17 Comments

I love the gentle tone in this story. Beautifully crafted, Sharron! And thanks for mentioning me. It’s been so much fun reading and writing “fifties” with you.

Expand full comment

Likewise! I love being in the mix. You had a great idea- but I DO know how much time you have to expend in the aftermath... Thank you.

Expand full comment

Poignant and poetic. My interpretation is that this piece is saying a person attains a certain level of happiness and satisfaction that can only be achieved through the passage of time. A stage of reflection and a time to step aside and let others do the heavy lifting.

I have noticed this in my own life. A sense of wellbeing even as the years pile up and my body becomes less capable.

That’s just what I took from the piece. You got me thinking again, Sharron!

Expand full comment

Exactly in synch with my thoughts, Jim. I believe that once we stop fighting the aging process, stop resisting, we can fully embrace it and find the beauty in it. That sounds a little cliché, I know, but it is the truth.

Expand full comment

Made me feel warm inside! I miss the fireflies. I've never seen them in California.

Expand full comment

I think there are only a few areas with fireflies in California. Maybe in the Santa Monica Mountains and the mountains near San Diego. I have only seen them in movies and they seem magical to me. PS I was thinking I would like to include Jimmy Swann in one of my stories - a cross reference where my character meets up with him briefly at CLR. ? What do you think about that? (my email is bassanois@cruzio.com)

Expand full comment

I remember the fireflies in West Virginia while visiting my grandfolks. They were plentiful. We'd pinch off their lit abdomens and put them in a jar. They stayed lit a long time. Cruel, I know - we were kids is my only excuse. Re including Jimmy Swann in a story - I think that would be real neat! Go for it!

Expand full comment

I will see what I can do with my ladies running into Jimmy. Might not work, but it sounds like fun. Thank you.

Expand full comment

This is so beautiful, Sharron - candlelight and fireflies - perfect together.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Rebecca. Have a lovely weekend.

Expand full comment

The quiet moments become more welcome as we age. I love that last sentence.

Expand full comment

Indeed they do. Thank you, Mark.

Expand full comment

I feel as if I am peacefully on the edge of the abyss into nothingness.

Expand full comment

And that "peaceful" part is a real gift, isn't it!

Expand full comment

good calm moments

Expand full comment

The delicateness of life, for sure. It's nice being here a bit. You captured an intimate place, Sharron.

Expand full comment

Joy still abounds, it is just found in other places... Thanks Mudman.

Expand full comment