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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Margarida Brei
Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
1 year ago

Such a sweet story Linda. I loved the unexpected title at the end.

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
1 year ago

Such lovely sentiment in the story, Linda. And loved the ending. Nicely done

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
Reply to  Linda Rock
1 year ago

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!

Emily O'Leary
Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
1 year ago

Oh I loved this Linda! Such a beautiful, heartfelt story ❤ Grandma would have been proud, and so thankful to know her words stuck ❤

Marianna Pieterse
Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
1 year ago

This is such a lovely story, Linda! What a wise grandmother she had. I loved the ending too!

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

Oh! Such a beautiful and sweet story, Linda. And what a nice end. Great job.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Linda Rock
1 year ago

You are welcome, Linda.

Greene M Wills
Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
1 year ago

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!

Allan Neil
Allan Neil(@allan-neil)
1 year ago

What a lovely story, Linda, and your twist at the end (the title) got my mind working on how this humble girl got there.

Christer Norrlof
Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
1 year ago

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.

Sandra James
Sandra James(@sandra-james)
11 months ago

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 🙂

Sandra James
Sandra James(@sandra-james)
Reply to  Linda Rock
11 months ago

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  ? 

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
11 months ago

Congratulations Linda, I’m so glad to see this story got so many votes. Truly inspiring ?

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
11 months ago

Congratulations, Linda.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Linda Rock
11 months ago

You are welcome, Linda.

Greene M Wills
Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
11 months ago

Well done, Linda, congratulations!

Juma
Juma(@juma)
11 months ago

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.

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