This story is now published as part of the anthology ‘Loyal and True’.
The house was designed and built for Dr Josiah Colantro back in the 1880s.
He was an ‘old school’ GP; home visits — knew everyone’s name.
Watched them come into this world and cared for them on the way out.
He was highly respected; after all, no doctor, no town, but it was more than dependence that caused people to respect and love him.
He lived and worked in that house for many years until it passed to his son and finally to his grandson. I say finally because it was events in the modern era that saw this house fall into disrepair.
People often told Simon Colantro that he had a gear loose.
He was used to derogatory remarks, he had heard them all his life.
But, someone once said that you get what you focus on, so I suppose it was not really a surprise when it happened.
He collapsed in the waiting room of a famous dentist and was rushed to the Emergency Ward of the local hospital.
His grandfather was a GP back in the day, and this hospital was one of his legacies. He fought tooth and nail to have it established, so it was fitting that his grandson should receive care at this establishment.
He was rushed to surgery and discharged within ten days; he was a quick healer.
The worn gear that they removed from his head went home with him in a glass jar.
The hospital staff were sworn to secrecy, but there were still rumours.
People in a small town being what they are, eventually drove Simon Colantro from his home. He was different, and they were not going to tolerate ‘different’.
No one really knows what happened to Simon, but one thing is for sure; rust was his constant companion.
Photo credit: Not my photo but I forget where I got it from, probably a blog on WordPress. If it’s yours, put your hand up, and I will gladly give you credit for this amazing shot.
Thank you for the comments.
The grandfather looking down is an interesting point.
I wonder what our ancestors think of our efforts, our triumphs and failures?
My wife dug out her family history before she left for the airport tonight and I’ll bet that there are stories in there of generations that went off the rails for whatever reasons.
No matter how hard we plan for the future each generation has its own fate in its hands. I’m sure that every parent knows this feeling.
Terry
Thank you for those kind words, it pleases me greatly that you found it interesting. I loved writing it. Fiction is not a strong point for me but every now and then an idea immerges.
Terry.
Great, touching story. And what a perfect picture choice? The juxtaposition of the deterioration of the isolated house while the tree blossoms and remains bountiful is so poignant.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I’m very pleased that you were touched by what I wrote.
I agree about the photo, it is amazing, stunning even.
Wasn’t I lucky to have it to go with this story?
The photo is a story in itself.
Terry.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I’m very pleased that you were touched by what I wrote.
I agree about the photo, it is amazing, stunning even.
Wasn’t I lucky to have it to go with this story?
The photo is a story in itself.
Terry.
I really enjoy looking at photos of old buildings, falling down, in ruins. The fact that there is a story behind these buildings is an area I hadn’t explored before. I have several pics on my blog of buildings, but unlike you, mine are just the picture, with an occasional comment.
Then now would be the time to go back and built a back story for those photos. Once you get going you will be amazed by what ends up on the page. Please let me know what you come up with.
Terry
araneus1 
That is a sad and di9sturbing journey. You wonder what his grandfather would make of it all if he was looking from above
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Thank you for the comments.
The grandfather looking down is an interesting point.
I wonder what our ancestors think of our efforts, our triumphs and failures?
My wife dug out her family history before she left for the airport tonight and I’ll bet that there are stories in there of generations that went off the rails for whatever reasons.
No matter how hard we plan for the future each generation has its own fate in its hands. I’m sure that every parent knows this feeling.
Terry
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A loving tribute, a troubling story
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Thank you on both counts.
Terry
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What an interesting story. Thanks for posting.
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Thank you for those kind words, it pleases me greatly that you found it interesting. I loved writing it. Fiction is not a strong point for me but every now and then an idea immerges.
Terry.
LikeLike
Great, touching story. And what a perfect picture choice? The juxtaposition of the deterioration of the isolated house while the tree blossoms and remains bountiful is so poignant.
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I’m very pleased that you were touched by what I wrote.
I agree about the photo, it is amazing, stunning even.
Wasn’t I lucky to have it to go with this story?
The photo is a story in itself.
Terry.
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I’m very pleased that you were touched by what I wrote.
I agree about the photo, it is amazing, stunning even.
Wasn’t I lucky to have it to go with this story?
The photo is a story in itself.
Terry.
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I love that photo!
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Me too
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I really enjoy looking at photos of old buildings, falling down, in ruins. The fact that there is a story behind these buildings is an area I hadn’t explored before. I have several pics on my blog of buildings, but unlike you, mine are just the picture, with an occasional comment.
LikeLike
Then now would be the time to go back and built a back story for those photos. Once you get going you will be amazed by what ends up on the page. Please let me know what you come up with.
Terry
LikeLike