At first, she thought it was all a misunderstanding.
Alexandra Coimbra, Sociedade Portuguesa de Psicanálise At first, she thought it was all a misunderstanding. She couldn't have heard right: ‘It's awful!’ said the children. ‘What do you mean, it's awful?’ I asked. I had spent a lot of time making that dinner, even though I don't even like cooking. ‘Eat up and stop complaining,’ I said peremptorily. Looking glum, my nephews and their friend took another spoonful... I sat down at the table and tasted the soup. It really was awful, they were right. I told them: ‘You don't have to eat the soup. Come on, I'll serve you the main course.’ Smiles and very satisfied faces as they pushed their soup plates aside, but the look of struggling to eat returned when they took their first bite of meat. No, it can't be, I thought. Could it be that it's not tasty either? Before asking any questions, I decided to taste it, and indeed, it was quite bad. I said aloud: ‘Children, forget it, let's go to the pizzeria!’ Great joy, and we all went to eat pizza. Carolina Bacchi, Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC) At first, they thought it was all a misunderstanding. The urgency of her decision left no room for negotiations. Life had been on hold—always postponed during years of caring for the children, her bedridden mother, and finally, Antonio. Luiza had always been a woman of strong responsibilities and had never placed herself at the center of her own choices. Her children were surprised by the firmness and calm in the way she communicated her decision. They still tried to stop her, even suggesting that perhaps she was too old for this kind of change. I don’t have time for postponements. Antonio was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s amidst financial confusion and a distant absence that was often mistaken for deafness. Luiza had noticed, but she was afraid to face the truth. She postponed the doctor’s visit. He’s just getting older and forgetful, she told her friends at Wednesday lunch. But when the condo fee went unpaid and the overdue notice arrived, Luiza could no longer believe the story she had been trying to create. Antonio could no longer manage the bills, and the diagnosis came—like the gate to an abandoned farm, overgrown with weeds under the scorching sun—and crossing through it was all that remained.
82
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker