The Fullness of the Moon


 “Wheel me outside, Eleanor.”

“No, David.  It’s too warm.  You’ll…”

His smile was wry.  Ironic.  “I’ll what?  Catch my death in that heat?  Too late to think about that, I’m afraid.” 

I turned towards the window.  “The lightning bugs have arrived.”


“Please, El…”

I looked over my shoulder at him.

“Send me off with a bang.”

I nodded.  “OK.”

His cheeks brightened.  A smile—a real smile—flashed across his face.  “Call the kids over.”

I picked up the telephone.  Dialed Paul.

 “We’re having a party,” I said.

“Mother, Dad’s dying,” he said.  “Can’t you ever think about him?”  My son needed to blame someone for his father’s illness: God wasn’t available. 

“It’s what he wants.  Call your brothers.  Have them bring the little ones.  It may be…”

Paul hung up.

I went outside and built a campfire.  I rummaged through cabinets for graham crackers and chocolate bars and marshmallows.  I cut thin branches from the trees in the woods.

I fixed David a mug of tea; held it to his lips.  “Are the kids coming?”  He asked, eyes closed.

“Drink,” I said.

I went to the garage and gathered up a handful of the glass mayonnaise jars David had insisted upon saving—just in case I want to make pickles—for the entire span of our thirty year marriage.

A car pulled up into the driveway.  I ran to meet it.  “Liam!” 

“How is he?”

I took the baby from Meredith’s arms.  Nuzzled her close while her sister wrapped her arms around my leg. 

“Hi, Mimi.  Party?”

Meredith slapped the child.  “No, Karen.  No party.  Grandpa’s sick.”

I knelt before Karen.  Kissed away her tears.  “Yes,” I whispered.  “A party for your grandfather.  Run inside and say hello.”

Derrick next with his two year old twins and then, finally, Paul.

“How is Dad?”

“Hello to you too, Paul.  He’s doing the best as can be expected.  Help me wheel him outside?”

His eyes widened. “In this heat, Mother?  With these mosquitoes?”

“It’s what he wants, Paul.  We have to honor that.”

“No.”  He shook his head.  “I’m calling his doctor.”

I wheeled David out onto the deck.  He watched the little ones toddle around on fat baby legs, chasing lightning bugs; squealing with delight whenever they trapped one.  The adults eyed each other uncertainly. 

“Who wants a s’more?”  I said.

Meredith, sweet Meredith came to my rescue.  “I want a s’more Eleanor.  Shall I make you one, David?”

He smiled.  “Please, dear.”

“Lightly toasted or burned?”

“Lightly toasted.”  David eyed me, grinning.  “Hopefully that’s all the punishment I’ll get.”

“Don’t say that, Father.”  Paul appeared at the sliding glass door.  “You’re going straight to heaven.” 

“Did you call the doctor?”  I asked.

“Yes.”  Paul light a cigarette and shook out the match.  “He’s coming over.”

“Oh, there’s no need…” David began.

Paul shook his head.  Blinked back tears.  “He said to save him a s’more.”

The full moon hung heavy and expectant in the sky.

 The doctor showed up; pulled a firecracker from his medical bag.  Set it off.  The noise drew out Bill—our neighbor, and, unfortunately, the fire chief.

“I’m sorry, Bill,” the doctor said.  “It was my fault.”  They conversed in a corner of the lawn for a few moments.  Bill headed home and returned with a big bag of fireworks.

The children were gathered.  The lightning bugs were set free.  Bill planted a firework in the ground and lit the fuse.

As the moon rose higher, David weakened. 

“How will I live without you?”

“Watch for me in the fullness of the moon,” he said.  His eyes were light by the glow of the fireworks, and I turned to watch.

“Eleanor.”

Meredith.  Tears in her eyes.  She picked up a napkin and wet it in her mouth before dabbing away a bit of marshmallow from David’s lips.

* * *

Thirty years later, I still wait for the fullness of the moon; to see if David’s face is reflected in it.  And the mayonnaise jars continue to stand sentry in the garage, as if they too, await his return.

This was written in response to StoryDam's prompt: Show us what is waiting for the full moon.  


This was also linked up with Yeah, Write.

Labels: ,

Writing in the Margins, Bursting at the Seams: The Fullness of the Moon

Monday, May 7, 2012

The Fullness of the Moon


 “Wheel me outside, Eleanor.”

“No, David.  It’s too warm.  You’ll…”

His smile was wry.  Ironic.  “I’ll what?  Catch my death in that heat?  Too late to think about that, I’m afraid.” 

I turned towards the window.  “The lightning bugs have arrived.”


“Please, El…”

I looked over my shoulder at him.

“Send me off with a bang.”

I nodded.  “OK.”

His cheeks brightened.  A smile—a real smile—flashed across his face.  “Call the kids over.”

I picked up the telephone.  Dialed Paul.

 “We’re having a party,” I said.

“Mother, Dad’s dying,” he said.  “Can’t you ever think about him?”  My son needed to blame someone for his father’s illness: God wasn’t available. 

“It’s what he wants.  Call your brothers.  Have them bring the little ones.  It may be…”

Paul hung up.

I went outside and built a campfire.  I rummaged through cabinets for graham crackers and chocolate bars and marshmallows.  I cut thin branches from the trees in the woods.

I fixed David a mug of tea; held it to his lips.  “Are the kids coming?”  He asked, eyes closed.

“Drink,” I said.

I went to the garage and gathered up a handful of the glass mayonnaise jars David had insisted upon saving—just in case I want to make pickles—for the entire span of our thirty year marriage.

A car pulled up into the driveway.  I ran to meet it.  “Liam!” 

“How is he?”

I took the baby from Meredith’s arms.  Nuzzled her close while her sister wrapped her arms around my leg. 

“Hi, Mimi.  Party?”

Meredith slapped the child.  “No, Karen.  No party.  Grandpa’s sick.”

I knelt before Karen.  Kissed away her tears.  “Yes,” I whispered.  “A party for your grandfather.  Run inside and say hello.”

Derrick next with his two year old twins and then, finally, Paul.

“How is Dad?”

“Hello to you too, Paul.  He’s doing the best as can be expected.  Help me wheel him outside?”

His eyes widened. “In this heat, Mother?  With these mosquitoes?”

“It’s what he wants, Paul.  We have to honor that.”

“No.”  He shook his head.  “I’m calling his doctor.”

I wheeled David out onto the deck.  He watched the little ones toddle around on fat baby legs, chasing lightning bugs; squealing with delight whenever they trapped one.  The adults eyed each other uncertainly. 

“Who wants a s’more?”  I said.

Meredith, sweet Meredith came to my rescue.  “I want a s’more Eleanor.  Shall I make you one, David?”

He smiled.  “Please, dear.”

“Lightly toasted or burned?”

“Lightly toasted.”  David eyed me, grinning.  “Hopefully that’s all the punishment I’ll get.”

“Don’t say that, Father.”  Paul appeared at the sliding glass door.  “You’re going straight to heaven.” 

“Did you call the doctor?”  I asked.

“Yes.”  Paul light a cigarette and shook out the match.  “He’s coming over.”

“Oh, there’s no need…” David began.

Paul shook his head.  Blinked back tears.  “He said to save him a s’more.”

The full moon hung heavy and expectant in the sky.

 The doctor showed up; pulled a firecracker from his medical bag.  Set it off.  The noise drew out Bill—our neighbor, and, unfortunately, the fire chief.

“I’m sorry, Bill,” the doctor said.  “It was my fault.”  They conversed in a corner of the lawn for a few moments.  Bill headed home and returned with a big bag of fireworks.

The children were gathered.  The lightning bugs were set free.  Bill planted a firework in the ground and lit the fuse.

As the moon rose higher, David weakened. 

“How will I live without you?”

“Watch for me in the fullness of the moon,” he said.  His eyes were light by the glow of the fireworks, and I turned to watch.

“Eleanor.”

Meredith.  Tears in her eyes.  She picked up a napkin and wet it in her mouth before dabbing away a bit of marshmallow from David’s lips.

* * *

Thirty years later, I still wait for the fullness of the moon; to see if David’s face is reflected in it.  And the mayonnaise jars continue to stand sentry in the garage, as if they too, await his return.

This was written in response to StoryDam's prompt: Show us what is waiting for the full moon.  


This was also linked up with Yeah, Write.

Labels: ,

55 Comments:

At May 7, 2012 at 6:38 PM , Anonymous Morgan Dragonwillow said...

Seriously, I love your writing.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 4:55 AM , Anonymous Jennifer Worrell said...

What a beautiful story! I am teary and touched. What a beautiful send-off and wonderful, selfless relationship!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 5:09 AM , Anonymous Mary said...

Can't see through my tears....how wonderfully poignant. Loved the doctor's response to the phone call. What a grand way to go, surrounded by family and friends. Sob!!!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 7:14 AM , Anonymous Jade said...

This is an absolutely stunning piece of writing. I found myself scrolling slower to reread lines. The understated firecracker bit was just great. Thank you.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 7:55 AM , Anonymous Kristin Ireland said...

Heartbreaking. Thank you so much for sharing.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 10:15 AM , Anonymous Sisterhoodofthesensiblemoms said...

WOWzers. Love the little details and the big emotions. Erin

 
At May 8, 2012 at 11:04 AM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Oh, thanks, Erin!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 11:05 AM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Thanks for reading!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 11:05 AM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Thank you, Jade. I enjoyed writing this one. Not a bad sendoff.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 11:06 AM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Thanks! I like that doctor, too. Wouldn't it be cool if your family doc carried around fireworks (Dr N and B? HA!)

 
At May 8, 2012 at 11:06 AM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Thanks, Jennifer. This was a fun prompt to write to. Have you tried Storydam?

 
At May 8, 2012 at 11:06 AM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Thanks, Morgan!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 12:07 PM , Anonymous christina said...

wow. wow, wow. the tears floweth oh so easily with this one.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 12:19 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

christina has left a new comment on your post "The Fullness of the Moon":

wow. wow, wow. the tears floweth oh so easily with this one.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 3:08 PM , Anonymous Stephanie Brennan said...

Wow, beautiful. Great character revelation through action. Paul, lighting a cigarette, for example, as his father is dying, and this reader thinks, why would you do that. Self destructive? I think about these things. Bottom line - incredible writing.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 3:12 PM , Anonymous Mayor Gia said...

aww, so sad. sniffle.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 4:30 PM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Thanks for reading!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 4:31 PM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Oh, I'm so glad you caught that, Stephanie. Thanks for reading so closely!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 4:31 PM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Thanks, Christina!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 4:38 PM , Anonymous Tara R. said...

This was beautiful. The perfect send off, children, fireflies and s'mores. I hope mine is just as sweet.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 5:07 PM , Anonymous WilyGuy said...

Makes me a good bit sad. I'm not ready to experience tht kind of loss.

WG
http://itsmynd.com

 
At May 8, 2012 at 5:30 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

WilyGuy has left a new comment on your post "The Fullness of the Moon":

Makes me a good bit sad. I'm not ready to experience tht kind of loss.

WG
http://itsmynd.com

 
At May 8, 2012 at 6:03 PM , Anonymous Ladygoogoogaga2011 said...

Omg, that was absolutely perfectly written!!!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 6:50 PM , Blogger Darian Wilk said...

I'm not wearing waterproof mascara, I wasn't prepared for such a touching piece like this- next time warn a girl you're going to make her cry! Seriously though, wonderful piece. You're such a talented writer, keep at it!

 
At May 8, 2012 at 7:59 PM , Anonymous katieross83 said...

How beautifully sad. This brought tears to my eyes, Kelly. So beautifully written. Especially those last few lines. Wow. Just awesome.

 
At May 8, 2012 at 9:02 PM , Anonymous DelilahLove said...

That was absolutely beautiful. Well done.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 3:48 AM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Darian Wilk has left a new comment on your post "The Fullness of the Moon":

I'm not wearing waterproof mascara, I wasn't prepared for such a touching piece like this- next time warn a girl you're going to make her cry! Seriously though, wonderful piece. You're such a talented writer, keep at it!

 
At May 9, 2012 at 6:22 AM , Anonymous Kathy Kramer said...

This was beautiful. I was choked up.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 6:45 AM , Anonymous Ado said...

Holy crap I'm crying over here.
Riveting. RIV-E-TING.
Wow. I won't ever look at mayo jars in the same way. What love.
PS: I don't like Meredith.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 6:53 AM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Ado has left a new comment on your post "The Fullness of the Moon":

Holy crap I'm crying over here.
Riveting. RIV-E-TING.
Wow. I won't ever look at mayo jars in the same way. What love.
PS: I don't like Meredith.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 6:55 AM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Sorry, your comment didn't come through properly, so I've posted it here. I DO like Meredith. She was kind of in a tough spot at first, what with her child thinking it was time for a party and her MIL and husband mourning. Sometimes when we're conflicted like that, I think we take it out on our kids. But Meredith was the one who kind of saved the day by accepting the offer of a s'more.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 6:55 AM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Thank you for reading, Kathy!

 
At May 9, 2012 at 6:56 AM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Darian,
Your comments didn't appear, so I posted them for you. Thanks so much for reading. I loved this prompt. Have you ever tried StoryDam?

 
At May 9, 2012 at 6:56 AM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Thanks for reading!

 
At May 9, 2012 at 8:42 AM , Anonymous Susan Okaty said...

How do you do it time after time, Kelly? How do you write words that reach down and pull out our deepest feelings? Sniff...excuse me, I need another box of tissues...

 
At May 9, 2012 at 9:07 AM , Anonymous Susie @ Newdaynewlesson said...

Wow. What I liked the best was someone listening to what a dying person wanted and making him happy.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 9:37 AM , Anonymous Melissa Cohen said...

Beautifully written...

 
At May 9, 2012 at 9:52 AM , Anonymous Kgwaite said...

Susan Okaty has left a new comment on your post "The Fullness of the Moon":

How do you do it time after time, Kelly? How do you write words that reach down and pull out our deepest feelings? Sniff...excuse me, I need another box of tissues...

 
At May 9, 2012 at 1:32 PM , Anonymous Jayne said...

Very power and as exquisite as fine lace. Lovely...

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:05 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Oh, thanks, Jayne!

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:06 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Thanks, Melissa. I wouldn't mind this kind of sendoff.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:06 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

I liked that too.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:06 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Oh, thank you, Susan! I'm glad you liked it.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:08 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Thank you, Katie! I'm glad you liked it.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:08 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Thanks for reading!

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:09 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Thanks for reading! Made me sad, too.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:09 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Me too, Tara! Thanks for reading.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:09 PM , Anonymous kgwaite said...

Thanks for reading!

 
At May 9, 2012 at 2:42 PM , Anonymous Adrienne said...

This made me think of my grandma. I just left her. She's 87, and lives right around the corner at the nursing home. I wonder how much time she has left. Sadly, I do no think it's much. Beautiful post.

 
At May 9, 2012 at 4:13 PM , Anonymous Michelle Longo said...

I really liked the way different people reacted differently to the impending death. Different ideas of how one is to behave. So true to life.

 
At May 10, 2012 at 4:57 AM , Anonymous Jackie said...

Okay Kelly, You've got me crying in the living room while my kids are trying to watch Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse- Not cool!
Great read!

 
At May 10, 2012 at 11:09 AM , Anonymous Trace Cameron said...

Beautiful. Your moon is just...beautiful.

 
At May 11, 2012 at 1:25 PM , Anonymous Shelton Keys Dunning said...

Speechless. This was positively breathtaking...and perfect.

 
At May 12, 2012 at 8:58 AM , Anonymous Waterfall said...

Beautiful. Well done.

 
At May 13, 2012 at 4:11 AM , Anonymous anothercookipls said...

So incredibly beautiful. Reminds me of a very old song, "I'll Be Seeing You" ...the last line of the melody is..."I'll be looking at the moon, but, I'll be seeing you".

Lovely!

 

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