Posts Tagged ‘Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher’
Nov
What Family?
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
When I sat at my one-hundred-year-old mother’s bedside, she told me I was adopted, that she couldn’t die without telling me. I’m seventy-three years old, what was the point when no family was left to answer my questions?
I did a DNA test, and thought–what have I done?
An e-mail appeared in my DNA account from Tom, who said he was a cousin. My parents were illiterate, poor and didn’t know they signed me away permanently.
Tom explained I was a victim of the Tennessee orphanage scandal, along with many victims.
I deleted my account and never looked back.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Nov
Theodore’s Halloween
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Ten-year-old Theodore sat in front of the window and watched the trick or treaters. A boy dressed as Dracula flapped his black cape and his fangs glowed under the streetlight. Theodore took a sip of cocoa and listened as his mom wished the children a ‘Happy Halloween’ while they chortled and chose their favorite candy.
His mom placed her soothing hand on his shoulder before walking into the kitchen to prepare their dinner.
Theodore finished his hot cocoa, pushed his wheelchair in front of the television and stared blankly at the screen until his mom called his name for dinner.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Nov
Death Camp
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Aviva Blonheim stepped onto the train with her parents. As the German soldier closed the door, he chortled. Aviva, only ten years old, didn’t understand why Herr Hitler hated the Jewish, and as she glanced at her people packed into herds, unkempt, smelling of sweat and urine, she became more frightened. She tightly clutched her mother’s hand.
Upon arrival, they were led in groups to a small room. Aviva realized something bad was happening, and her parents collapsed, unresponsive. People clawed the walls to no avail.
As the poison gas entered Aviva, she grasped her throat and collapsed into darkness.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Oct
New York Strong
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
I climb the subway steps into the abundant sunshine. The weather is warm and it’s just another September day. Or so I think…
Paper is floating in the air; the sky darkens and desks tremble. Nearby buildings disappear in clouds of smoke. I watch wide eyed from the fourteenth-floor window across from the World Trade Center. Screams are unbearable and angels fall with a thunderous thump to the ground. My heart pounds and I can’t breathe. I don’t comprehend the horror; the fire, blackness, death.
The towers collapse, but eighteen years later we’re strong for the victims and their families.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Oct
Expired
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Lucie hears the police officer’s voice so clearly in her memory. We’re sorry, your husband has been hit by a drunk driver and he’s unresponsive. Come to the hospital immediately.
She’s helpless, afraid, when she sees John still, and bleeding from his head.
Lucie stares out the window watching the birds fly, chirping in unison. The clouds give way to abundant sunshine and she waits for the doctor, impatiently biting her nails.
The doctor’s words are imprinted in her mind. Internal injuries. Needs surgery immediately.
“Mrs. Giovani, I’m very sorry. Your husband expired on the operating table.”
The sky darkens.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Sep
Haunting
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Molly opened the door to her new antique shop and breathed in the freshly painted room. She sold everything from refurbished wood furniture, candles and lotions among other products. Family and friends begged her not to buy the building that was a torture chamber in the early 1800s. Rumor had it that past owners heard screams and footsteps, but she didn’t believe it.
One year later, Molly foreclosed. Customers were too frightened of the rumors.
On her last day, Molly locked the door for the final time. When she turned for one last look, a figure waved from the window.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Sep
Innocence Lost
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Robyn watched the memorial for an hour before shutting the television. The numerous innocent casualties grieved her. Eighteen-years-later and September 11th, 2001 remained visible. The screams and falling debris echoed, and the blackened sky that had been full of abundant sunshine before the tragedy, frightened her.
She took a deep breath and poured herself a steaming cup of herbal tea. The warmth soothed her stomach.
Robyn had left her 911 operator job that very evening. The towers collapsing had brought her over the edge and the voices of people pleading for help still haunted her.
Tears formed and tea spilled.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Aug
Young Love
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
Elsie opens the window and the warm breeze enters the room. She sits next to William holding his hand, remembering.
“It’s a beautiful spring day. It reminds me of our first picnic in the park. After eating and talking for hours, you finally leaned my head back, kissed me and wrapped your hands gently around my waist. Your lips were soft and tasted of salt from the chips.” Elsie brushes William’s hair behind his ear. “I can’t believe that has only been a year ago.”
Elsie’s eyes begin to water, and she wonders why dementia has taken her young love.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Aug
The Sea
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
The gentle ripple of the waves soothes me, as I listen to the seagulls flying above searching for prey. A mother is helping her young son build a sandcastle while keeping an eye out for her daughter. “Don’t go too far out,” she bellows.
The ocean splashes against my legs and seaweed gets caught in-between my toes. I chortle and kick my feet, releasing it back into the water. I love the sea, its openness and the people who come to get away from everyday life.
The ocean is a world of its own, and the world is the ocean.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher
Jul
Life’s Surprises
by thegooddoctor in 100 Words
I’m walking along the parks path and the sun is so hot, sweat drips down my neck. The trees are full of sparrows chirping in unison, and the benches are full of elderly men reading the newspaper or just staring ahead. One man is eating chips and crumbs stick to his mustache. I chortle and move along. Mothers with children, some eating ice cream, drop sprinkles on the ground and the ants come in droves.
It’s days like this I don’t take for granted. Life is full of surprises and I never know what will be, once I start radiation.
From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher