Monday, February 4, 2013

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...

26 comments:

Empty Nest Insider said...

Sounds like you have your priorities in order. The mess can wait, because children do grow up so fast. Nice to see you again at this very worthwhile bloghop!
Julie

Elise Fallson said...

This was so sweet, loved it. Sounds like the perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Tonja Drecker said...

I'm sure these are moments your kids will never forget. Just curious - do your children try to make their 'own tea' to serve first and expect you to drink it too?

Kyra Lennon said...

Lovely story, beautifully written!

Francene Stanley said...

I really enjoyed your story. Your writing made me feel as if I was there, dressing in a hurry for an important event and rushing to meet a special person. The lovely ending left me satisfied and full of love.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Now that's called priorities in the right place!

Stina said...

That made me smile. :)

And thanks for the reminder. I need to do laundry today. :P

Al Diaz said...

A sweet story. Sometimes it requires wisdom to know what is really important. :)

Jennie Bennett said...

What an adorable story! So cute! I want to re-create this with my daughter :)

jaybird said...

Brilliant, as always Ilima. Loved it.

What a wonderful, up-lifting blog hop. I wish nothing but the best to Nick and good luck to his step-son Andrew.

Johanna Garth said...

Awww, I like the idea of leaving everything just to savor those quick moments of childhood!

Nicole said...

Love your post today! We could all do with a few more of those "tea party moments" in our lives.

Anonymous said...

Awww, love this!

Michelle Wallace said...

Sweet and satisfying!
A reminder of what's important in life!

Jay Noel said...

Same way here. Our new house is pretty lived in (if you don't include the boxes that have yet to be unpacked). With three kids, I'm just happy to keep my head above water.

I'm staring at our sink full of dirty dishes....

Cortney Pearson said...

Oh, I love this! So important to make our kids feel they are important to us and put them first! Love it!!

Carrie Butler said...

Okay, that is too stinkin' cute. :D I love it!

Nick Wilford said...

Very cute story, Ilima. Time with the kids is so important and it's absolutely right to prepare for it properly! Thanks for taking part in the blogfest and for the song - Andrew's sitting here and I can tell you he had a big smile on his face when he heard it! :)

Kelley Lynn said...

I LOVE this one. How completely sweet. What a very lucky mommy and daughter :)

Kathryn Purdie said...

So freaking adorable! And a very good reminder for me. I've been a terrible mother lately with all my self-imposed deadlines. You rock, Ilima. I won't forget this!

David P. King said...

I half expected there to be a rabbit hole, but this was an awesome story. Thanks for sharing! :)

M Pax said...

A very sweet story and a reminder that the most important things are often the ones we take for granted.

Leigh Covington said...

This is so endearing Ilima! I love it. I need to remember to be more like this!

And YAY for Pink Floyd!

Michael Di Gesu said...

How utterly charming....

It's moments like that one that make life worth living...

Trisha said...

Nice story - this one's a good mum! :)

Sally said...

What a lovely story, great anticipation of a very important occasion, loved the idea of the tea party.