A Model's Power

  A Model’s Power.   

Who do you admire most? An athlete? Actor or actress? Aunt or uncle? What aspect(s) of their personality would you wish to emulate? Why?

I hope the person you picked is real and not fictional. An actual person has achieved success in an area(s) that you value. It means that it is possible for you to do likewise. If that model is accessible, then you can ask for tips on how they acquired their skill(s) or trait(s). This strategy is a tactic used by many sports figures. Following in the steps of another successful person is easier than breaking a new trail. When the person being imitated knows of your efforts, they often not only willingly share their tips, but also are there to encourage you. A bonus! 

Over the past several decades I’ve come to know many people that I highly admire for one reason or another. It doesn’t mean that I have been able to duplicate their particular skill or trait––I still can’t hit the ball as far as my golfing buddy––but I have witnessed the value of their perseverance and passion in pursuing their goal. Perseverance and passion,  ingredients to success. Perseverance and passion once discovered within myself means success is also within my own grasp. It also means that I’m able to show the powerful effect that an admired grandmother has on her granddaughter in my novel, Baggage burdens.

The brief contact time that Jill had with Josey, her grandmother, was sufficient to create an impression that influenced Jill for the next thirty years. It eventually snapped her out of a depression and forced Jill to return to Ontario and face memories that warped her sense of self and others.  

By early August, Jill is very thankful for Josey’s rescuing deeds. They far exceed her wildest hopes. For the last five weeks, Jill has worked hard on her English course, which her grandmother arranged by enrolling her in a summer course in Brampton. Exams are finished. She aced that course. In celebration of her success, she claims the upper veranda deck at her grandmother’s redbrick house in Brampton for her private sun-tanning haven. Singing wind chimes that hang from the soffit at the end of the deck sooth her spirit. 

As her grandmother’s Santorini mobile souvenir comes into focus, she sees a light blue boat with white sails gliding in the late-morning breeze. Half a dozen glistening glass dolphins suspended from the bottom of the boat with an almost invisible tackle line dart about as if they’re playing in the sea. Eight silver, pencil-thin metal pipes dance around, ringing out their laughter like children on a summer beach. 

“Ah, heaven! I could stay here forever,” says Jill, reminiscing about her summer. Hearing her words of joy urges Jill to praise her grandmother next time she visits.

The review of her last two months leads Jill to appreciate her grandmother’s ability to do anything she sets her mind to. Neither her mother nor her father demonstrated that talent. 

IfI could only be like Gram. Someday, maybe.

“I phoned Bill. He told me Joseph left you. He wants nothing more to do with you. Your marriage is finished.”

Julie stops and hugs Jill. While still holding her close, she glances back to make sure the bedroom door is closed and the children aren’t near. Pointing to the bottle, she asks, “Jill, were you trying to end your life?” Julie can’t bring herself to say suicide, not to the aunt she loves and admires. 

Tears flow from Jill. A slow, weak no slips out.

Julie shakes her head. “Jill, you’ve got to get up, show some energy.”

Jill shakes her head slowly, making no attempt to control her body. She sinks heavily in Julie’s arms. “I can’t.”

Fear distorts Julie’s face. “I’ve got to snap her out of it,” mumbles Julie. “I’ve got to break my promise.” Julie looks at her limp aunt resting in her arms. She takes a deep breath. “Jill, do I have to call Josey for help?”

As if taking a whiff of smelling salts, Jill sits straight up. “What?” 

“You never heard that.” 

Sparked by fear that her grandmother might find out how badly she has failed, Jill swings her feet to the floor and looks directly at Julie. In a demanding tone, she fires, “What does my grandmother know about me?”

“Now you sound like my wonderful aunt,” responds Julie. Her compliment doesn’t distract Jill from her line of questioning. “You know your grandmother loves you.”

haiku capsule:

              imitating you,                                                                                        

                                more desirable model.                                                                          

                                My strength in hard times.

Next blog:  

Hope from Unexpected Sources.