10 Comments
User's avatar
James (HVR)'s avatar

I did wonder about this.

Also, the part about graves as presents got me.

Notes from the Hill's avatar

lol dad sure knows how to give great gifts 🎁 😄

James (HVR)'s avatar

🤔 😳

Jay Allen Ford's avatar

I truly appreciate the subtle blend of humor and sorrow in this piece. Embracing the sheer absurdity of the 'machinery of death'—ranging from the Plaster of Paris makeup to a neighbor named Dave dropping by just for the best sandwiches—beautifully captures how we navigate life today. The closing moment, with Uncle Paul calling out 'Elle,' offers a heartfelt and comforting ending. I hope someone brightened the lighting for him to make it even more special.

Thorn's avatar

Beautifully written. 🫂💚

Notes from the Hill's avatar

thank you so much for reading!

Dawn's avatar

Absolutely beautiful

Notes from the Hill's avatar

ty so much for reading 💙

John Madrid's avatar

The line about tending the graves being easier than knowing what to do for the living is the one that got me. That's exactly it. The dead give you a task you can finish. With the living you never get that clean an ending. That was beautiful. I'm writing a novel that explores a lot of this. Subscribing here.

Notes from the Hill's avatar

Thank you, John. That’s exactly what I meant. The dead give you something finite to do. The living are where everything stays messy and unfinished. I really appreciate you reading, and I’m glad the piece found you. Good luck with the novel. It sounds like we’re working through some of the same ghosts.