“Exploring life through fiction, together.”

My Grandad took months to die. Day by day we watched him slip away, losing himself, becoming something else. At the end, he didn’t seem to recognise us, he didn’t know where he was, or why he was in such pain. He spent weeks stuck there, clinging to life.

Fiction Bite - P.S. There're cookies in the cupboard

This is not a story. There’s not a happy ending, no lucky turn of fate. No fairy godmother. No prince charming with a magic kiss. This is me dying.

They gave me two months to live. I only needed two days. I could see the strain in your faces as you tried to be hopeful. Plus, I’ve lost bladder control.

Why should I become a shitting, pissing vegetable, pushed full of pills to eke out another useless day? Better to die with dignity. Better to die without dignity, but faster.

By the time you read this, you can’t save me. Don’t try, I won’t thank you.

Whatever you feel now, it’ll change.

I love you and always will.

Mum xxx

Quote of the Week

“Life is like a play: it's not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters.” ― Seneca

Book recommendation - The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need by Daniel H. Pink [Manga, Self-Help]

I bought this on a whim and I’m glad I did. I liked the characters, was surprised by the level of story, and enjoyed the humour. On top of that, they packed great career advice in while not breaking the narrative. They lean pretty light on referencing which helps, and I know from other reading their suggestions have a strong evidence backing. I think this is going to be my go to book to give to people who are wanting to change things up with work.

Final Words

Was it better we had those last few months with him? I’m not sure. Now, I remember him unable to talk, staring at me with terror as I changed his nappy. Now I hear his groans and whimpers. I can’t hear his laugh. I struggle to remember his smile. They kept me company for years, but the end crashed over them. How do I hold his memory? Do I try and forget the state he was in for those final months, or do I need to graft that into how I choose to remember him?

With Love,

Josiah

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