Today, for dVerse Haibun Monday, Toni (Kansen Sakura) asks us to write of romance. The prose aspect of a Haibun is a non-fiction account. This event occurred when I was nursing in Long Term Care, Toledo, Ohio in the mid-70’s.
Chester and Vi
a Haibun
It’s early morning and the scene repeats itself. After bathing his wife, Vi, Chester trods down the neon-lit hallway to the unit’s kitchenette to blend an assortment of foods for her breakfast. He knows her likes and dislikes and takes care to please her. Though it’s been years since she has spoken, years since she has even shown signs of recognition, he speaks to her, telling her news of the day, of other patients and of his love for her. Chester once told me that he digs into his memories of those times before a massive stroke rendered Vi helpless, excavates moments when the love they shared was everything to him, as it remains. When he’s certain she is comfortable, he comes and finds me, helps me with other bed-bound patients, seeming to offer them the same care and gentleness he has given his beloved. Old, but healthy, Chester is my sagacious teacher. Without speaking a word, he gives me a glimpse into the true meaning of romance. The day goes on in its endless routine; his loving attention endures.
mourning dove still waits
scattered feathers mar spring joy
hawk feeds her young ones
Just to add a bit of humor, Vi did speak once when Chester was feeding her and I stood by, ready to suction her in case she choked, as she often did. He asked her how her dinner tasted. She responded, “Like shit!” True story.
Dedicated to a friend who is lovingly caring for her husband.
Wow, VIctoria you have given us so many vivid scenes here of care and devotion. Thank you for sharing this touching story of pure, unconditional love.
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The rarely visited, unspoken rule of romance in this modern, disposable era; there is a deeper connection to strive for. Thank you for sharing this beautiful haibun.
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Perfect! ❤
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Realy wonderful
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Not too many people have a love as enduring as this one!
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That sort of strength and devotion is so rare.
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Real, abiding love, beautifully described. I love it!
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Such commitment. I loved the humour you added at the end!
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Beautiful story, Victoria! Your haiku is excellent! ❤
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A beautiful portrait of faithful, enduring, committed love…thanks for sharing this story…and a laugh!
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This is such a touching piece. What a loving heart the man has. 😊
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Love knows no bounds, very true, Victoria! Responding to every little movements or words just so there is communication even ‘shit’ is acceptable and a blessing.
Hank
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A *sigh* with a *smile* ❤️
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So beautiful and touching, Victoria. I sometimes get a glimpse of this when I visit my mother at the care home, where there are a few couples.
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This write filled my heart with absolute wonderment. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
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True love indeed!
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Life gives Love gives..
gives life gives love..
and the cycle
goeS oN
as Long
as
Life gives..
Love
gives love’s
gift liFe..:)
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This one reminds me of my parents and their great love. I love it! I think when young people see old couples, they have the mistaken idea that the old people have no idea what true love or passion is all about. Ha! What they forget is that every old couple was once just like them and their love has grown and aged to be way beyond just the passion. Someday the young people will know, though.
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That is indeed a very loving scene. ❤ So beautifully done, Victoria.
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a lovely tale of enduing love! 🙂 ❤
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When one stays that loyal in such challenging times, that is when you know that the love is real. This is lovely! !
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Like so many things in life, none of us knows which of the spouses will be the invalid, & which the caretaker. I often wonder if I can be selfless enough to accept that responsibility. My wife is a decade younger than me, but we never know how life’s agenda will turn out.
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Tears with a laugh at the end. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story!
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Love this one very much, Victoria! Love is love for sure!
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I can see all of this, especially the care in making food. A great new addition to what love really is.
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This is so lovely and endearing, Victoria. Very inspirational. You always deliver pure poetic perfection!
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This is indeed true love and dedication. An inspiring read, and thank you for the lovely haiku as well.
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This is true lasting love. So gentle and true. It is wonderful you were there to witness it and to hear her reply to how the food tasted. That made me smile hugely. Such wondrous love.
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Oh, Victoria. I love this. Ah, such love. And that last bit made me laugh! 🙂
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That’s so beautifully sad.
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