Miss Maddie’s spirits were always lifted when she saw the sunflowers along the road on her daily walks. She kept to her walks no matter if it was cloudy or bright, hot or cold. She had the self-discipline she had honed over the years of working in jobs where there was little chance of recognition or glory. Her values dictated that you performed your job to the best of your ability and did not shirk your responsibilities. Too bad her employers did not see things the same way and did not share her values or see the need for any loyalty to her. They made sure she was let go before she could be eligible for any retirement benefits. The sunflowers had popped up without anyone knowing where they came from. To Miss Maddie, like her irrepressible spirit, they were a symbol of hope.
Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers is hosted by Joy of the blog Beautiful Words. Image courtesy of Sonya-Only 100 Words.
Notes Tied On The Sagebrush 
Awww I am happy it ended on a hopeful note.
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The strength of the human spirit.
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There’s always hope! 🙂 Beautiful!
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Thank You. 🙂
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Lovely story, Deborah! Miss Madie’s employers don’t realize what a great employee they have. That is sad they let her go so they don’t have to pay her retirement benefits. I love the line about her irrepressible spirit compared to the sunflowers. Wonderful!
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Thank You, Joy. I think this happens to many people. I believe in the resiliency and courage of people. At least, that is what I aspire to. ❤
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That is a very good thing to aspire to. Great story!
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It happens more and more – there is no guarantee! So sad, but such a lovely flash!
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It is true and people need to struggle to not let it defeat them. Thank You, YR ❤
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Inspirational story.
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Thank You, Tanya. ❤
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I was inspired by your story and started to write a post with the sunflower prompt; however, when I finished writing, my story was over 400 words. So, it wouldn’t qualify for the Flash Fiction prompt. I may still post it tomorrow.
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Glad I helped inspire you and look forward to reading your story. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Deborah. 🙂
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There’s such a great sense of personality in this brief piece. Excellent characterization of Miss Maddie!
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Thank You very much. 🙂
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Great story..those are the kind of employers that complain the loudest when things don’t go their way . They have little regard for anyone else’s livelyhood. It’s great that Miss Maddie did not let it ruin her good spirit.
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Thank You. It seems like many working people are not treated very well and this was a reflection of that. The human spirit is pretty great though. 🙂
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