Overcoming Adversity

You know who's overcoming adversity? Andrew. 

Andrew has cerebral palsy. As if his physical challenges aren't enough, Andrew and his family are petitioning the Scottish government to build a college in Scotland for young people with complex needs. And in the mean time, Andrew will be going out of country for college to pursue his interest in film editing. How amazing is he, right?

His step-father, Nick, has put together this bloghop to feature short writing pieces about overcoming adversity for something you believe in, whether it be from your life, fiction, or even poetry. Entries will be compiled into an anthology with all proceeds going to Andrew's fund.

How could I resist supporting such a great cause? Here's a short fiction piece I wrote for the bloghop about making sacrifices for what's most important. I hope you enjoy it.

You can find out more about Andrew on his facebook page. 

A Very Important Date

I glance at the clock on the microwave and jump in surprise. Oh no, I’m going to be late. I carefully place the dough in a bowl and cover it with a cloth, then try to peel off the sticky stuff from my fingers at the sink. The counter is covered in flour from my kneading, but that mess is going to have to wait.

I run to my bedroom, a trail of clothes falling behind me as I undress on the move. I flip through the clothes hanging in my closet and settle on a knee-length sundress that matches the blue specks in my eyes. It’s a little wrinkled, but it will have to do.

After slipping into a pair of heels I rarely wear, I hobble to the bathroom mirror, trying to convince myself it’s the right pair for today. With pearls on my neck and wrists, I glance at the mirror and scoff. Adding a wide-brimmed hat on my head, I hope it hides the tangled mess that is my hair. With a quick dash of bright red on my lips, I nod at my reflection. I’m ready.

As I rush out of my room and through the hallway, I can’t help but spy the pile of bills on my entry table, the hamper overflowing with laundry, and the stack of dishes in the sink. I pause at the top of the stairs as the phone rings, then shake my head, ignoring it. Kicking toys to the side as I descend the stairs, I smooth my dress down and walk out the sliding glass doors in the back of the house. The sun is bright, and I duck my head, grateful for the shade of my hat.

I find her immediately, sitting at the bright yellow table, beautiful as always. I slow as I approach her, my smile widening as she glances up at me with a cheery greeting.

“Good afternoon, Mommy.” She lifts her six-year-old chin and motions to a chair beside her, indicating I should sit.

“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth.” I take my seat and smooth my napkin across my lap as she pours imaginary tea into our glasses. “You are looking quite lovely today.”

“Why, thank you,” she says, then nods to the teddy bear and baby doll seated to her right. “We are all so glad you could join us. I hope we haven’t inconvenienced you,” she says, waving a hand in the air. “I do so look forward to our afternoon tea.”

As our glasses clink and I bring the empty cup to my mouth for a sip, I can’t help but smile, knowing there’s no other place I need, or want, to be.



A little birdie told me Andrew loves Pink Floyd, so today I'll leave you with one my favs that I think is fitting for today's post. No more turning away...