Part 1 – originally posted on 10-29-22
Wearing Army t-shirt and shorts, Michael sat in a wheelchair on stage, his leg stumps showing so all entering the Walter Reed activity room could see. He spoke. “We soldiers share the experience of missing skin and bones. At twice your age, I lived the hopelessness and depression you may be feeling.” He turned sideways in the chair, swung himself to the floor, and put on the prosthetic legs lying there. Then using the chair for support, he stood up and walked around. “I’m proof you can heal and become friends with whatever prosthetic you need. You’ve got this.”
Part – 2
Michael continued walking and making eye contact with the soldiers that would look at him. “I came to think of myself as a pungent onion, and life as flat broth. What could I do to insert myself into something that could use a shot of flavor, that would enhance the broth?” He picked up his guitar. “This is my friend. It helps me turn into an onion.” He strummed a few chords. “I went home to revive my church’s youth choir. Those kids think I’m a superhero. I make a difference in their lives as coming here enhances mine.”
Written in response to Charli Mills February 27, 2023, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a golden onion. Any golden onion. One planted or harvested. An onion chopped for a meal. How can you use an onion as a prop in a character’s hand? Go where the prompt leads!
03/10/2023 at 09:55
This story is so good, Sue! I felt empowered by your character! ❤️
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03/10/2023 at 13:25
Thank you, Colleen. I sometimes wonder if I write Michael as too adjusted for his situation. I’m glad he can empower others even if he is fictional.
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03/10/2023 at 15:19
Nope… I think Michael “needs” to be a strong character. His superpower is helping others, which in turn makes him well-adjusted to his situation. A lot of guys I knew were like that. They had to move on from the disability. It wasn’t what defined them. ❤️
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03/10/2023 at 16:21
Thank you for helping me understand my characters better. and that they can move on.
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03/11/2023 at 10:05
You’re welcome. I think military folks have the instinct of survival. Maybe that’s what it really is.
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03/11/2023 at 08:43
I loved this one, Sue! The analogy of life as bland soup and you as the flavour is a beautiful one, and inspirating.
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03/13/2023 at 12:59
Thank you, Nicole. Charli’s essay helped me understand the need for “flavoring” in people’s lives.
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03/13/2023 at 20:42
He is definitely spicing up some lives, and modeling for these soldiers how to pick up and carry on. He continues to serve others, for sure.
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03/14/2023 at 11:24
Thanks Dede. Your are correct, continued service makes for a better adjusted veteran.
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