“The Gift of the Fairies.” (Alternative Prompt)

When I was very young and in my crib in my parents’ backyard, my earliest memory was that of colorful orbs flying around me, enchanting me.  They were a perfectly calming presence.  I did not cry. I was not afraid.  These colorful orbs were very pleasant, as they stayed near me for only a short while.  As I was a nice boy, raised to be respectful and helpful, somewhat cute (where did THAT go?), and jovial, I would suspect that the fairies in orb form bestowed upon me the following traits.  I possess, to this day, a certain light-heartedness, a not-too-serious air, and a great sense of humor, which has gotten me scolded not a few times.  My Dad, who worked for Pan American World Airways for 39 years, and my Mom, let the travel bug bite me at a young age.  And may the antidote never be administered!

   

   Later in my life, I continued to travel as an adult, having been to 18 countries and 42 states, and counting.  Funny, though, I have been to Red Square in Moscow, the Scottish Highlands, Pearl Harbor, The Bahamas, Banff, Alberta; Mount Etna in Sicily, Pike’s Peak in Colorado, Mount Marcy in upstate New York, and The Pyramids of Giza, but never to the Statue of Liberty. Go figure.  My love of life, travel, and history have invaded my being up to this very day. 

   

   Years later, my good Dad, having read a story I had written about our family Christmas outdoor nativity set, encouraged me to write my stories.  My siblings, of course, have other dynamic skill sets, whereas I, in my Dad’s eyes, was more creative and adventurous.  Well, my Dad passed in 2014, and my Mom in 2016, and they are sending blessings down to Donna and I every day, as everyone’s parents who went before them do.  It’s what Heaven is all about.  Help the unenlightened earth-bound to be more God-like in their ways and in how they treat their fellow humans.  Earth is a tough place, let me tell ya.  Then, maybe, God’s right hand will reach down, when it is your time, to pull you up to join all of your good people in Heaven.  If you don’t do well and respect and honor others on this world, you may, if you’re lucky, get a do-over as a wombat, or a cricket, or a hockey puck.

  

   Yes, Mom and Dad, I am writing, with the help of Donna and the good souls at Writing from the Heart.  The Fairies did me well.  When I grow up, I will be a published writer.  It could be anytime now.

   Did I ever tell you about the Summer of ’91?

 

Richard Melnick, May 12, 2021.