Charli’s prompt this week:
March 22, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using the theme “follow your dreams.” Bonus points for throwing a badge into the tale. Go where the prompt leads.
I did it mum. I took your advice.
“Follow your dreams, love,” you’d say to me. “Don’t let anyone stop you. I’d hate for your life to mirror mine.”
Born at a time where a good Indian wife and mother was nothing but that, my mum had dreams of being a doctor. Instead she was married off early, and, well, no one was going to encourage their daughter in law to study more, or, God forbid, work.
As I stand here, with my degree in my hand, my only wish is that you were here to see it too…
https://carrotranch.com/2018/03/23/march-22-flash-fiction-challenge/
But I Smile Anyway... 
Mar 26, 2018 @ 03:42:05
Such a lovely story Ritu, touching and sweet at the same time.
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Mar 26, 2018 @ 05:45:25
Thank you Anurag. 🙂
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 20:39:01
Generations of oppression – it happens in all cultures I’m afraid. Sweet story but sad, too.
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 21:28:18
You’re right, it is in so many cultures… but I like to hope things are getting better for many out there…
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 13:31:50
I love this, Sis. There are so many unfulfilled women who haven’t been able to follow their dreams, yet still encourage and support others. 🙂
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 14:23:01
That’s why I try to be overencouraging with my own lil Princess 😍
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 14:48:17
Funnily enough I was talking to Miss Hap yesterday about possible careers she could choose as she is pretty undecided. I mentioned ‘engineering’ and she said, “Oh no, that is a boy’s job.” Aaaarrrgh! I am surprised that she thinks like that as I have always taught her not to stereotype and to go after what she wants!
I am sure Lil Princess will be successful at whatever she chooses to do as you are such a supportive and caring mum. xx
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 15:01:08
As long as we just keep on with the encouraging xxx
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Mar 26, 2018 @ 09:07:49
👍 Absolutely, Sis. 🙂
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 11:59:57
That is superb Ritu . So proud yet poignant. You feel for the mother whose dreams weren’t valued by others and somehow I get the impression that she probably paved the way for her daughter to have a different life. How proud the daughter is to have achieved it how sad that mother isn’t there to witness it. Wonderful flash.
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 12:02:13
Thank you Irene. I have been blessed with a strong mother who experienced some of this but not all and her biggest lesson to me was to never lose myself or my dreams. To this day she’s my number 1 cheerleader with my Pops x
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Mar 26, 2018 @ 02:42:22
Fantastic.
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:37:43
Oh, Ritu! I have a lump in my throat. Wonderful!
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 02:37:37
Thanks Jennie xx
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Mar 25, 2018 @ 03:09:42
You’re welcome, Ritu. 🙂
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:26:02
Oh yes, really touching, Ritu! It show, you should never forget your dreams whatever happens during the time realising them. Michael 😉
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:29:11
It is so important to never forget them 😊
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:22:00
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:25:17
Thanks Michael!
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 18:02:51
Marvelous.. 😎🥀😎🥀😎🥀
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 18:59:11
Merci xx
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 13:15:53
My mother’s father didn’t believe in educating girls either, Ritu. Very sad what women have had to put up with and still do.
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 18:42:05
So true Robbie. My mum was really lucky actually. My granddad was very forward thinking and placed a lot of importance on education for his kids . As a result my mum eve went to university abroad, from Kenya to Bath in the UK, studying at the same place as Mary Berry! It was just once she married that her dreams went on the back burner as working wasn’t what she was expected to do by her in laws… though my Pops has supported her in any decisions she ever makes. She always tells me not to lose myself and never to give up on my dreams. 💜
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 07:00:30
Your flash tugs at the heartstrings, Ritu — the added sadness that she couldn’t share her moment with the mother who gave up her own.
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 07:03:15
Thank you Charli. I feel blessed to have my own mother around to see my highs at the moment and she’s my backbone… can’t contemplate life without her…
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Apr 04, 2018 @ 04:51:09
That is a blessing, Ritu! She must absolutely adore you and be so proud of you!
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Apr 04, 2018 @ 07:25:29
😍 the feeling is totally mutual
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 01:51:36
Very touching Sister! ❤
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 06:50:18
Thanks Brother 🙏🏽💜
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 14:13:07
You’re welcome Sister and I hope you’re having a good Saturday 🙏🏾💜
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 18:47:37
It’s been surprisingly busy Brother but in a good way! Hope yours is passing smoothly!
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 22:43:18
Good to hear that Sister!! It’s been smooth, easy going today!
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 22:52:03
That’s great Brother!
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 22:55:11
Thank you Sister!
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:14:08
😀
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:11:58
Hey wait minute I totally forgot
Where’s Mystery Matt
Bookblogger turn student
And us still wondering
Whatever happen To our Matt……
The Sheldon Perspective
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:25:01
I don’t know! I tried to email him a while ago but no response.. ..
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:08:08
A heart breaker
I saw you
Mouth the words
Sheldon As Usual
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:24:24
Thanks Shekdon. Hope you’re well. 💜
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:06:02
An eternal struggle, for sure…
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:23:44
💜💜💜
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 20:22:10
That was very touching, sis!!
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 20:31:56
Thank you sis 😍
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Mar 24, 2018 @ 12:18:59
You are welcome, dear sis 😊
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 19:00:59
Darling that is too many words for me to place all at once!
Maybe some day i will try something that long?
hugs
an
methanks for all the reads!
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 19:06:39
Try it Chris!
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 23:15:56
Damn! i’d knewd you’d say that!
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 18:10:15
Great story Sis 💜💜💜💜
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Mar 23, 2018 @ 18:19:02
Thanks sis! ❤
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