Charli’s prompt this week:
July 26, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about what happens next to a stranded suitcase. Go where the prompt leads you, but consider the different perspectives you can take to tell the tale.
Suitcase of Hope
Opening the bedroom door, the first thing I saw was the abandoned suitcase, open on the bed. Half packed, it had been left, bereft at not being full, zipped up, and off on another adventure.
I walked over, closed the lid, fastened it and placed it to one side. “Don’t worry, he’ll be better soon, then you can both go on your travels, with no worries at all.”
Pops appeared by my side, having taken a few moments longer to climb the stairs than me.
“It’s okay Pops, rest up. I’ll pack your case when the time is right.”
Today’s take is based upon true events. If you have been reading my blog recently, you’ll know that my Pops has been extremely unwell, needing emergency open surgery a few weeks back. On the day he was being operated on, my sister-in-law gave birth to my new nephew, and Pops’ fourth grandchild.
My mum is already in Finland with my brother and his family, and the plan was that Pops would be joining her there so he could enjoy the delights of his new grandchild too.
Unfortunately, that is not the (suit)case at the moment, he won’t be flying anywhere for a while. I arrived back home with my children today, to ease him back into his own home, after spending the last three weeks after being discharged from hospital convalescing at his niece’s house.
Though a case was not actually strewn across his bed, there are several scattered around the house, Mum’s part-packing jobs done before she left, so she could take more things when she does a return journey, with Pops!
He’s doing so well, considering the ordeal he went through, but still very weak. We went for a slow, short walk this evening and it was so wonderful to see my Pops almost back to normal, a little slower, a little thinner, but definitely my Pops. ❤
❤ my Pops
And here’s hoping that after his follow up appointment in September, he will be able to go and finally give that new addition a proper cuddle! ❤
https://carrotranch.com/2018/07/27/july-26-flash-fiction-challenge/
But I Smile Anyway... 
Aug 10, 2018 @ 06:28:12
I’m sure everything will turn out all right, and he’ll be flying jet planes within no time
Embankment Stair
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Aug 10, 2018 @ 10:08:44
Thank you!
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Aug 02, 2018 @ 04:12:26
What a beautiful photo of father and daughter. I can see the love of family in you both. Soon, he’ll be packing his suitcase, too. I loved how you used the prompt to reflect on his journey and your hopes for his continued healing. Congratulations on a new child in the family! The Finns of the Keweenaw have taught me a new word — sisu. It’s a type of strength and courage for life’s travails. Your Pops has sisu!
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Aug 02, 2018 @ 07:52:26
Thanks Charli!
Pops has a serenity running through him that gives him amazing spiritual strength. He’s full of calm positivity. 💜 Sisi. I love it 💜
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Jul 30, 2018 @ 13:00:58
Awwe, that’s such a sweet photo Ritu. I’m sure everything will turn out all right, and he’ll be flying jet planes within no time 🙂
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Jul 30, 2018 @ 13:13:35
Thanks Anurag! Here’s hoping 😊
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 21:10:21
Awww, Ritu. I had tears reading this story and the real-life events around the suitcase. You hug your Pops and know I think of you both often. ❤
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 21:12:42
Thank you so much sis. He’s right in front of me now… Pottering about, doing little things because litttke things are big for him at the moment… But getting so much stronger daily. 🙏🏼 Your thoughts mean a lot 💜
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 21:14:09
Hugs and love to you both, Ritu. ❤
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 21:17:27
💜💜💜
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 17:32:57
Best wishes also from here and me. Great news. The fourth grandchild?? Oh my gosh, you are conquering Britain. lol
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 17:36:25
Ha ha! Yes the fourth two here two in Finland!
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 17:38:43
Hey great. This forces your Pops getting well asap, to visit all the new family members. 😉
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 17:41:34
A good incentive right!!!
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 17:43:20
YESSSSS! 🙂
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 10:23:35
Best wishes to you, your Pops and the entire family, including the new addition.
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 10:24:27
Thank you so much Norah 💜
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 11:00:02
Hugs. xx
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 03:08:59
This was so heartfelt, Ritu. I am very glad your Pops is doing better and on the road to recovery. 😀
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 08:23:53
Thank you Jennie! Each day brings him closer to that case being packed xxxx
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 11:24:56
❤️
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 21:49:13
Glad to hear your Pops is doing better. A great story.
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 21:57:09
Thank you Darlene! It is a relief to see him taking even the smallest of steps to recovery, because he’s moving in the right direction! ❤
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 21:11:46
Lovely Ritu x
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 21:13:11
Thank you xxx
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 19:32:08
A lovely true story Ritu, and well executed in the word limit. Hoping Pops continues to recover and gets to Finland soon. Thinking of you all.
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 19:34:26
Thank you Debbie 😍 we’re working it 😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 17:18:07
Marvelous news! One wee step at a time. 😎🥀
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 17:18:33
Thank you😍😍😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 14:35:52
I hope he will recover fully soon. Take care, Ritu!
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 15:32:40
Thank you Arv. Here’s hoping he makes a full recovery soon 😊
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 17:49:56
Amen 👍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 14:12:38
The good news is that it is only postponed but not abandoned. This way you have your Pops for yourself (and the kids, of course, lol). Have a good time everybody 😊
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 15:34:48
Thank you sis. It is lovely to be here with him 😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 18:33:42
I am sure you are enjoying it a lot and even more now that he is doing better 😊
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 18:44:37
I am enjoying but seem to be suffering dizziness and a little vertigo…
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 19:15:22
Oh, I am sorry to hear. I had that last Saturday. Out of the blew I had temperature and that on the weekend with my son. But all was good on Sunday again and we could go for our plans anyway. I hope you are feeling better soon, sis💖
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 19:31:34
Thanks sis. Last thing I need to be honest at the moment…
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 18:36:51
I bet!!
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 13:52:10
Such a lovely piece, Ritu. It’s wonderful to hear he is home; sending well wishes for brighter and brighter days leading up to the Finland trip. 🙂
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 15:36:52
Thank you Kelsey 😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 13:18:42
Ritu so glad he’s doing better. You’re all in my thoughts ❤️
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 13:26:16
Thank you Rachael 💜
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 12:09:08
I’m glad he is home. The suitcase on the bed is such a strong memory. You captured it so well and all its meanings. take care both of you.
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 13:16:38
Thank you 😍 Its good to see him in his usual surroundings even though he’s slower than usual 💜
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 11:55:30
Great story and even greater after you shared its relevance to your own life. Glad your Pops is feeling stronger!
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 13:15:47
Thank you so much 😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 11:17:12
Very clever us of the prompts! And I’m glad your Pops is doing well.
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 13:14:32
Thank you so much 💜
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 10:16:17
I am so glad to read that you Pops is up and running again, Ritu. So stressful when family members are ill.
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 10:50:49
It’s been tough but he’s looking a lot better… Slowly 😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 09:52:38
Hope Pops gets better soon xx
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 09:59:21
Thank you Lucy 😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 09:51:14
Sending lots of hugs to you and your Pops. He seems to be on the mend!!
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 09:58:52
Thank you Cherie! He’s looking so much better 🤩
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 09:59:33
So glad to hear this.
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 10:48:09
😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 08:10:00
Yay for Pops! Here’s to happier packing
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 08:12:02
Yay indeed!!! Thanks His Geoffleship 💜
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 07:08:29
Thank you so much!!! 😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 03:11:01
My very best wishes to your Pops Ritu.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 07:06:49
Thank you David 🤗🤗🤗
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 02:02:27
He looks so much better, Ritu. You look thinner too. Bless you both !
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 07:06:34
Thanks Susie. A smile makes everything feel better! (And I wish I was thinner lol!!! 😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 01:25:10
Lovely writing, Ritu. Glad your father is improving. 🙂
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 07:05:58
Thank you Tonya 💜
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 01:01:00
I hope Pops continues to regain his strength an is much better real soon Sister.
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 07:05:31
Thank you Brother. 💜 He looks frail… But I can see his strength and determination fighting to get better 🙏🏽
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 15:32:28
You’re welcome Sister. He is on the road to recovery now 🙏🏽💜
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 15:34:21
He is. And I really hope my cooking will help him too!!!
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 16:35:18
I believe your being there is helping him immensely!!!
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Jul 29, 2018 @ 16:41:26
😍
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 00:56:36
He looks like a fighter who WILL see his grandchild. 🙂
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 07:04:44
He’s determined!!!!
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 00:30:50
Love the way you could tie real life into the prompt. God Bless your family. ❤
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Jul 28, 2018 @ 07:03:30
Thank you sis. I felt I should honour Pops in some way as I’d arrived to be with him 😍
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Jul 27, 2018 @ 23:56:43
Healing prayers for you and your Pops! Hope he continues to grow stronger and better!❤️
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Jul 27, 2018 @ 23:18:49
Really glad to hear he’s doing well. 🙂
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Jul 27, 2018 @ 23:21:31
Thank you 💜
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Jul 27, 2018 @ 23:34:47
😊
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Jul 27, 2018 @ 23:07:14
Best wishes to you and your dad Ritu, I hope he continues to grow stronger, it is an ordeal for anyone.
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Jul 27, 2018 @ 23:08:59
Thanks Michael. He’s a fighter, that’s for sure 💜
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Jul 27, 2018 @ 23:07:03
Lovely take Sis, so glad to see the lovely photo of you both. Get well Pops and off to Finland we are all rooting for you 💜💜💜💜
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Jul 27, 2018 @ 23:08:07
Thanks sis! It’s good to have him home 💜💜
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Jul 27, 2018 @ 23:28:46
🌹🌹
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