Death is so harsh.” With that, Sharon left to wonder how she’d ever survive without him.
Skype: “Mom what’s up? you never call this early.” Jeff squinted, saw her crying and said, “Oh God, Mom, it’s Dad…he’s gone, right?”
Through tears, she told the worst news and heard her daughter-in-law, Inge, come running from somewhere in their home. Jeff felt a crack in his heart where solidity had always been; “we’ll catch the next plane out, Mom; they are lenient with…he caught his breath; a death in the family, Mom, I’ll get back to you.”
“But your dance school, who will take care of it?” “Not to worry because we have the best dancer who takes charge when I’m not here to supervise and Mom, Inge wants to talk to you.” “Mamse, what a terrible loss, know that we love you and soon we be with you,”
Author Charmaine Gordon 
The family may not be close physically, but they’re close emotionally. This snippet struck home for me because I have a son and daughter-in-law in Amsterdam, the same neck of the woods as Denmark.
My youngest son, Paul married a Dane, Eva and they live in Copenhagen. She’s a well-known artist and he’s a dancer, a performer, and teacher, soon to visit as they do twice a year. Can hardly wait! He adored his Dad, kept remnants in a small bottle to spread wherever he performed. Thanks, Ed.
Very emotional snippet and so very well don. Good job!
Thanks, Chris. I appreciate your comment.
I can feel the shock and sadness of the news in this snippet.
Hi Jessica, I’m always pleased when I touch my readers hearts. Thank you.
Always hard to deliver such news. Extremely well done snippet…hugs to you, my friend.
Hi dear friend and thanks for being my boosting pal as I write my stories. BTW, my publisher gave me a heads up on my Cassidy Rae story. Soon it will be available as an ebook and I’ll spread the word.
Such a powerful post with feelings of loss. This line, in particular, hit home- “Jeff felt a crack in his heart where solidity had always been.” I felt that when my father passed away.
I ‘m thrilled to read your comment. We never forget our loved ones and somehow we move on.
It’s so hard to be the one to deliver news like that. You capture the emotions well.
Alexis, thanks for your comment. Yes, it’s difficult, to say the least and somehow we move on. Shivers here in NY.
Such a powerful post with feelings of loss. This line, in particular, hit home- “Jeff felt a crack in his heart where solidity had always been.” I felt that when my father passed away.
View Comment . Thanks, Karen,for your heartfelt comment. We never lose our grief although we move on. Best always, Charmaine
Charmaine, your snippet really hit me emotionally. I’ve been on the receiving end of that kind of news. First, my dad, then my mom. So hard. You capture the son’s emotions perfectly. As well as hers.
Diane, dear friend, we both have experienced bad news,; first my 50-year-old Mother and later losing my husband-doctor calling me with terrible news. Thinking of you.
The hardest thing you ever have to do is tell another their loved one is gone. Receiving the news is devastating, but knowing you’re the one to have to inflict that pain on another is just as great in my opinion. Such an emotional snippet, Charmaine. I can tell it was heartfelt.
Jenna, heartfelt is the word having experienced terrible news. I appreciate your outstanding comment.
It’s so hard to tell everyone! But good that they’ll all be together soon.
Loved ones come racing home to share grief. Jeff’s the good son. The older son is selfish and awful. Tune in next week. Thanks, Christina.
Such a sad scene and so well written, it’s good her sons will soon be with her though, and they can support each other through the grief.
Hi, my friend. Again I appreciate your exceptional comment. Thinking of you.
Even in her grief, she’s worried about her children. A loving mother. Very emotional snippet!
Mom’s tend to do that; always concerned for their children no matter what. Best always, Caitlin.
I feel so bad for poor Sharon. Heartbreaking.
Elaine, thanks for your weekly, from the heart, comments