Thursday, April 12, 2012

VAN-WINKLE TUNNEL


Above is another wonderful photo prompt provided by Madison Woods FridayFictioneers (4/13/12).


Below is my 100-word short story inspired by Madison's photo prompt.
                                 
                            *** VAN-WINKLE TUNNEL ***


Before construction of the new highway and pedestrian tunnel, this area was our neighborhood playground. My favorite place, where I played with chums after school, until the accident.


Mom came every Sunday to visit my memorial plaque which rests at the mouth of the tunnel; dedicated in my memory, Ellie Van-Winkle. She sat on the left bench, knitting or reading the Bible. She evolved from fancy hats and high heels to comfortable walking shoes; a cane, a shawl and finally a walker. Then she came no more. But I don't miss her. She now sits beside me and the angels.


*** 
This story is dedicated to my beloved mom who entered this world on 4/14/1912. She was born the day of the Titanic tragedy... 4/14/2012 is their 100th Anniversary.
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50 comments:

  1. BethApril 13, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    Wonderful, touching story, Lora. I loved this--especially how you depicted how many years the mother visited the memorial via her clothes, shoes, cane and finally a walker. Very effective.

    My story, "Shell Shocked" is here: http://www.banterwithbeth.blogspot.com/

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    1. LoraApril 13, 2012 at 9:23 PM

      Thank you dear Beth - Loved your sad, but true story. Hope she put that emerald-cut diamond in the vault. Help pay for her future child's college tuition.

      Delete
  2. Amanda GrayApril 13, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    A very poignant story that is nice I like it.

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  3. Amanda GrayApril 13, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    I keep forgetting here is my link! http://createrealitylivelife.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/something-watches/

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    1. LoraApril 14, 2012 at 6:19 AM

      Yes, Tks, I left a comment earlier.

      Delete
  4. Douglas MacIlroyApril 13, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    Dear Lora,

    A lovely story about a mother's love and the vagaries of fate. I'm glad they're together again. Nice tug at the heartstrings.

    Aloha,

    Doug

    http://ironwoodwind.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/bermuda-triangle-summer/

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    Replies
    1. LoraApril 14, 2012 at 6:21 AM

      Aloha Doug... thanks for your touching comments.

      Delete
  5. ParulApril 13, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    Thanks for sharing this Lora.

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  6. littlewonder2April 14, 2012 at 2:40 AM

    I love how you were able to use the Van Winkle name in your story, and how the mother gradually aged and matured.

    And the dedication, that was interesting in itself, and sweet.

    http://littlewonder2.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/friday-fictioneers-halfway-bridge/

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    1. LoraApril 14, 2012 at 6:22 AM

      Hi Littlewonder2...thank you for your sweet comments.

      Delete
  7. Sandra CrookApril 14, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    That was really sad Lora. And a novel way of describing the passage of time, very well done.

    Mine's here: http://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/a-place-to-die-for-friday-fictioneers-13-april-2012/#comment-1199

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    1. LoraApril 14, 2012 at 6:23 AM

      HI Sandra: Tks for commenting. Coming your way soon.

      Delete
  8. AnonymousApril 14, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    Thanks for sharing. A very touching story.


    Here's mine

    http://tollykitsjourney.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/flash-fiction-story-1-for-fridayfictioneers/

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  9. Vada M WolterApril 14, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    Loved the description of the passage of time. here is mine http://www.vadamwolter.blogspot.com/

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    1. LoraApril 14, 2012 at 5:04 PM

      Hi: Tks for visiting. I'm working my way through the others...albeit slowly.

      Delete
  10. AnonymousApril 14, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    Once again, I didn't realize the voice was from the beyond until the last line. I really liked how you made that transition and surprised me.

    Mine is here: http://erinleary.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/flash-friday-fiction-2/

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    1. LoraApril 14, 2012 at 5:05 PM

      Hi Erin: Thks for your comments. Will get to yours soon.

      Delete
  11. RuthApril 14, 2012 at 6:39 PM

    Too cool! Really like it.

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  12. AnonymousApril 14, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    This story was so beautiful and so sad and I totally loved it, especially the ending with the mother aging and finally being with the narrator again. I don't think I've read one approach to the prompt that focused on the name of the tunnel so congrats on a unique take. I think this is probably my favorite story so far. I hope today hasn't been too difficult for you.

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    1. LoraApril 14, 2012 at 9:37 PM

      Hi Michael: Your comments have touched my heart...gave me wings and a bloated ego. Today was a day tied to the laptop for hours responding to all the wonderful, unique stories...a list which gets longer and longer with each weekly prompt...Tks to Madison. Hope I didn't miss anyone. Thank you again for your lovely comments.

      Delete
    2. LoraApril 14, 2012 at 10:20 PM

      Michael...It finally dawned on me what you meant by your last line. How thoughtful and sweet of you. Yes, my thoughts have been with my mom today on her birthday and a candle has been lit all day in her memory. They say the departed respond to candlelight...I hope it's so.

      Delete
  13. RussellApril 14, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    Aw . . . a touching little story, masterfully crafted. Truly enjoyable.

    thanks for the nice comment on mine :)

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    1. LoraApril 15, 2012 at 12:36 AM

      Hi Russell: Was looking forward to your visit. Thank you for all the joy (and many chuckles) your witty stories bring to my life. Especially during this time when I needed a pick-me-up on mom's memorial birthday...which occurred today, Apr. 14th.

      Delete
  14. ShirleyApril 14, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing.

    Mine: Oops. Mine's at http://shirleymccann.blogspot.com/2012/04/nightmare.html

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  15. LoraApril 15, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Hi Shirley: Thanks for visiting and commenting. Will visit yours soon.

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  16. JudeeApril 15, 2012 at 3:14 AM

    A touching story, sad, but not-so. And a lovely dedication to your mom.

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  17. LoraApril 15, 2012 at 3:43 AM

    Hi Judee: Thank you for visiting and thank you for mentioning my mom.

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  18. tedstrutzApril 15, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    That was a beautiful response to the photo. I usually don't read comments until I make mine, but I did read the first one, and Beth said it all for me. Clever way to depict the passing of time, and very touching.

    http://tedstrutz.com/2012/04/15/as-the-locket-turns/

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  19. Jan MorrillApril 15, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    This is a wonderful tribute to your mom, Lora. I love the way you created a passage of time with so few words. Excellent!

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  20. Jake KaleApril 15, 2012 at 5:30 PM

    Two souls, both keeping lonely vigils on either side of the divide. A very sad, very moving thought. And very well told, too.

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    1. LoraApril 15, 2012 at 8:47 PM

      Thank you, Jake. Love your insightful comments.

      Delete
  21. AnonymousApril 15, 2012 at 6:28 PM

    A very bittersweet story, but a sweet honor to write something for your mother's birthday, Lora.

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  22. LoraApril 15, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Thank you, Madison.

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  23. Reading PleasureApril 16, 2012 at 6:28 AM

    This is so touching, Lora. The narrator, a ghost, or an angel, is such a lovey and spiritual twist that adds a different dimension to the story. The mother's visits to the memorial while showing an act of selfless love and dedication, also give us the stages in life one goes through beofore final dealth, a sort of 'rite de passage'. And you described that so wonderfully, using fashion imagery. Thanks for this and thank you for stopping over at my blog

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    1. LoraApril 17, 2012 at 12:54 AM

      Hi ~ Thank you for taking the time to write such in-depth comments. Pleased to hear my story touched you.

      Delete
  24. The LimeApril 16, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    This is a lovely story, Lora. I agree with Madison's "bittersweet" description -- it is that. But the sweetness is good. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. LoraApril 17, 2012 at 12:50 AM

      Hi Lime: Thanks for stopping by. Sweetness is good.

      Delete
  25. Susan WenzelApril 16, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    I like how you illustrated the passing of time. Sweet take on the photo prompt this week!

    ~Susan

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    1. LoraApril 17, 2012 at 12:49 AM

      Hi Susan: Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

      Delete
  26. UnknownApril 16, 2012 at 4:35 PM

    Lora! That is beautiful! Made me tear. =)

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    1. LoraApril 17, 2012 at 12:48 AM

      Hi Brooke: Thank you for visiting and sweet comments.

      Delete
    2. LoraApril 17, 2012 at 12:56 AM

      Also, pleased to read that my little story touched you enough to bring up a tear or two.

      Delete
  27. Rochelle Wisoff-FieldsApril 25, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    A very sweet tribute, Lora.

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  28. LoraApril 26, 2012 at 12:29 AM

    Thank you, Rochelle.

    ReplyDelete

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