When
the town’s beloved, elderly, and feisty Lucy Powell died suddenly at
age 95, all wondered how to peer into her belongings. Miss Powell had
no relatives yet alive and no family to inherit a lifetime of her
history. Her family was her community and friends.
Slowly, close friends began to assimilate bits of China, old books, quilts, and other items into their own homes. That was when the diary was discovered. Who should take it? Who should even open it?
A diary can paint a picture of unrequited love with hearts broken, hearts renewed, and love lost then found. Finding a worn diary, fringed from fingers turning pages over decades, awed all who gathered around.
Finally, Old Ms Alda Franklin stepped forward. I will take it. She and I shared so many memories… All agreed.
When
Alda settled down into her rocker with a cup of tea, she opened the
cover and began reading each page. She chuckled, cried, gasped, and
sighed until she read the last page:
My life had meaning and gave me reason to exist. Touching others, being kind and generous, loving those who are unloved: that is the essence of life.
Go! Make your life count!
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This is a re-post 2015, underlined bold words are from Wednesday Words, a site that offers word or photo prompts. Thank you, Delores!
I was a bit worried there. Reading the diary might not go as well as people think.
ReplyDeleteYes, that is so true. the words we speak and write can have an impact.
DeleteI remember the story. Yes, her oldest friend would be most likely to relate to the stories and understand.
ReplyDeleteIf someone would appreciate the journals, it would have to be someone like Alda.
DeleteDiaries aren't a common thing anymore and I doubt if any will be around to be read after the person passes.
ReplyDeleteI have a stack of journals I kept in my years of teaching. I doubt that they will be read by any of my descendants
DeleteIt is not who we were; but what we have done ...
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Who knows what simple words can do and help?
DeleteYes, may our lives count for others because of the kindness we showed to them. Great story, Susan!
ReplyDeleteIt is too easy to be mean for some people . It takes thinking to be kind.
DeleteThis is simply wonderful. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteWriting is joy for me. I am glad it means something to those who read my writing.
DeleteA sad story with a beautiful ending.
ReplyDeleteTaking care of someone is confirming they are there.
DeleteWe really don't know people's lives unless a hidden or forgotten diary or story is discovered. Everyone has a story but folks think their lives are nothing special or important. So not true.
ReplyDeleteReally not true. Just complimenting some one for something they have or did is important.
Deletemy favorite part of the story is the end. I believe this is true.
ReplyDeleteMy life had meaning and gave me reason to exist. Touching others, being kind and generous, loving those who are unloved: that is the essence of life.
Go! Make your life count!
Making a difference in someone's life is what we need to do.
Delete