April A-Z
blogging challenge 2012
The next story in this sequence of short stories of 250 words
or fewer starts with W. All the stories are about the life and times of a
fictional character called Alice.
For most of her life Alice felt like a child, learning from
other people. Even as a grandmother she doubted her competence to offer advice.
Everyone around her seemed so knowledgeable and younger people were the most intimidating.
She wondered if she would ever feel sensible and mature.
One Christmas a few years after Ivy’s death, she and Norman
were staying with Rebecca. They overheard their son.
‘Mum was the one I took my troubles to. She listened, really
listened, and she always knew what to do. When I was growing up she was the
only person I could talk to and she was never shocked by anything I said.’
Then came Rebecca’s voice. ‘Mum’s a great listener, very wise.
She won’t give advice unless she’s asked and even then she makes it sound as
though you’ve found the answer for yourself. I wish I could be like her.’
Alice felt her ears burning and a flush suffusing her face.
Could they really be talking about her? Was that all wisdom was? Listening and
advising when you’re asked? She knew it must involve more than that –
experience, of course, the sum of little things. She felt ridiculously happy
and suddenly quite grown-up.
Norman squeezed her hand and whispered, ‘You’re my very own Wise
Woman. You cast your spell on me the first time we met.’
Alice snorted. ‘You make me sound like a witch,’ she said.
‘Oh, yes, that’s what I meant,’ said Norman and winked.
So sweet! That has got to be the ultimate compliment - accidentally overhearing your children singing your praises!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely and praise indeed.
ReplyDeleteLovely example of wisdom. Blog on!
ReplyDeletehttp//francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.com/
Like it - especially the ending!
ReplyDeleteListening and advising when you are asked....I like this definition of wisdom! Nice that Alice is seeing how much her 'wisdom' is treasured.
ReplyDeleteHow cute. Alice is a very wise woman indeed. What I would call a 'sturdy girl'.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be sad to see this story end.
This is an entry that rewards those who've tracked Alice since the start.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that she got that confirmation...so many of us never do.
ReplyDeleteI liked that: short, witty. I feel as if I've been let in on a secret.
ReplyDeletePearl
So true. Wisdom is knowing when to listen, just listen. So hard at times, we all want to jump in with our comments to our family and friends to show how smart we are (in the UK I think you say "clever"), but listening is a gift itself. Thoughtful writing, Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLovely story - so pleased she found out that her words of wisdom hd been treasured.
ReplyDeleteA perfect description of wisdom - I'd love someone like that to take my troubles to.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice for W. There is nothing as wonderful as hearing your own children saying good things about you.
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet praise for Alice the Wise Woman.
ReplyDeleteGood old Norman!
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was like Alice ... my own mother the complete opposite!
What a wonderful post, it really made me smile. The exchange between Alice and Norman is delightful.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me smile. How wonderful that Alice overheard this conversation.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice .. a conversation overheard with her husband listening too - then they could glow together .. lovely.
ReplyDeleteI meant to say - I love the black tulip .. gorgeous photo ...
Cheers Hilary