Monday, November 30, 2009

The Purse

Inspiration can come from almost anywhere. All you have to do is open up your eyes and see. During our book club meeting I noticed one of the purses (pictured above) of one of the gals at the meeting. It reminded me of a purse from the 1950’s or 1960’s. A story started to develop in my head.

Walking down the street Candice entered Granny’s Thrift Shop just for the fun of it. She wasn’t seeking anything to buy. She was saving for retirement and careful about spending money. Even though retirement was in about ten years she couldn’t help being frugal. She was amazed at the variety of items they gathered in such a small space. On a shelf next to a pair of shoes, a purse caught her eye.

She was drawn to it. Suddenly she was eight years old again.


“Momma, when are we going to the toy store?” Candice asked with a big smile on her face. “Soon, baby. You have to finish your breakfast before we can go.” Her mother stroked the top of her head. I finished as quickly as she could. They were going to the new toy store in town. It was the biggest one in three counties Momma said. I just couldn’t imagine how so many toys would fit in a store that big. “Let me grab my purse and clean your hands and we’ll be on our way.” I sat up front. Excitement filled every fiber in my being. Momma’s purse was right next to me. One day when I’m older, Momma said she would get me a purse just like hers. After Momma made sure I had my seat belt on, it was off to the toy store. Momma stopped the car at the light and looked at me. The smile on her face was stunning. It was the most beautiful face I had ever seen.


Candice picked up the purse. She had to have it. She checked the price tag and was heartbroken that she didn’t have enough money to purchase it. She held it in hands as if she was holding on to a priceless jewel.


“Look, Candy girl. See the store up ahead?” Momma said with a smile. Before I could answer, my world was forever changed. As momma stepped on the gas another car came from the left and rammed into the driver’s side door.

Holding the purse tightly, she walked to the cashier. She tried not cry, but a tear fell from her eye and rolled down her cheek. “Excuse me.” She said as she cleared her throat. Taking a deep breath she continued, “I was wondering if you could hold this purse for me until next week. I don’t have enough right now, but I can give you a partial payment.”

The old woman behind the counter took one look into Candice’s eyes and asked, “Oh, my dear. What’s the matter?”

“I . . . I . . . this purse reminds me of my mother. She had one just like it.”

“Is she no longer with you?”


I remembered being in the hospital, holding on to mother’s purse with a bruise around my waist where the seat belt was fasten. I couldn’t get the image of mother’s bloodied body from my mind. Momma didn’t move. Her head had cracked the windshield. My world had stopped. I tried to scream for help but no sound came out. I didn’t speak for weeks. I just held on to her purse.

“No. She died when I was little. My aunt came over to help pack away my mother’s things . . . and this purse . . . it was taken by mistake.”

The old woman placed her hand on top of Candice’s. “It’s okay honey. You’re the only one who has ever shown any interest in that old thing. You would be doing me a favor if you took it off my hands.”

Now the tears flowed freely. The kindness of this stranger touched her deeply. She managed to say, “Thank you.”

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

15 comments:

Emancipation of the Freed said...

wow, powerful...
well done my dear, well done.
Tom

Ginnie said...

bittersweet...nice story for this season....I miss my mom too. Ginnie

JEWELIA said...

Thanks for sharing, I loved the character "Candice"you included 8-)

Dawn said...

Wow... crying the ugly cry here. I've still got my wonderful Mom, but I'm approaching the one year anniversary of my sweet Granny's passing and she's been on my mind lot. I don't know why, but the story triggered memories of her.

You're an awesome writer, Nadine. Are you working on anything for publishing???

Susan said...

Awesome and touching!!!
Susan

Shionge said...

It reminded me of my accident that anything could happen and I could have perished in NJ (2007). This story makes me treasured my family more. Thank you Nadine.

Ileana said...

How sweet and touching...and creative. You are one talented chica, Chica! :)

Brenda said...

That is beautiful, Nadine. What a wonderful gift the Lord has blessed you with.
God bless.

Nadine said...

Tom - Thank you honey for your loving words and encouragement. I would be lost without them.

Ginnie - I lost my dad over 20 years ago and I still miss him. I understand your loss.

Jewels - I thought since "Candice" was kind of enough to let me take the picture of her bag, it was the least I could do. :)

Dawn - It's hard to lose loving parents or grandparents especially this time of year. Thank you for your kind words. I am working on something else but no where near self publishing.

Susan - I'm glad you enjoyed the story.

Shionge - I remember your accident. I'm glad that you and your family were fine after some time to heal.

Ily - Thank you Chica. I'm a big fan of yours too.

Brenda - God was very good in helping me to flesh out this story.

Jourdan said...

whew! that was amazingly written and powerfully thought out Nadine...I loved it. Reading it was like stepping right into the character's shoes, like they were real. Very well done! Love youuuu!

chelle said...

yeeesh goose bumps!
Loved it!

palmtreefanatic said...

powerful and touching! Thanks Nadine!

palmtreefanatic said...

powerful and touching! Thanks Nadine!

palmtreefanatic said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
j said...

This was a powerful piece of writing Nadine. I am seriously impressed - and touched.

Have a great week Nadine!