Category: Stories, Bit by Bit

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part One Continued.

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by BitLeave a comment

I am so excited to share this.

A heartfelt thank you to Lori Sillman for adding the next bit. Her contribution has helped keep this story alive. I love how she captured Lilly’s mix of doubt, hope and determination. She added depth without changing her voice.

To all readers, comment below if you’d like to join in or even just offer ideas or direction of where you would like it to go. If not, that is perfectly fine. It is just for fun. I will keep weaving, bit by bit, but just like when we sit together, this story is even better when we create it, side by side.

Here’s the next bit, written by Lori…

Lilly couldn’t help but feel some of the disappointment and self-doubt that his words prodded, but she also knew she would only be unfulfilled by giving up the dream. She tossed about the idea of doing both. She could continue the last bit of her degree in veterinary school while taking classes in journalism. Would that honor her dad, and her mom’s memory, or just waste more money, slowing down her new career?

“Dad, I want to make you proud. I am sorry to let you down. I have to pursue this. I’ll work on the side and help pay my way.”

Paul could never let his baby feel like a disappointment. “Alright, Lilly. We’ll work together, and just so you know, your mom and I have always been proud of you. We may have shook our heads at your changing pursuits, but we love your ability to dream big!”

Lilly felt relieved, excited, and under more pressure than ever. She immediately looked at what classes she would need to enroll in. Thankfully, the guidance counselor knew Lilly. She not only helped Lilly wade through the credits and classes that worked for her new degree path, she let Lilly in on a little secret.

“There is a journalism club on campus that works with the profs and classes. They get to travel all over and receive credit for on-the-job training. There are multiple destinations. I can have the club president get in touch with you, if you’re interested.”

Oh, Lilly was more than interested!

To be continued

Sending warmth and kindness

Stories, Bit by Bit: Lilly, Part One

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by Bit7 Comments

“Are you serious? I cannot believe it. Really, all this for me?”

“Yes, Lilly. This is yours, and you deserve every bit of it.”

Her father had been plotting and saving for years. Paul stood there in quiet awe, looking at his baby girl.

Lilly had completed her third year of college. It had taken her five years, though. Regardless, she was well on her way to becoming the veterinarian she had always wanted to be. Then, unexpectedly, she changed direction. She wanted to be a journalist.

Her favorite part of college had always been anything to do with writing. More and more, her thoughts drifted there. She could see herself traveling with her laptop, pen in hand, going on adventures and writing about them. The research aspect fit perfectly with her insatiable curiosity. It felt like a dream job.

She met his eyes.

“Why wouldn’t I pursue something that calls to me?” she said. “Surely, Dad, you wouldn’t want to hold me back from my desire to reach for the stars.”

Paul discouraged her at first.

“Lilly, absolutely not. I can’t afford to keep funding trial-and-error pursuits. And you know your mother would have wanted you to finish what you start.”

He paused, then continued, unable to stop himself.

“I’m certain you can still hear her voice as she dragged you to every practice, every event. ‘Lilly, you are going, and that’s it!’ You tried everything, art, dancing, debate. Remember the night you ran into our room convinced you were meant to be an influencer?”

He shook his head, a tired smile flickering.

“I didn’t believe it would last. They rarely did.”

Lilly felt the familiar defensive heat rise.

“Dad, you’re exaggerating, and you know it. Those weren’t failures. I was a kid learning who I am. You make it sound like a bad thing.”

Paul softened.

“Honey, I understand. But you’re a senior now, pursuing the one thing you’ve always wanted, your own veterinary clinic. I’ve watched you stay the course. Even through your mother’s cancer. Even after she died.”

His voice wavered.

“You never stopped showing up for her. You never stopped showing up for yourself. And now, just as you’re about to start your fourth year, you suddenly want to change everything.”

To be continued.

Tag you are it. If not, that’s ok too. Still, more to come.

Sending warmth and kindness.

Stories, Bit By Bit

On By Charli ReneeIn Stories, Bit by BitLeave a comment

Oh man, I don’t want to go to work. It is that clock-in time. I am busy writing. Oh well, thankfully, it will be there waiting. No need to finish this little story today.

Wait, I can make a new page!

Yes, that’s it: stories, bit by bit. I can come and go when I please, or even when I’m not so pleased, like this morning, for example. I’ll write, and if time or ideas run out, I’ll just put to be continued, which is writer code for “I’ll be back when the mood strikes.” And since I enjoy sharing, why not let the process be part of the story. I can watch it evolve one piece at a time. Maybe you will join in. Tag, you’re it.

Let’s see where this goes. I’ll start with what I was working on this morning.

I am so excited. I hope you readers are too, even if just a bit.

All story installments live here.
Come back anytime. The door is always open.

Sending warmth and kindness.