Within Reach

by Jill Bisker

Within Reach is the contemporary fiction story of Emma, a woman coming to terms with her mother’s increasing dementia and the everyday challenges associated with it. .

While serving as caregiver for her mother, she inexplicably finds herself ‘re-living’ specific events from her past, including times spent with her parents when she was a child. She soon wonders if her own sanity is slipping as she struggles to understand what is happening to her. If she can unlock the meaning of the visions from her past, she might be able to face the uncertainty of her future. Her mother must have the key—if only she can reach her.

33 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2014

About the author

I write non-fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. I love to connect with other readers to discuss the craft of writing and world building, so feel free to friend me.

Reviews

[Jenny Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted with this short story.
It is an unexpectedly moving tale about a daughter trying to come to terms with losing her mother, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Emma helplessly watches as her mother’s personality gradually disintegrates. But suddenly things take a ‘Twilight Zone’ turn.
I’m not going to tell you what happens next for fear of spoiling it for you. Suffice to say it touches on time travel and magic.
This is a story not just for those who like to have their emotions stirred but for anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi and fantasy.
It is beautifully-written with an easy, readable style and, unusually these days, no typographical or grammatical errors.
A pleasure to read.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within Reach by Jill Bisker

Emma is accepting and facing her mother’s dementia. Everyday day becomes a challenge for Emma and her Mother. Emma finds herself reminiscing of her past and the time spent with her Mother before her Dementia.

Emma soon wonders if her own sanity is slipping. She feels the need to understand her visions (from her past). It Seems only her Mother can help her, but will she be able to with her deteriorating mind.

A fascinating and touching story of a daughters love for her ailing mother. Emma is faced with struggles as well as her Mother. The time she spends with her (mother) seem to put her back in time, days of her youth.

I really enjoyed this short story. Anyone who has ever loved someone who has Dementia/Alzheimer's and other diseases that affect the mind, will (probably) relate to this story. I know I did. A true five star read, I suggest Within Reach to readers (of all genres).

[Jody Vitek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within Reach is a very moving and touching story about Emma and the relationship she has with her mother who is suffering with dementia. When Emma finds a special box her father carved with a seashell from her childhood inside, something happens and questions arise that she wants to ask her mother. Questions go unasked and when a small agate replaces the shell, she questions her own sanity.
Within Reach is a short, fast, fulfilling story I recommend everyone reads. The ending will have you looking within yourself.

[Nancy Pennick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within Reach is a poignant, relevant shot story. Many families are struggling with older family members facing dementia and Ms. Bisker handles it with care and realism. If you ever been through this with a loved one, it will bring tears to your eyes. Even if you haven’t, the story will touch your heart. I enjoyed the touch of fantasy in the story and how it helped Emma come to terms with her mother’s eventual passing.

[Erin Pemberton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within Reach is a wonderful short tale that gives the reader the inside view to a daughter’s last days with her mom whose mind is slipping away. This book pointed out to me how important everyday moments are and how I shouldn’t let a single one slide by without preserving it in a lifetime of memories to cherish! The perfect read for a rainy afternoon!

[Charmaine Pauls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the moving story of a daughter who has to deal with her mother's dementia. Slowly, Emma's mother is disappearing in front of her eyes. In only a few pages we feel like we really know the characters, and what they are going through. It is a well-written story of not only sadness, but also of hope, and of the beauty and curing quality of love.

[Joanne Rawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get the paper tissues ready! I just loved Jill’ moving contemporary fiction short story, of a daughter coming to terms with her mother’s dementia.