After the last mourner left the wind picked up. The sun had slipped beneath the horizon and the moon was a phantom in a sky the precise color of anger in a grieving mother’s eyes. Hard wind swayed the high grass as though an army of ghosts were marching through.
Over the years Bob Thurber’s work has received a long list of awards and prizes. His most recent book is a collection of brief stories titled “Nothing But Trouble.” His first novel, “Paperboy: A Dysfunctional Novel,” was recently rereleased. Visit BobThurber.net.
Our fearless leader and hardworking editor, Tim, had no idea of the odd coincidence of publishing this particular story today, December 16th. A friend this morning assured me its publication is “no coincidence.” And I’ll admit it’s certainly a serendipitous publication. On this date six-years ago, a chain of bizarre events unfolded that led to the shooting death of my daughter, Sarah Kate, mother of two young children. The loss of Sarah Kate marked the members of her family with permanent tattoos. I imagine all parents who lose a child carry this deep, invisible scarring, and continually, often wearily, balance its authority and its great weight, and experience the breathlessness of moments, the persistent gasping that disregards whatever the length of time, whatever the lull between heartbeats.
Good wishes to all.
BT
So sorry, Bob. I can’t imagine how painful it must be to lose a child.
I’m one of your fans, and a fellow struggler. Lost my child 6 years ago Dec 12; your words resonate.
My condolences, Lisa, to you and your family.
– BT