Image courtesy of Liz Young
I paint on the smile that won’t reach my eyes and smooth my dress as though that will suddenly make me lose 10lbs. Today I want to be sparkling. Beautiful. Brilliant.
The church is full. The bride is young, thin, radiant. As full of hope as I once was. I bite back tears. I won’t cry. I won’t.
You’re so handsome as you walk down the aisle. I try to catch your eye but I’m invisible to you now. But I’m still your mum and I cling to that thought as tightly as you once clung to my hand.
Be happy, my love.
‘Letting Go’ was written for Friday Fictioneers. A weekly 100 word story challenge, inspired by a photo prompt. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting – you can check out the other entries, or join in, here.
fabricating fiction 
Captures the mixed emotions of all parents as their offspring grow up far too quickly. Touching scene, nicely done Louise.
Thanks Iain. I’ve not been there yet but with 3 boys it’s just a matter of time!
I think I’ll be okay with the boy, the daughter on the other hand…!
Yes I can imagine!
Very sweetly done.
Describes superbly the pain of no longer being the centre of someone’s life when they still mean the world to you.
That summed it up perfectly Ceayr.
Awww, took me through a range of emotions. That first line is magic! I love how the reveal was left to the very end. Well done!
Thanks Jessie.
Very poignant, you captured the emotion so well.
Thanks – feeling quite emotional today.
Beautiful and poignant perspective.
Thanks Joseph.
I’ve seen all four of mine married and I cried every time. I also never managed to find an outfit to make me shine!
It makes me emotional at the thought! Luckily mine have lovely partners so will be the gaining a daughter thing for me I hope.
Nice twist thee, Louise, as in the opening I thought it was a jilted ex viewing the scene. I only have one child – a boy – and although he’s only 12, he’s already pulling away. Soon enough he’ll need me a lot less than I need him. As a parent, you want them to be happy and independent. But it’s heartbreaking too. Nicely done
Thanks Lynn. Yes happiness is independence is what we hope for them. Hard to be on the sidelines though. Thanks goodness for words to lose ourselves in!
Yes, happy to lose myself in words and invented people and new worlds – always
Dear Louise,
I have three sons, too. They’re all grown and married. You’ve captured a mother’s heart brilliantly.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle – I’m looking forward to the next stage of (hopefully) grandchildren one day.
I have never been a parent but I can imagine how heart-breaking it would be. You captured that emotion very well.
Thanks very much.
For some reason I was thinking about the last scene in The Graduate!
Ah! Thanks of reading!
I have three sons. Been there 🙂
And have the wedding hat!
I really appreciated this. It was beautifully written and summed up all those thoughts. I have been seriously ill for a long time and haven’t expected to see my kids get married so there’ll definitely be a lot of tears and jubilation when I do. I have been well for quite awhile now and it’s starting to look like a possibility…more than a dream.
xx Rowena
How touching Rowena – so pleased your health has improved. Wishing you the best for the future x
Thanks very much xx Rowena
This can be a difficult time for parents even under the best of circumstances. It’s even worse when you child disregards you completely because of who they fell in love with.
That must be so hard James. Luckily I get on well with my sons’ choice of partners.
Beautifully done, Louise.
Thanks Sandra!
That was beautiful.. just D* beautiful! Loved it!
Thanks so much.
My heart goes out to the mother.
Mine too – thanks for reading.
So beautifully done, Louise. I have two sons and though they are still too young (please!) to marry, I can well understand no longer being the centre of their universe. I already am not even close…
Me neither! They are all happy though which is the main thing.
and smooth my dress as though that will suddenly make me lose 10lbs This is a superb line that counterbalances the svelte bride. You described letting go very nicely.
Thanks Alicia. It wasn’t too hard to imagine!
You brought a tear to the eyes. My experience is we never give up worrying for other children however old.
You are definitely right there Mike.
The first paragraph grabbed my heart and held it. I am humbled by the images and emotions you elicit in these short stories.
That’s very kind of you to say – thank you.
Beautiful, Louise. Just beautiful!
Five out of five nosegays.
Much appreciated – thanks!
Such sadness on what should be a happy day. Letting go is never easy.
She’ll probably get drunk at the reception and be fine 😉
a moving piece with a sweet ending. anyway, i’ve heard that no woman would be good enough for a mother’s son especially if he’s a mama’s boy. 🙂
Thanks – mothers and sons is a special relationship.
well, i couldn’t disagree. when i was in italy for a vacation, i heard that the wife has finally made it when the italian husband says she cooks as good as his mom. 🙂
This felt very real to me… and I really like the tension of who’s perspective it was… I thought it was an ex…
Thanks – I thought it might be an ex too at the beginning.
The sad moment of the nestling fledging, expertly told.
Great character sketch at this moment in her life! I like the transition of feelings that might be insecurity and envy to wishing her son and daughter-in-law well.
Thanks Emily.
The emotions are described so well! The title is perfect for the photo prompt! Great.
Thanks for reading.
Pleasure! I made my second attempt this week for the Friday Fictionners challenge!
I read yours – it was great 😃
Thanks a million!!
Beautifully told. Such an array of emotions.
Thanks Clare.
Beautifully setup from the start to finish.
Thanks very much.
As a mum of a son, this really reached me.
Thanks Honie 💕
As a mother who has now seen all three chicks fly, this really touches a chord. Nice job, Louise!
Thank you Dawn. I’ve still got 2 at home – I’m not letting them go!
That’s what she (I) said. 😉
I think I have another reason not to merry now. And my mom will love this one 🙂
Thanks Tamal!
That’s beautiful, sweet, and also bittersweet. I don’t know if the regret I think I read comes from letting go, or the mum’s own choices in life.
Not sure but thanks for reading!
My youngest is 24 and in love.
This is so true, especially for mothers of sons.
Thanks Dawn. I have 3.
I have two but my oldest is much older.
My baby is about to move out. I blogged about it today.
I read it – my favourite colour!
Very good – succinctly captures potent emotions.
Thanks Martin.