Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "It's No Use Crying over Spilt Milk" (without using the actual phrase or literal exampl (02/07/08)
-
TITLE: Plan B | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
02/12/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I still can hear the echo from those decades ago.
“Look at me, little girl. Life has a big supply of one problem or another. Most of them are merely detours."
“But Daddy, it’s not the same. What if my bike is broken?” *Sniff
“Well…we’ll just have to go to Plan B and get it fixed.”
~
“He said he loved me. I have a ring. We were going to get married. Now he’s gone.” *Wail
“Listen Sis, you’re better off. He was all mixed up and doing things he shouldn’t have been doing. God has someone more suited to you. Remember what Pop says about Plan B?”
I’m glad I didn’t get what I thought I wanted. A nicer man came along.
~
“What’ll I do? I burned the roast and there are people coming.”
“People come for more than food. You have a Plan B don’t you? Grab some hot dogs and fire up the grill.”
Our friends talked about that wonderful cookout for years. *Grin
~
“I’m sorry,” The blunt doctor announces, “ You’ve lost the baby. I’m afraid there won’t be anymore.”
“No, No, No,” I scream. God can’t do this to me. I want children.”
I am hysterical. When I am spent, Grandma says, “There are thousands of babies who need mothers. Stop whining and look at me, Missy.”
In her stern, no non-sense voice, my grandmother brings me back to reality and to possibilities. Now, my household rings with the patter of so many feet, I’m actually looking forward to when they are grown and on their own.
Plan A didn’t work, but Plan B was a doozie that blessed me in a million ways. *Twinkle
~
“Mother, I’m very sick. They say it’s a chronic disease with a funny sounding name. I have to quit working at a job I love. Now what?” *Sob.
“Sometimes life throws us a serious curve. Let’s think about it. You can’t do what you did, but if you use what’s in your hand, the Lord will bless it. You trained hard and served well. It’s time to shift to Plan B…and if that doesn’t work, there’s always Plan C and D.”
Sage advice struck again. *Sigh
~
“How did this happen? He wasn’t supposed to have a heart attack. Everything has fallen apart. I can’t go on alone.” *Weep
“Of course, it hurts and it’s natural to mourn, but then when the crying is done, pull yourself together, take a deep breath and make another plan. I’m your friend. Trust me on this.”
I look back and see she knew about grief’s season. Now I have a new and settled life. I am full of confidence and independence and have grown in a myriad of ways.
~
“Grandma!” My young teenage granddaughter bellows as she runs into my kitchen in apparent distress.
“My dear…what’s wrong?” I go to her with my arms open. I can barely understand what she’s trying to say. I lead her to the table and pour some tea.
“Take a deep breath, Sweetie. Tell Gram why you’re so upset.”
“My hair is ruined! They cut it too short and it looks horrible. I have to leave for camp tomorrow.”
“Well, I begin, do you have a…?”
I hear a burst of giggles.
“I know what you’re going to say. Yes Ma’am, I’ll think of a Plan B. “
I’m proud of her for shifting gears so smoothly by herself.
“Uh huh,” I tease, “You got a wig or something?”
She jumps up, ready to plow on. “Nah, but I do have some cool hats. This will just have to be my chapeau summer. *Laugh
~
The world is getting a little blurry these days and they say I shouldn’t drive anymore. I get tired easier, but I don’t think I’m ready to die. I sit at the kitchen table and wonder how my life is going to change now. How will I get by?
I can barely see something small lying on the floor by the refrigerator where the youngest grandbabies have been sticking alphabet magnets. Curiosity pushes me to investigate. I bend over and grasp it but can’t make out what it is until I get over by the window where the sun is shining.
It’s a capital letter B.
“Thanks Lord, I needed that.”
*Smile
___
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
