The Choice

Posted on by Colleen M. Chesebro

November 30, 2017, Carrot Ranch prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes self-care. Does the character need it? What does the character do? Think about how you can use this action to deepen a character or move a story. Go where the prompt leads.

Respond by December 7, 2017, to be included in the compilation (published December 8). Rules are here. All writers are welcome!


Grief affects everyone differently. There is no rhyme or reason as to how one should deal with grief or loss either. It’s up to the person to come to grips with the passing of those we love. It’s never easy.

I’ve recently been dealing with the passing of my beloved dogs. It’s the loss that is hard to deal with – the starting over and changing one’s reality from what it used to be. I felt lost…

However, I am an optimist always looking forward. What I discovered and what soothed and restored me was meditation. I liken it to healing myself from the inside out. That desire to rebuild and heal prompted this piece. ❤

The Choice

Painful sobs wracked her body while anguished cries escaped from her throat with an unrecognized resonance. She finally understood that death in its malevolence took what it desired leaving an emptiness in its wake. She knew she needed to survive by moving forward or she’d perish.

Nearby, the crystals beckoned to her emitting an ethereal glow. Meditate, they whispered. Align your chakras and feel your healing life force restored. She sat, quieting her breath, slipping into a meditative state. Her breath inhaled the restorative energy while exhaling the grief and loss.

Revitalized by love, she accepted a new path.

Thanks for stopping by. ❤

28 thoughts on “The Choice”

    1. Oh, my! Thank you so much. I like to spread that healing energy around so I hope I can send some back your way. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Excellent take Colleen, you are right grief takes on a form that is unique for each of us, I’ve experienced with my parent’s deaths….and I’m glad you found a way to deal with yours.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Life seems to be a consecutive path of changes and choices. Moving forward is always a good start. ❤

      Like

  11. Terribly sorry for your loss. We always had airedales, and each one we lost hurt for a long time. I’m sending a small story for your prompt, and hope you understand that there is no disrespect meant for your pain, but only a hope for joy for you if you decide to get a new puppy.

    Santa And The S-Elf Carlton

    “Hey, Care…”

    Carlton Elf slowed enough to look behind him without walking into one of the giant

    candy cane lampposts.

    “Twelfth Elf,” he muttered under his breath. “Just what I needed.”

    With no escape possible, Carlton turned around, smiling.

    “Hi Twelfth.”

    “Hey, Super-Elf, you’re needed.”

    Oh darn. He had been hoping for a day of real, not sweet, food, and maybe a

    movie. Something with nothing in it that looked like anything he had assembled and

    packed in the toy section of the workshop lately.

    “So what does the boss want this time?”

    “Hey, Super-elf, you’re on puppy delivery.”

    Copyright Dunnasead.co 2017

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Diana, thank you for your encouragement. I am currently reading Caitlain’s Bane and wishing I could write like you! I am drawn by the dystopian nature of the book and how real it feels in our current political culture. Wow! Consider me a fan of your writing! ❤

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Ah, the pain of losing a pet resides in the comfort and companionship they give. It is an utter emptiness when they pass. Meditation helps. I use the Calm App on my phone. And rocks! I appreciate how you took your wisdom and pain to turn it into a flash! I’m sending you a big hug!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Many thanks, Charli. I received the coolest box in the mail. It was full of rocks! I love ya, lady. You made my day. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Pingback: Practicing Self-Care « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

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