The Kites Festival

This short story is from <Feel Better Compilation of Short Stories for Seniors> by Bradley Windrow. It is perfect for seniors, even for dementia patients. Be sure to read until the end, as there’s a special gift waiting for you! hope you enjoy it!

Imagination is the highest kite one can fly. –Lauren Bacall

Mrs. Clara had been confined to the hospital for what felt like an eternity. Battling a long illness, she often found solace in the simple pleasures that life still offered. One of these was the monthly kite festival that took place in the park just outside her window. Each month, she watched the vibrant kites dancing in the sky, filling her with a longing to be part of the joyful event. From her hospital bed, she marveled at the colorful display, the kites’ tails fluttering in the breeze. The sight filled her with a mixture of happiness and yearning. She often dreamt of feeling the wind on her face and the thrill of flying a kite high into the sky.

One bright and sunny morning, as she watched the kites from her window, Mrs. Clara’s son, David, walked in with a broad smile on his face. He was holding a brightly colored kite in his hands.

“Mom, I have a surprise for you,” he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “How would you like to go to the kite festival today?”

Tears welled up in Mrs. Clara’s eyes. “Oh, David, really? I’ve dreamed of this for so long!”

David carefully helped his mother get into a wheelchair, and they made their way to the park. The festive atmosphere enveloped them as soon as they arrived. Children ran around with kites trailing behind them, and families laughed and cheered as their kites soared. The air was filled with music, laughter, and the vibrant colors of countless kites.

David found a perfect spot for them under a shady tree and spread out the materials. Together, they began to assemble the kite, their fingers working together to attach the colorful fabric to the frame. Mrs. Clara’s eyes sparkled with joy as she painted a beautiful design on the kite, her hands steady despite her illness.

“Ready to fly it, Mom?” David asked, his hands steadying the finished kite.

“Ready,” Mrs. Clara replied, her voice filled with emotion.

As they launched the kite into the sky, a cheer erupted from the nearby participants. Mrs. Clara’s heart soared along with the kite. The sensation of holding the string, feeling the tug of the wind, brought tears of joy to her eyes. She watched as the kite climbed higher and higher, twirling and dancing among the other kites. The sense of freedom and exhilaration was indescribable. David handed her the string, and she guided the kite with a skill she didn’t know she possessed.

Surrounded by the festive atmosphere, Mrs. Clara joined other kite enthusiasts in flying their creations. Her spirit soared as high as the kites themselves. She even took part in the kite games, her laughter and joy echoing through the park. For the first time, she didn’t think about her sickness; she felt like a child again, carefree and full of life.

As the sun began to set, Mrs. Clara’s kite was the last one flying in the sky. She held on tightly to the string, not wanting to let go of this moment. But as darkness crept in, she knew it was time to bring her kite back down to earth. The experience had rejuvenated her, bringing her immense happiness and a renewed sense of hope. She looked at David, her heart overflowing with love and appreciation.

“Thank you, David,” she said, her voice soft but full of emotion. “This is a day I will cherish forever.”

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