When you went off to college without me, I wished you hadn’t. Then you married and had children. I wished it were with me.
I traveled the world, serving with the United States Army, continuing to wish for you.
Our lives unexpectedly turned upside down. Within that year, we found ourselves back home. Wounded, frightened, mature.
I changed my wishes to prayers. I needed His help to heal, trust and feel useful.
Finally, here we are, standing with family, in front of friends, believing we are where we belong. I pledge to love you always, my beautiful, accepting friend.
Note: Michael is a fictional Army veteran who lost both legs in an IED explosion in Iraq. He wears two prosthetic legs, different types, for different occasions. Tessa is his high school sweetheart. The characters have been my focus for two years at the Ranch and the prompt, “I made a wish,” led me to believe I should continue writing their story.
01/29/2022 at 19:56
If you hadn’t continued their story I don’t think I’d be alone in wishing you did. But you did and it’s very cool. It brings readers up to date in a way through M’s beautiful vows. I like turning wishes into prayer. It fits the story and characters, for they are as M says, mature and wounded and wishes just won’t do. Brava Sue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
01/30/2022 at 21:40
Thanks Dede. During our break from weekly challenges I organized “Michael’s Circle” stories. I’m happy with what I have accomplished.
LikeLike
01/30/2022 at 16:37
Sue, I love how Michael’s wishing matured. He is ready to heal all things in his life. Thank you for your submission to the Collection at Carrot Ranch. It will publish Wednesday, February 2.
LikeLiked by 1 person
01/30/2022 at 21:40
I’ll look forward to reading the collection!
LikeLike
02/02/2022 at 12:50
I love a wish that gets granted they deserved their moment infront of family friends and God alike.
LikeLiked by 1 person
02/02/2022 at 12:57
Thanks Ellen.
LikeLike
02/02/2022 at 14:00
I wish the wish content find the right person to tell a right tale, and here I am. Loved it. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
02/02/2022 at 16:10
Thanks, Jessica.
LikeLike
02/02/2022 at 14:13
If you would like to read the other #99wordstories at Carrot Ranch Literary, hosted by Chari Mills, use the link below.
https://carrotranch.com/2022/02/02/the-wish-i-made-collection/
LikeLike
02/02/2022 at 16:03
Hi Sue.
I’m too new to the ranch to have a qualified opinion but such as I have one, this story is sending out roots hoping to find fertile soil & readers.
I’ll bet both are nearby.😇
LikeLiked by 1 person
02/02/2022 at 16:09
The Ranch is a great place to grow!
LikeLike
02/02/2022 at 16:17
I can see why.
It looks like one of my stories found its way to you so thanks for checking it out.
A while back I created a character similiar to yours for a short story titled,
“Unknown Heroes”
https://garyawilsonstories.wordpress.com/unknown-heroes/
It’s very short but you might enjoy it.
LikeLike
02/02/2022 at 23:26
Sue I haven’t read any of your other stories of Michael but in this 99 words I am so glad that Tessa and he reached the wedding vow stage. A very good friend was an amputee and I was amazed by the number of legs he had for different activities.
LikeLiked by 1 person
02/04/2022 at 15:17
I thought it was your story. Touched my heart. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
02/07/2022 at 05:09
This is sad and poignant painted in strength, beauty and love. These characters are complex and deep with meaning. I enjoyed reading about them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
02/25/2022 at 11:45
Sue, I love reading Michael’s story, Please don’t stop; this reader wants more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
02/25/2022 at 13:17
Thank you. I’m finding out more readers are keeping all my characters straight
LikeLike