When I saw the photo prompt this week, several threads came to me. However, today, as I cleaned my deck and reflected on this day thirteen years ago, this story took root and had to be written. In remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who died on September 11, 2001 and the tens of thousands who have died in the years since, in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. If wishing made it so, it would simply have been a beautiful late summer day.
Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields who patiently organizes and herds our eclectic band of writers each week, reminding us that stories should be 100 word– with a beginning, middle and end, and somehow connect to the photo prompt. This week’s photo comes form Janet Webb. There are so many good stories; if you’d like to join along or just check them out, visit Rochelle’s blog Addicted to Purple.
© Janet Webb
If Wishing Made It So (100 words)
Jacquie walked into the bathroom, and dragged her finger along the trim. Dust collected under her chipped nail, and dust motes floated up– reflected back in the streaked mirror. She avoided eye contact with the pale, thin woman there.
She gathered the dry bouquet, another reminder of the desperate weeks since Todd’s death. What had been a thoughtful apology– end of summer lavender, beach grass and a starfish they’d found together– now sat neglected in the vase.
If only we’d stayed on the Cape for the week after Labor Day. If only he’d stayed home with me that Tuesday. If…
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
Dawn, A sad and lovely story on the theme of Sept. 11th. I think most of us remember where we were at that time. I know I do. I stared in almost disbelief at what was happening as many of us did. The people who died had relatives all over the world, so the sorrow was everywhere. Well written as always. —Susan
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Thanks Susan. Yes, that day will stay with us all, I imagine. It’s not something that can pushed aside, and forgetting it may take a very long time. Thanks for your comment.
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I thought about Sept. 11, 2001 today (well … yesterday, now that it’s after midnight) more today than on any other anniversary. I’m not sure what all of the reasons for that are, but at least some of the reasons I think are war fatigue, ISIS, and the realization that there is just no end.
Nice take on the prompt. I stayed away from the subject in my piece, although it has been a very strange day as I’ve found myself watching hours of old news footage on Youtube today thinking about all that crap.
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It’s so amazing, but I still find myself shocked that any of it really happened. I’ve seen the footage, countless times, but it still seems surreal. And yes, all the horrible things that have come after. It’s truly numbing. Thanks for reading and sharing ZombieS. Much appreciated.
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Well written and poignant, Dawn. A heartfelt reminder for the day.
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Thanks Cathy. All these years later, it still feels like a fresh wound. Hard to look at, let alone dive into. But there was the story…
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Beautiful, Dawn. I felt the sense of loss in that last line.
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Thanks Jolene; I appreciate the feedback. Thanks so much for stopping by; it’s always nice to see you here! 🙂
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Dear Dawn,
Life is littered with “if only’s” isn’t it? Poignant and full of longing, mirroring many stories just like it.
Our family was spared in that our daughter in law, who was halfway up the tower, made it out alive.
Two things…I think you mean thin woman and not women. For me, putting the last line in a gray box was a bit of a distraction.
Thanks for the memory.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, interestingly, I read your daughter-in-law’s story after I’d written this… or, realized the connection after; I can’t remember which. But, it brought the reality home! How very blessed that she was spared and got out, when so many others didn’t. Her story of healing is very powerful and inspirational. Thanks for the observations. That last bit isn’t in a “gray box” for my viewing… but indented and italicized. I’ll check that, and correct women! Thanks. 🙂 Shalom, D
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Dear Dawn,
You demonstrate a masterful touch with this story. (Do you mean ‘woman’ instead of women? Women, though, could be evocative of her changing over the years/time since his passing. Just wondering.) Humans on the whole ware good, but some of them make me pro-nuclear. My message to all of those who started the endless war is, ‘Your god is worth killing for? Please save us a great deal of pain and anguish and start with yourself’.
Aloha,
Doug
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I could not agree more, Doug! And, I just fixed women. Or, the word… 😉 Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. It’s much appreciated!
Mahalo,
D
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Dear Dawn, Excellent story, of course! You are so fun to read! I was working at the County Library when 9-11 happened at a meeting in one of the branches. When we were leaving, someone had turned on a radio and told us what had happened. I couldn’t believe it! I have 4 healthy sons and knew in an instant they would go to war over this. I was numb – as everyone else was. Well, only one son had to go to Kosovo (not Iraq) and I prayed for all every night. A sad, sad, chapter in our history. Well – have a good week. Nan 🙂
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What a scary thought that must have been for you, Nan! I was so grateful that my boys were much younger. I can’t imagine seeing them off to any war! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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If wishes were horses, beggars might ride. We often second guess and ask “What if?” but like they say, hindsight is 20/20. Very poignant and well written, Dawn.
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Thanks Russell. I almost used the If wishes were horses line… it is a powerful one. And yes, what if is something that is never easy to answer. Thanks for your thoughts! I always appreciate your feedback.
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A touching tribute we can all relate to.
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Thanks Dawn. It is a sad piece of our history for sure.
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Hooray! I found you. I’ve been looking for your story – the picture of you that is usually attached to your link. Ah, well, here you are. So many what-ifs attached to that day (or any day a tragedy happens.) Lovely tribute, Dawn.
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Thanks Alicia… same photo; did it not show up properly? Glad you found me. 🙂 So many indeed! I know 3 people who died that day, and in each case there is at least one “if only…” Horrible. Thanks for finding me!
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Thankfully, I knew not a sole who died. Is that selfish? I still feel for those who were lost/lost someone/and those that were never found.
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Not selfish at all… just lucky. I’m from Boston, we all knew someone. A very sad day for the nation, but for those in NYC and Boston, those planes held our families and friends. The towers held neighbors and friends. We all knew someone. It will always be personal there.
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P.S. Your lovely face wasn’t inside the tiny box – just the prompt.
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😦 Arrgh.
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If only.. afterwards your word is filled with ifs.. and then there are others who where saved.. if the train had been on time, if if .. every day we are at those little road crossings when a small difference make all the differences.. Did you ever see the film “sliding doors”.. when two parallel stories were allowed to develop.. ?
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Bjorn, that was a very well done story. I often think of that movie.
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I loved that movie! So brilliant and all of it falls under quantum physics, yes? Really fascinating stuff. But the pain of all those IFs is unbearable! Thanks for making the time, Björn. It’s much appreciated!
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I don’t know how I missed your story last week! Probably because I was so very late. What a powerful story, Dawn. It doesn’t seem fair to have to live with that tragedy. I can’t imagine what that would be like. It would be hard not to be angry. And here we are now with no progress whatsoever. That can’t help matters for people who have lost a loved one.
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Apparently my photo didn’t show up, just the prompt photo. A few people have told me they missed it. :-p Alas. Thanks for taking the time this week, to read two! I know three people who died that day… it’s hard to watch the details played out each year. I can’t imagine being the family members.
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My photo didn’t show up either. And it said was going to show up….
I’m so sorry you lost friends. That’s tough, Dawn. It must be a hard day. I didn’t lose anyone, and it’s still a hard day.
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I think it’s a hard day for all of us. It was shocking on so many levels!
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I think it will always be a hard day. True!
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