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Banned Words, by Jim Woessner

21/8/2020

 
When she started forgetting our names and repeating stories from when she was a child, our parents’ house became a fortress against words. Words like “dementia,” “Alzheimer’s,” and “madness.” It was as if the words themselves had somehow caused the disease and were no longer allowed inside. Our enforced silence became the hoped-for cure. No matter that it was more about shielding his ears than hers, about protecting him from the poison of fear. After she died, the banned words slowly returned, but they never lost their new meanings, never shed the weight they carried when they had entered uninvited.
Mary Wallace
21/8/2020 10:33:15 am

A story in many households. Well written.

Jim Woessner
22/8/2020 09:37:17 pm

Thanks so much, Mary. I appreciate your support.

Paritosh Chandra Dugar
21/8/2020 11:41:48 am

Meanings of words exist as much as we exist. Sometimes more than that. Such is the power of words! Well done, Jim.

Jim Woessner
22/8/2020 09:37:54 pm

Thanks. I appreciate your comment.

Marjan sierhuis
21/8/2020 02:11:27 pm

Nicely done, Jim.

Jim Woessner
22/8/2020 09:38:11 pm

Thanks so much.

Sandra James
21/8/2020 08:38:22 pm

So true and well written.

Jim Woessner
22/8/2020 09:38:45 pm

Thanks.

Ed N. White
21/8/2020 11:39:39 pm

This pain is felt in so many families. Thank you for shedding some light.

Jim Woessner
22/8/2020 09:39:12 pm

Thanks. I wish this was fiction.

Sue Clayton
22/8/2020 03:38:03 am

This was such a sad portrayal of how we block our minds, and ears, to shut out the pain of the inevitable. Beautiful story.

Jim Woessner
22/8/2020 09:39:32 pm

Yep. So true. Thanks.


Comments are closed.

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