Achieving the Impossible
Placing the bouquet of pink peonies, her grandmother’s favourite flowers, beside the headstone, she was reminded of something her grandmother had once told her.
“They symbolise good luck and prosperity.”
But it was her grandmother’s words, on her eighteenth birthday, that had navigated her future.
Stroking the honey bronze enamel body and wings, encrusted with green and amber rhinestones, her mind wandered back to the day her grandmother had gifted her the brooch that now adorned her lapel.
***
“It’s claimed bees shouldn’t be able to fly. Their bodies are too large and their wings too small,” her grandmother asserted, as she opened the box to reveal the little brooch.
“Yet they do fly!” she continued. “I’ve always believed everyone has it in them to achieve the impossible.”
“It’s beautiful, Grandma.”
“Let it remind you that nothing comes easy. Like the busy worker bee, you too must work hard to achieve your goal.”
***
And work hard, she had. Each step towards her goal had been far from easy but, whenever it seemed impossible, those words had propelled her forward. It saddened her that her grandmother wasn’t here today to share this moment with her but, in her heart, she sensed she knew.
Three months ago, the votes had been counted and the winner announced.
A vigilant, uniformed man approached. “We need to leave now Madam President.”
She nodded. Her inauguration party awaited her arrival.
Carefully removing a peony from the bouquet, she whispered “For good luck and prosperity, Grandma.”
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Such a sweet story Linda. I loved the unexpected title at the end.
Thank you, Margarida! Inspiration for this story came partly from Joan Rivers. Listening to her talk about her Bee brooches, she once mentioned how it should be impossible for them to fly.
Such lovely sentiment in the story, Linda. And loved the ending. Nicely done
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Thank you, Carrie. This was an interesting challenge but, once the idea came to me, it just flowed. Your comments mean a lot.
Karl Starwin came a calling again to inspire me. Just have to wait and see if it gets through. I had fun writing it regardless!
Oh I loved this Linda! Such a beautiful, heartfelt story ❤ Grandma would have been proud, and so thankful to know her words stuck ❤
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Thank you so much for your lovely comments, Emily. She was lucky to have such a wise, supportive grandma!
This is such a lovely story, Linda! What a wise grandmother she had. I loved the ending too!
Thank you, Marianna! I went through a whole range of goals and endings before deciding on this one. So glad you liked it!
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Oh! Such a beautiful and sweet story, Linda. And what a nice end. Great job.
Thank you, Lotchie! So glad you enjoyed the story and the ending.
You are welcome, Linda.
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So cute and yet inspiring! Grandparents are the best and I still miss mine. They are parents twice and they understand us and bestow their wisdom and love. We may not take their advice when we are young but after we never forget their words!
Thank you, Greene. I never really knew my grandparents; perhaps that’s why I write about grandmas so much! I really appreciate your comment.
What a lovely story, Linda, and your twist at the end (the title) got my mind working on how this humble girl got there.
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Thank you so much, Allan. I’m sure she didn’t have an easy ride achieving her goal but then nothing worth having ever comes easy, does it? Some of my favourite books and movies are rags to riches stories so I enjoyed writing this one.
I was very surprised, Linda, to see that we have used the same philosophy about bees in our Basho-stories. However, in your wonderful story about a successful woman and her wise grandmother, it is a central idea, while in mine it’s just a short reflection at the end. I love it that your protagonist honors the memory of her beloved grandmother immediately after her success, even before attending her inauguration party.
Yes, Christer, it’s truly amazing how bees are able to fly! Thank you so much for your generous comments.
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An inspiring story, Linda! A wonderful reminder that we can all aspire to reach our dreams, young or older. And, I learned something new about bees – thank you 🙂
Thank you so much, Sandra. I was watching a movie last night and someone said how, in America, students are encouraged to aim high whereas in England we are told to settle for what we have. It really got me thinking.
Wow, I think there’s times when we need to make the best of what we have but certainly not settle. There’s a quote I love – Aim for the moon, if you miss you may hit a star. I’m an Aussie – I wonder how we’re perceived 🤔
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Congratulations Linda, I’m so glad to see this story got so many votes. Truly inspiring 😁
Thanks so much, Carrie. I’ve never received that many public votes before and I’m really chuffed!
Congratulations, Linda.
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Thank you Lotchie, it was a lovely surprise!
You are welcome, Linda.
Well done, Linda, congratulations!
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Thanks so much, Greene.
Congratulations Linda on your success in this contest. You must have also had a very wise grandmother. Your story spoke to all of us women – no wonder you got so many votes! Mine was one of them.
Thank you very much, Juma, both for your lovely comment and much appreciated vote.
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