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.

50 comments:

  1. 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. 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.

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  2. A very poignant story that is nice I like it.

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

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    1. Yes, Tks, I left a comment earlier.

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  4. 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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    1. Aloha Doug... thanks for your touching comments.

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

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

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

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

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

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  10. 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. 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.

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    2. 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.

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

    thanks for the nice comment on mine :)

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    1. 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.

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  12. What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing.

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

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

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

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

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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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. Thank you, Jake. Love your insightful comments.

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

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

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

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

    ~Susan

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    1. Hi Susan: Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

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

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    1. Hi Brooke: Thank you for visiting and sweet comments.

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

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