Exceptional It takes time to heal Glints of Gold by Writingfundimension I Remember writing prompt entry

I remember the year I turned thirty-two, the same age my mother was when she died. It was 1985, and she had been gone for twenty-five years; her life shortened due to childbirth complications. Photographs of me from that year show a gaunt young woman with sagging shoulders and an unwillingness to look directly into the camera. I shared with no one my dreaded conviction that I would die before the end of that year. Retrospectively, I realize that I was experiencing the side effects of survivor syndrome - also known as concentration camp syndrome. Irrationally, I felt that I had to follow in the footsteps of my mother; and that fate would see to it that I would not, in effect, outlive her. For a very long time, I had not thought much about my mother. What memories remained from our seven short years together were tinged with the emotion of overwhelming sadness. I was reduced to observing my mother through the lens of wishful thinking. Treasuring the one picture I had from her wedding album, I used it as a trigger object - something to jolt my subconscious into releasing the hostaged memories. She looked radiantly beautiful in the ivory satin wedding dress her older sister had designed and completed by hand. Depressed at how little emotion it elicited, I finally put it out of sight. I survived that dreadful year by pushing my fears into the background and simply putting one foot in front of the other. Another ten years went by before I sought out the help of a grief therapist. With her patient guidance, I was able to thaw out my frozen emotions; grateful for nature's wisdom in keeping them at bay until I had the maturity and emotional stability to deal with them. These days, my mother's wedding picture is by my bed. When I look at it, I realize that the ravages of time and a faltering brain can never take away the essence of my first true love. My belief is strong that we will meet again when my time on earth is done; and, rushing to her embrace, I will thank her for giving me the best part of her life and loving me like no other. Writing Prompt Begin your non-fiction autobiographical story or poem with the words 'I remember...' Complete the sentence conveying a moment, an object, a feeling, etc. This does not have to be a profound memory, but should allow readers insight into your feelings, observations and/or thoughts. Use at least 100, but not more than 1,000 words. The count should be stated in your author notes. Recognized Author Notes February 2, 2011, marked the 50th anniversary of my mother's going to heaven. This is a tribute to her. Thanks to CammyCards for Roses of Yesterday. Word Count: 376.

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