Thursday 12 December 2013

FRIDAY FICTIONEERS - A HAPPY BIRTHDAY - MY 100 WORDS BY LINDA PALUND



A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

            I offered her trucks and trains, but she only wanted to play with dolls.  Above all, she wanted to be a fairy princess. 
            Who was I kidding?  My daughter would never have choices.  She was born sick and even after the operation, she would never run and play like the other kids.
            She’s 37 years old today and I don’t think she’s ever had a moment of true happiness.  If only I was the fairy princess, I would wave my magic wand and make her well. 
            Then I would wish her a Happy Birthday and my wish would come true.

This Dabble in FLASH FICTION is from FRIDAY FICTIONEERS courtesy of:
and you can comment on mine below:

24 comments:

  1. Hi Linda,
    This story is saturated with sadness, both for the mother and daughter. The wistfulness of the mother's wish is heartbreaking. ron

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  2. heartbreaking story...perhaps one of the saddest things that a mother could experience

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    1. So many heartbreaking stories in this world...

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    1. I am glad that you are touched, but sad for my story...

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  4. Painful story, spoken like a mother... Ultimately, we all wish for your kid's happiness. Nice job!

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    1. Truly is a mother's story. So many sad ones out there...

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  5. You bummed me out this week, Linda, not that that's very hard to do. This wasn't so much a story as a frozen moment in time of a very sad and difficult life. It was very effective and does make you realize the tragedy all around and the heartbreak of people who cope with it. I understand. Well done. Now, have a happy birthday. Can ya? Okay?

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  6. Everyone yearns for a happy healthy baby, but not everyone is blessed in that way. This underlined that, sensitively. Well done Linda.

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  7. Haven't we all wished for that magic wand, to make everything ok? To kiss a child and make it all better... Very poignant, Linda.

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    1. You are so right. If only there was that magic wand...

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  8. Hi Linda,
    I've returned because there's a rumor you're having a birthday and I wanted to wish you a hearty celebration of your fascinating life! I did want to caution you about Greeks bearing gifts. Ho Ho Ho. Drink some retsina for me and enjoy your special day. Ron

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    1. Thanks so much, Ron! I was out last week, but came back again. The Greeks are always bearing gifts it seems. They have special gift shops that stay open until midnight, full of poisonous treats, probably... I had a happy birthday, but you will have to drink your own Retsina - that is an acquired taste that I have not acquired!

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  9. Oh, so terribly sad. I'm finding it so amazing how shoes can recall our basic needs in life. This is has been such an interesting one this week. I enjoyed your story! Is it your birthday? If so, Happy Birthday, Linda! Enjoy! - Amy

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    1. Thank you for the Birthday Wishes - I guess there are a lot of Sagittarians amongst us, because there have been a lot of Birthdays lately.

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  10. How we take our well being and wholeness for granted and yet crib about not having this or that-but have no idea what life is about without these blessings!Your piece has brought home that fact so sensitively Linda-a poignant tale of a Mother's love and heart felt wish for her daughter-beautifully handled:-)

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    1. Thank you. You do get that rush of feeling, when you yourself are suffering, and you see families like this; you instantly think, "it could actually be worse."

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  11. Dear Linda,

    You've captured the mother's heart. It doesn't matter when our children are adults. We still want to kiss their wounds and make them better. And as Sandra said, it's a good reminder that not every baby is born healthy. Well done. Happy birthday.

    shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Thanks, Rochelle. Yes, it can always be worse...and some of us are not so lucky. However, I did have a happy birthday as you know and am busily trying to finish another novel...

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  12. This is heartbreakingly sad.. how come that some people are out of luck to start... I find the solace that there is a mother to care for her.. Best wishes..

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  13. That is so sad. I thank God every day that my children were born healthy.

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  14. Happy things first--a very happy and blessed birthday to you! Your story was beautifully written and terribly sad. There are so many things we wish we could do for our children, spouses, friend or whomever that we just can't do. I have an online friend who, with her husband, have adopted a large number of Down's Syndrome children. I'm constantly amazed by that!

    janet

    janet

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