Monday, February 04, 2013

Trifecta Challenge: His Voice



“Sometimes you have to make your own path.”

It was her grandfather’s voice echoing in her head. The voice was resigned but clear of purpose. It was unbidden, but it was there reminding her of the advice he’d given her all those years ago. She remembered the event perfectly. It was the day she told her grandfather she no longer wanted to go to church with him. That church that he’d loved so much had done nothing but break her heart over and over again. She went to church in the beginning because it felt like the thing she had to do, a chore like taking out the trash. Then she went with him because she got to be with him, he’d hold her as she fell asleep during the sermon, she’d listen to all the stories he’d tell as he drove her home. It was their time together and it was something she cherished, especially now. But then so many things started to happen and the faith he clung to was something she couldn’t be a part of. So she explained to him as best she could at her young age that she’d no longer be going to church with him. And he listened and at the end of the conversation he said it:

“Sometimes you have to make your own path.”

Having those words resonate in her head in his voice made her want to weep. She missed him so. He’d been dead and buried for so long, but she still felt his presence in her life. He had been her beacon, her stalwart for most of her childhood. Somehow, when she needed it, he came. And she needed him or something, anything to help her through. She didn’t know which direction to go, where to turn. But now she knew. She’d do exactly what he said.

“Sometimes you have to make your own path.”

****

This week's trifecta challenge was the word path: 

PATH
1: a trodden way
2: a track specially constructed for a particular use
3a : course, route
  b : a way of life, conduct, or thought

This is what I came up with.  I feel like I should've spent a little more time with it, like there's more I could've said, or I should've explained it a little differently, but here we are. Enjoy.

10 comments:

Barb said...

The grandfather's love really shines through.

Jennifer said...

Unconditional love is my most favorite thing of all.

tedstrutz said...

Touching. Touched me.

Draug said...

I love the gentle acceptance of the grandfather. I think you did a good job on this piece despite your doubts! (:

katie eggeman said...

I loved the acceptance modeled by her Grandfather, he loves her unconditionally. Good writing.

The Bloody Munchkin said...

Thanks you guys. I felt like it could've used more of an edit, like I was telling instead of showing, but you guys still appreciated it anyway. Thank you kindly!

Bo said...

This is beautiful writing.

Dawn :) said...

Well I liked it :) The grandfather and the message came through loud and clear :)

Atreyee said...

Love when it is true, is from the heart & thus accepts you as you are.What a beautiful piece!

Sandra Crook said...

Lovely.