A very dear and cherished friend of mine (not an American, he’s from Scotland currently residing in France) wrote a flash fiction (100 words or less) story for Friday Fictioneers (a very successful weekly writer’s challenge “based on a photo”. Rochelle, congrats on your third year as the awesome facilitator for this literary blog).
His short story was about a trip he took to my country – to experience America – a few years back. It did bring excellent memories of his time here in the Tri-Cities of Washington, as well as Portland, Oregon, and of course San Francisco and many other towns, cities and communities he visited. Here is a link to his story “Greyhound”.
At the close of his story he shared the video of Simon & Garfunkel singing the song “America”! And while it brought back wonderful memories it also reminded me of where we, as Americans, are today.
It seems we Americans are all searching for America with our many concerns and fears for the now of things and our futures but I truly believe the Heart of America is still where it’s always been … inside each of our hearts. (Going all the way back to indigenous Americans and then the steady addition of each of the many of us whose ancestors and current family members came as immigrants and settled here in our amazing country.)
America is truly an amalgamation of all peoples, races, creeds, religions and of course individual points of view. To find the hope and potential of America, my fellow Americans we’ve but to look within our own loving hearts. There is so much potential for all of us. Working together we will accomplish more than we ever have before.
So now after this long introduction, here is my 100 word flash fiction story based on the photo below:
PHOTO PROMPT © Ron Pruitt
Quietly waiting for her turn to board the bus, an elderly woman carrying a ticket, small bag and guitar stood in line. While adjusting the items she carried, a young man also standing in line asked if he might help. The man was thanked and given the guitar to hold.
“Where are you going?” He asked politely.
“Downtown.” She replied. “First to vote and then to attend a gathering of fellow musicians to celebrate.”
“What are you celebrating, and why bother to vote first?” He responded.
“Because I can!” She said answering both questions, a huge smile on her face.
~*~
Thank you, have a wonderful day,
With much affection,
~Penny
The Why About This 
Ah, lest we forget why these things matter so much. I loved your story
Hello and thank you. I appreciate both your compliment and your sentiments … and agree with the latter.
A beautiful reminder of freedom. ❤
Hi Debby. Thank you, dear friend. ♡
❤
“because I can” – love the ending . Have used that statement myself several times and it’s a powerful finish.
Thank you, very much.
Dear Penny,
It’s nice to see you here. I’ve missed you and your stories. This one is, as B says, a cut above and a good reminder of what America is (supposed to be) about. Wonderful photo, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Hi Rochelle, thank you, so much, for your kind and generous words. Hoping life is being good to you. Enjoy the remainder of your weekend, and please take care of you! ♡
Penny, thank you for highlighting so beautifully one of the privileges of being a citizen in a free country. I take this privilege very seriously and hope more people would.
janet
Hi janet. Thank you. I agree completely with your comments. Far too much taken for granted. Have an excellent weekend!
You as well, Penny.
“Because I can”. Perfect 🙂
Life is much more simple than we humans make it. Thank you dear friend. Have a wonderful weekend! :)♡
Haha. Love the story. Good morning, Penny!
Hi Jake, thank you kindly. Good Morning, have a great weekend!
A lovely story indeed. Yes, because we can, should be stamped on the foreheads of those who don’t use their right!
Hi Dale, thank you. It should indeed! What’s that saying – use it or lose it!
I live by that saying!
This is a wonderful story, and it is true for all countries that call themselves democracies.
Thank you. I agree with your comment. I wish it were true for all countries!
Thank you, once again, my dearest Penny, for your support, your friendship and your love.
Visiting your country, your family, and you was one of the happiest experiences of my life.
You bring your generosity, your wisdom, and your passion for life to everything you do.
I am privileged to be your ‘very dear and cherished friend’.
And, of course, a great story.
You should do these more often, you are a class above most of us.
Thank you B. Every word meant sincerely! ♡♡
Great story. It definitely shows the difference between older voters and younger one. 🙂
Thanks Susan. Actually, I think many of the young adults of today are concerned enough to be voters also. And I am very happy about that, (not about their and our concerns) but that they want to make a “voting” difference! 🙂
Hi Björn. Thank you. We humans do have a tendency to complicate our lives, don’t we? In the end it truly is the simple things that need to be remembered. Especially when they’ve been hard won!
what a wonderful tale Penny… so many times we forget to cherish the things we can do, and long for something else… best answer ever.
Hi Björn. Thank you. We humans do have a tendency to complicate our lives, don’t we? In the end it truly is the simple things that need to be remembered. Especially when they’ve been hard won!