HHC Blog

Writing 101, Day Sixteen: Serial Killer III

Today, imagine you work in a place where you manage lost or forgotten items. What might you find in the pile? For those participating in our serial challenge, reflect on the theme of “lost and found,” too.

Beware Humans

I Have Feelings Too

Ronovan recently wrote The Disguise of Contentment. In it, he said, “I’m the one that gets out of the car slowly from the handicap spot.” And he asked, “Do you get yelled at as you get out of the car because you ‘look’ healthy?”

It is an eye-opening article. He is right. Even though there are a few people have cheated the system, we shouldn’t assume everyone does, no matter how healthy he or she looks.

I want to thank Ronovan for writing this. His article reminds me that no matter how sure I am, I may still not know the whole truth.

Now, if you allow me, I have a story to tell you too. Today’s Writing 101 assignment is to write about something you find in “lost and found” pile. I’ve found a piece of memory that I have conveniently forgotten.

When my daughter was 9 or 10, one day we went to Arby’s for lunch. As soon as we got out of the car, I saw a woman in a wheelchair trying to get herself and the wheelchair onto the walkway. The walkway is about 5 or 6 inches higher than the ground. A couple of times she managed to get front wheels onto the walkway, but since she didn’t have enough strength to keep pushing, the wheelchair rolled back.

I rushed to her and asked, “May I help you?” (I didn’t know if I should say “can I” or “may I”. I wanted her to know I was going to help her so she knew what was going on.)

To my surprise, she turned to me and yelled, “NO! Why can’t you guys leave me alone? Why do you always assume that people like me need help?”

I had never been yelled at, and there I was… being yelled at in a public place in front of my young daughter by a stranger whom I tried to help. Just because I am healthy (I was then), it doesn’t mean I have no feelings. I can’t tell you how horrified I was.

It’s a piece of memory that I’ve tried to forget. Now that I am older, I truly believe that we need to communicate more and better. Communication is the key.

(Picture was taken in Australia. I should save that for Cee’s Odd Ball Challenge. 😉

Writing 101, Day Fifteen: Your Voice Will Find You

You’re told that an event that’s dear to your heart — an annual fair, festival, or conference — will be cancelled forever (or taken over by an evil organization). Write about it. For your twist, read your piece aloud, multiple times. Hone that voice of yours!

Candace playing in snow

The Choir Night

One day in her senior high school year, my daughter Candace said to me, “Mom, our choir is going to perform next Saturday. Are you coming?”

“I think so,” I said.

“This is the last time I sing with this choir and they are going to announce all seniors’ names in the concert. You have to come,” She said with a forceful voice.

“We’ll be there,” I said.

On the concert day, I wore a nice navy blue suit, sat in the middle of the church where I could have a clear view of Candace. I watched her getting up on the stage, watched her sang each and every song. I shamelessly paid no attention to anyone but her.

Finally the choir director walked up to the front. He started by thanking all the parents and congratulating all seniors. Then, slowly, he read each senior’s name out loud.

I sat straight up, focusing on every syllable that came out of his mouth. I could hardly wait to hear my daughter’s name.

“That’s all the sopranos,” the director said.

Wait! What happen to Candace? Has she switched to sing altos? I don’t think so.

One by one, all the seniors’ names were announced except my daughter’s name. It became obvious to me that the director had missed her name. I had an urge to stand up and told the director his mistake. I worried about Candace. She must feel hurt. After all, she had asked us to be there to hear her name and she was with this choir for 3 years.

I didn’t stand up. As much as I wanted to correct the director’s mistake, I didn’t want to embarrass my daughter.

After the concert, Candace joined us.

“Great concert,” I said cheerfully.

“I am glad you liked it,” she responded.

Both of us didn’t say a word for a while and I finally broke the silence, “Do you know that the director had skipped your name?” I stopped and looked at her. “Are you OK?”

She quickly turned toward me as if she had received an electrical shock. “Did you notice that too? When I realized what had happened, all I could think of was how disappointed you would be.”

“But I know your name. I don’t need him to tell me, you know.”

She grabbed my arm and giggled.

Writing 101, Day Fourteen: To Whom It May Concern

Pick up the nearest book and flip to page 29. What jumps out at you? Start there, and try a twist: write in the form of a letter.

Understand is the word. 😉

Dear Golf God,

This morning, I played 9 holes. Before I went to golf course, I prayed to you: Please don’t let my ball go into the water or the sand trap because golf balls are not cheap, and I do usually take 2 or 3 shots to get out of the bunker; Please don’t let me hit the ground before hitting the ball because that’s a little embarrassed for this old lady. I promised, in return, I would repair all my divots and I would clear other player’s foot prints in the bunker if I happen to see some. I informed you that I would wear a green golf shirt and our tee time is at 9:30.

Well, I lost two balls in the water; I was in the sand trap twice; and I hit ground three times. What went wrong?

I am not complaining here. Really. I just want to take the responsibility to correct my mistakes. Did I pray at a wrong time… maybe I should pray the night before? Should I improve my communication skill… maybe I should speak in both English and Chinese? Please help me understand.

Wait. At the last minute, I changed to wear a blue golf shirt. Is that it?

Sincerely yours,
Helen