B5 FIC :: "Shattered Glass: A Journey - Afterward" [Susan/Talia, R]
INDEX & DISCLAIMER INFO { DW || LJ }
Afterward
I was privileged to know both General Ivanova and her lifemate Talia Winters for over fifty years before they both succumbed to the ravages of old age among the humans. Upon her return from the heinous clutches of Alfred Bester's abomination known as Control, Talia and I spent many long hours talking about so many more subjects that I can clearly recall at this exact moment in time. She became such an integral part in the progression of my first pregnancy, and I would not have been able to give birth to my son David without her telepathically calming projections during the delivery. She became a second mother to my children, particularly David. To this day, he jokes that he could feel her presence in the womb, and would sometimes forget that she wasn't his birth mother.
Susan and Talia faced some of the greatest diversity a couple could ever face, and beat the odds when they should have lost at some point. Theirs is a love story to remember for the ages. This is why I agreed to honor Susan's wishes about publishing this book after Talia's death. Because of the sensitivity of the information in this book, and the revelations of their relationship, I had chosen to wait until Susan had also passed from this mortal life before coming forward with this. It seemed only fitting to let their story be told without any potential embarrassment on their parts over such sensitive and private feelings.
Upon rereading these words written so many years ago, I am reminded of the depth of their feelings for each other. It is little surprise to me that they passed away within hours of each other. Once they'd been reunited, nothing would separate them again until Talia's death mere months ago. Sophie tells me that she found her mothers curled together in the bed they shared for more years that she's been alive, serene smiles on their faces that their struggles were finally over.
Would that we all could end our days in that same manner.
While I know they would be terribly embarrassed by the knowledge that other people have read the words in this book, I also know that both Susan and Talia would be happy to know that their story offered even a kernel of insight into the struggles they overcame to live a long and happy life together.
Wherever your spirits reside, my friends, may you never be separated again. And if you should see John, remind him that I still love and miss him after all these years.
Delenn Sheridan,
Former President of Earth,
25 March 2318
Original post @ Dreamwidth with
comments. Commenting is welcome on either post.
Afterward
I was privileged to know both General Ivanova and her lifemate Talia Winters for over fifty years before they both succumbed to the ravages of old age among the humans. Upon her return from the heinous clutches of Alfred Bester's abomination known as Control, Talia and I spent many long hours talking about so many more subjects that I can clearly recall at this exact moment in time. She became such an integral part in the progression of my first pregnancy, and I would not have been able to give birth to my son David without her telepathically calming projections during the delivery. She became a second mother to my children, particularly David. To this day, he jokes that he could feel her presence in the womb, and would sometimes forget that she wasn't his birth mother.
Susan and Talia faced some of the greatest diversity a couple could ever face, and beat the odds when they should have lost at some point. Theirs is a love story to remember for the ages. This is why I agreed to honor Susan's wishes about publishing this book after Talia's death. Because of the sensitivity of the information in this book, and the revelations of their relationship, I had chosen to wait until Susan had also passed from this mortal life before coming forward with this. It seemed only fitting to let their story be told without any potential embarrassment on their parts over such sensitive and private feelings.
Upon rereading these words written so many years ago, I am reminded of the depth of their feelings for each other. It is little surprise to me that they passed away within hours of each other. Once they'd been reunited, nothing would separate them again until Talia's death mere months ago. Sophie tells me that she found her mothers curled together in the bed they shared for more years that she's been alive, serene smiles on their faces that their struggles were finally over.
Would that we all could end our days in that same manner.
While I know they would be terribly embarrassed by the knowledge that other people have read the words in this book, I also know that both Susan and Talia would be happy to know that their story offered even a kernel of insight into the struggles they overcame to live a long and happy life together.
Wherever your spirits reside, my friends, may you never be separated again. And if you should see John, remind him that I still love and miss him after all these years.
Delenn Sheridan,
Former President of Earth,
25 March 2318
Original post @ Dreamwidth with
comments. Commenting is welcome on either post.