In this post: A charming love story about a married couple, one of whom has Alzheimer's. Believe me, it'll warm your heart.
Category: Short Story Collection + Fast Fiction
Ramiah Recommended?
Yes.
This is a cute story. You can't go wrong reading it.
We follow Paul and Elaine on their fifty-seventh wedding anniversary. They start by going to the diner they've visited once a week for years. Unfortunately, Elaine, who has Alzheimer's, doesn't remember. She's busy trying to clean a stain on their table that's been there since the first time they visited. She wants her signature tomato soup, but Elaine becomes inconsolable when the waitress shares they're all out for the day. After Elaine declines to have chicken noodle soup instead, Paul has to take her home and declares the day a hard day.
As he prepares Elaine tomato soup in the kitchen, he overhears her playing Canon D on their piano. He's flashed back to the wedding day and her bright smile. He says that's his favorite song and she replied, "That’s why I played it for you." Through tears, and after a heartwarming exchange of 'I love yous,' he brings her the tomato soup. The story ends with her saying, "'I was hoping for chicken noodle, but that’ll do.'" Very cute indeed.
I do not personally know anyone diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but can only imagine how difficult an experience it must be to see someone become less aware of their life and loved ones over time. To witness a life partner go through that transition must be inexpressible in terms of difficulty. I wouldn't have blamed Paul for being the inconsolable one out of the pair.
That being said, this story is so endearing. It's a charming ode to love, long-lasting love that shines through the hardest of moments. And despite it being so concise, the feeling of love is thoroughly felt.
It honestly speaks for itself. Give it a read here and let me know what you think.
P.S. Speaking of food, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and feast. Happy Thanksgiving, if you celebrate!
Ramiah Reflects
Questions to Ask Yourself (and answer!):
Do you believe love can endure all? Why or why not?
Food for Thought:
This story reminded me that a condition, illness, diagnosis, etc. affects families too. I've read a number of stories in which the person who has the condition/illness/diagnosis is the focus of the story, but I think this story is unique in that the protagonist is Paul in many ways. We see how he experiences his wife's Alzheimer's. And, for me, it's not in an 'I'm the victim, too" way. He comes across as a real ride-or-die, haha. He's not complaining about having to take his wife home instead of being able to enjoy a meal with her at the restaurant; he treats it as 'This is just how it goes sometimes.' And that makes this story even more endearing than it already is.
Ramiah's Re-read When
Re-read when:
You want a cute love story
You would like a reminder that love can endure all
(No notes this time, folks!)
Check out my other posts and book notes here.
Until next time!
Montana Houston
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