Because You’re A Writer

Summary

While staying overnight in the hospital with his semi-comatose and delirious mother-in-law, the author is reminded of his identity as a writer when she entrusts him with the task of sending an important letter, recognizing his core identity even in her diminished state.

Abstract

The author recounts a poignant experience of being with his mother-in-law in the hospital, where amidst her delirium, she insists on sending a letter by SpeedPost to avoid it arriving after a wedding. Despite her condition, she acknowledges the author as a writer and asks him to pen the letter, which deeply touches him. This moment is significant for the author, as it affirms his identity as a writer in the eyes of his mother-in-law, who, despite being generally reserved with her affections, recognizes this essential aspect of his identity. The encounter leaves the author feeling validated in his chosen profession, dispelling any doubts he may have had about his path.

Opinions

The author is deeply moved by his mother-in-law's recognition of his profession as a writer, despite her semi-comatose state.
The mother-in-law's ability to recall the author's identity as a writer, even when she struggles to remember his name, underscores

Because You’re A Writer

Photo by GDJ from Pixabay

Three weeks back, I stayed overnight in the hospital room, where my mother-in-law lay semi-comatose and delirious.

“The letter has to go out,” m-i-l said, addressing someone who appeared to be standing at the foot of her bed.

Her speech was slurred.

I walked over to her bedside. “What letter?”

“Send it by SpeedPost,” she said, looking straight ahead. “Otherwise, it’ll get there after the wedding.”

I touched her arm. “Don’t worry, I’ll mail it.”

Suddenly, she turned her head and looked at me. “You should write the letter.”

I blinked, startled by the directness of her gaze. “Why me?”

“Because you’re a writer.”

I was speechless.

My mother-in-law was caring but rarely expressive. That night, she couldn’t remember my name but she remembered what is quintessentially me.

I make no claims to brilliance. But her words banished all misgivings about calling myself a writer.