Flash Fiction Challenge 2020.05.07 – Sprinkles of Tenderness
May 7, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story to nourish. The characters can nourish or be nourished. Go where the prompt leads!
Sprinkles of Tenderness
“I’m amazed Rosie has changed so much since we adopted her six months ago,” said Sam.
“For a while, she went to the corner and face the wall every time I talked to her.” Elaine still puzzled.
“The social worker suspected something happened in her previous foster home.”
“She was afraid of us.”
“I admired your patience. You showed your affection by physical touch, warm smile, and inviting gesture instead of talking.”
“I’m pleased she trusts us.”
“It took us six months to break the ice.”
“She talked and called me Mom two days ago. It melted my heart.”
Charli Mills – Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge 2020.05.07 – Sprinkles of Tenderness
Great story building from a single photo, Miriam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and comment, Mark! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Nourish « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
❤ Foster care and adoption are hard jobs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, a friend’s daughter is a social worker. She and her husband became foster parents and went on a long ordeal to have the kid adopted! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s amazing and very noble.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think they are not able to have their own. Four or five friends’ daughters were not able to conceive. I was not aware of the problems with many young ladies until the last few years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kudos to you for the story and your book!
Your flash reminds me when I was a young teacher and touch was allowed… over the years so much fear of wrongful touching made the rules for helping young children in day care and schools, by touch ~ nearly impossible. And now… well I think I’d rather dwell on the success of that little girl in having a loving couple.
Best to you and yours – stay safe. ~Jules
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know exactly what it was like, Jules! I started teaching in 1985. For a long time, we could put our hands on the students’ shoulders and praised them. Then when the rules was reinforced, the district gave us a sheet of rules to post by the door inside of the classroom.. It was confusing to the students. I even heard parents saying that when they were rough at their kids at home (not abuse), the kids said they would call the police!!
How are you doing, Jules?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sent an email.
It is too bad about the rules for children who think they can call the police on their parents. The law does read that way though – even though a parent is responsible for the child until they are 18 – the child at a younger age can make unwarranted claims. (Though I’m sure some might be valid.) To complain about ‘normal rules’ like curfew, and respect – well that’s what a parent has the right to set.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Jules. Some Asian parents are harsh to their kids and don’t think as abuse. A parent lived across from the school was mad at his kid and put the kid in a big trash bin as time out. Even the teachers wanted to call the police.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know there is a time to be a parent first and then to gradually hopefully become your children’s friend. But the relationship needs to be built on trust, not fear.
Parents need to know that they are responsible for a child first and that may mean setting some limits… but within reason.
The American Victorian era was famed for treating children as if they didn’t exist until they were adults. I think that’s where the idea of ‘Children should be seen and not heard’ evolved from.
On the other hand we need to know that we cannot let our children manipulate us either. Some parents such as ‘helicopter parenting’ don’t allow for ‘dirt’ or life learning.
As with any other of life’s lessons – moderation, communication and respect are keys in any relationships. And it does not do well for schools to teach our children that they shouldn’t have to obey and respect their parents just because they haven’t been gifted with the newest toy or fashion.
A bit of opinion from my psychology classes and life experience as a parent. Thankfully now I can say that we have mutual respect between ‘us’ (hubby and myself) and our children.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right on all the points you made here, Jules. It’s not easy to be a parent, a responsible one. But it surely is rewarding, especially when we have developed a meaningful relationship with our children and friends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Miriam, such a sweet take on the prompt of nourish. Wee ones need trust to nourish their growth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, Charli. Many kids never experience fear and I just love their innocent look and smile. Some take a while to get over and get on.
LikeLike
That’s a heartwarming story, Miriam. Love finds a way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is. I think we all have heartwarming stories to tell.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We need them even more now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My daughter sent me more notes in the mail and I sent her more also, n addition to electronic communication.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very special, Miriam. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s right, Norah! ❤ Their anniversary is coming up. I know my mail will take extra long to get to them. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
A heartening and beautiful story Miriam. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debby. I wanted to adopt one of my students who was in a girls’ home. But another lucky family got her! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bless you ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing and profound story, Miriam. Loved the kindness and support and comfort given to the child. Too good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Kamal. It was a true story and “Rosie” is grown and will be married the end of this year! 💖
LikeLike
Wow that is awesome, Miriam. So kind to give another child a safe home and courage. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a family story. Thank you, Kamal. ❤ ❤ 🙂
LikeLike
You are welcome Miriam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ ❤
LikeLike
❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 🙂
LikeLike
❤️❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
How very precious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Peter. How are you doing? Are you working on your book?
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are well thank you Miriam. That project is on hold at the moment as I’m very busy with the charity that I help out with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear you’re doing well. I can see that the charity is the priority at this point.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A heartwarming story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Liz. I saw your comment. Have you written yours?
LikeLike
Ah – so nice for the Mother’s Day holiday – and we have friends that are foster parents and their hearts melted this way too 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know a friend’s daughter was from fostering to adoption. It’s not an easy journey, but a rewarding one. Happy Mother’s Day to you, Yvette! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope your Mother’s Day was awesome too Miriam
🌹🌹🌹🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect for mother’s day, Miriam. Hope you have a fabulous day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Denise,Happy Mother’s Day to you! Yes, it was the inspiration of the day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is lovely, Miriam
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Robbie. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person