ANOTHER WAY TO LOOK AT LIFE

This is a short story or flash fiction based off of a conversation I had with a friend. The situation was different but created around the strange ways I think to express ideas.

Another week passed and Jason still could not think of anything that he would rather do than breathe. So many people look at him as a hero but he simply smiles and lowers his head. One day a woman wrote him and told him her story:

Dear Jason,

I read your story and I admire your courage. A year ago, I lost my son in a tragic car accident and I was devastated. After I read your story, I felt the courage to pick my head up and get myself together. I mean look at you and what you go through every day, and all I can think about is what I do not have. I should be grateful that my son did not have to suffer.

Sincerely,

Grieving mother

He sighed at the note; then flipped past the next two stories stopping at another saying:

He bro I read your story and you are my hero! I look at your courage to go on and I am just like, whoa, this dude is amazing! Thanks bro for the sharing your story I am so sorry that this happened to you!

Sincerely,

A dude that admires you for living

Jason became angry and threw a pen and notebook that he kept close to him at the window. He yelled out and started to cry. His mom rushed in and grabbed him into her arms.

                "Shhh…shhh… it's okay son! It's okay!"  She said as she attempted to comfort him.

Jason shrugged his mother off him and rolled across the room. His mom stood and watched as he set up his webcam adjusting the lens and view. He started recording and pulled back. His mom turned to walk out but he lifted his arm insisting that she halt.

                "This is Jason Doe. Uh- I appreciate all of the letters and support I've been getting but I have to tell everyone something." Jason turned and glanced at his mom, then back to the webcam. "I am not a hero. I am not someone to look up to or admire. You all feel I am strong because I learned to live my life as a paraplegic; but that is not strength. Strength is waking everyday and taking on life. Strength is being bagged down by the heavy punches of poverty but still having dreams to move forward. Strength is waking up every day and knowing that no matter what is happening there is a purpose for your existence.  Strength is that little boy or girl that fight cancer but still find a reason to smile. Strength is the people of the world that life continues to fail but they keep on fighting. I am none of that. I am a coward that is sentenced to being what I was before- bounded. I was a drug addict that became what I am by my own hands. I was a scared man twenty-three years old and could not find any other purpose to live but for the thrill and drive of meth and speed. You don’t see me you see pity for the capture of a human to a chair. Open your eyes and look at me. I am a coward. I never did any of what you guys did and that was simply take the challenge and live. Now I am confined by my decisions but you are the ones I admire; the true heroes." Jason sat in front of the webcam for a minute, starring. Finally, he leaned forward and pressed send with his disfigured hand; then sat back in his chair and took a deep breath.

                After an hour, his computer lit up with responses to his video sent to the web. He never looked at the replies, instead he listened to it chime as one message after another came through. Jason sat back and breathed.

 

Reviews

[Jeannie Wilder]

Ah, this is wonderful. You have captured this so well! Great message! We often idolize people who are just people and just given a noticed recognition...

[~Princess~]

awwwws thats sad and sweet ur good hun

[The Analog Kid]

Awesome observations here. All pretty obvious, but something to reflect on!

Patrick

[Constance-Outspoken]

Oooh! I love this short little read. It says so much... I wonder at the story behind the story, and the after, too. Excellent writing, though making it longer, adding more tension and description, more emotion from Jason, would make it even better, I think. My favorite story of yours so far, actually. Write on, D!