Open Writing

When I was a lad my Aunt Chrissie wemt blind. I would often go out with her to the shops to ensure that she came to no harm.

One day, after visiting the newsagent's to pay for the papers and purchase a comic, we visited the grocer’s. I guided her around, informing her of the price of the goods she wished to buy.

At the cash check-out, my Aunt paid for the goods and the cashier carefully counted the change into her hand. Everyone in the shopping precinct knew my Aunt and went out of their way to be helpful and courteous.

After visiting the local café for a cup of tea I asked if she would like to go to the park. I loved the park, and I knew that she did too.

My Aunttook hold of my hand. ‘Yes I would,’ she replied, ‘You’re a good boy Mickey.' That was the nickname she gave me.

We headed for the play area in the park. I guided Aunt Chrissie to bench.
Normally she would sit there while I played for a few minutes on the swings and slides. On this particular day she did sit down. She kept hold of my arm. ‘Would you mind putting me on one of the swings?’ she asked. 'I haven't had a go on a swing in ages.'

I guided her onto a swing then watched as she held onto the chain supports and moved herself to and fro.

She was smiling. She seemed to be remembering something from many years ago.
I found that I was enjoying myself, watching my Aunt's enjoyment. The swing creaked as it took her higher and higher.

I began to get a little worried. The swing was going so high. But Aunt Chrissie was laughing, and her laughter was contagious because I also started to laugh. She was in full control of the situation.

After several minutes Aunt Chrissie slowed the swing to a gentler pace. When it finally came to a halt her face was beaming. ‘I haven’t had so much fun in a long time.’ she said, out of breath, reaching for my arm.

I helped her off the swing.

Aunt Chrissie rubbed her hand through my hair. ‘Now take me to the bench please,’ she laughed. ‘You go and enjoy yourself for awhile.’

I played on the swings for a while, but I couldn’t wait to get home to tell the family what Aunt Chrissie had been doing.

Walking back through the park I described the flowers to my Aunt. I described what I saw. and she knew the names of the blooms. At one time she had been a keen gardener.

‘Are the boats on the lake today?’ she asked. She was feeling around inside her handbag.

‘They’re open at two o’clock.’ I replied. My Aunt knew that I liked going on the paddleboats, but usually I couldn’t afford the price of a ticket.

Clutching my tiny hand, Aunt Chrissie placed something inside it and closed my fingers over it. ‘This is for making me laugh again.’ she told me. ‘You can go on the boats later, after you have taken me home.'

There was a sixpence in my hand. I gave her a big kiss on the cheek.

‘Mickey,' my Aunt said 'remember two things. Remember the sun, the clouds, the blue skies. They will always be there. Enjoy them while you have the ability to see them. And listen to the birds. When they are singing they are happy. If they stop singing, then is the time to worry.'

I understood what she meant.

If you think my stories are true, then they probably are.

If you think my stories are fiction, then just relax and enjoy the tales.

Meet Mike and read some great stories
http://www.btinternet.com/~mikeco158/mike.htm

Mike's "first hand" disability access reviews
http://www.btinternet.com/~mikeco158/disabacc.htm