• 5redherrings
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      • In response to: "If you could be a member of any band, what would it be?" 5 Red Herrings!
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    • Overheard at My Own Funeral

      • Hippy Girl

        Some labels never fade away. Even at my funeral, the gossipy old church ladies will be saying I was a "Wild Child." The good Baptists will worry about my soul [it's okay, I asked Jesus into my heart 50 years ago.] My sister will say I was a willful child who wouldn't be reined in. My brother will be wondering how long he should wait to get his hands on my insurance policy, not to family, of course.

        This is actually something I think about. The unwelcome news that I could have a heart attack in 5 years if we don't get my cholesterol under control forced me to face my mortality. I'm trying to be a better person for that reason. Selfish? Perhaps, but is that so bad?

        I hope someone, anyone, will realize that the small town I lived in would have been the death of my spirit had I stayed. Maybe one person will realize that my "wildness" was born out of necessity.

        Not being a fool though, I know they will shake their heads and say I was a rebel. Married young and poorly. First divorce in the family. What a shame.

        However, I'll be looking down and wishing they could see the other side. First college graduate. Summa Cum Laude. Smart and pretty.

        But does it matter? In 100 years no one will care. So why stress out now?

      • answered by 5redherrings on 07/15/2010
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    • And The Dog Was Old And Sickly

      • 70's girl

        It started with a simple visit to see the dog she'd lost in the divorce. Her ex had apparently been successful in his attempt to sink to the lowest bowels of society. He was living in a tattoo shop before doing such a thing would be remotely fashionable. She had awakened him before noon and he looked like hell, all hung over.

        In a few moments, she'd have a gun pointed at her guts but she didn't know that as she engaged his ugly temper. When the gun emerged from the small of his back where he'd had it tucked in his jeans, she knew he wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

        Her anatomy studies came to her mind and she visualized the damage a hollow-point bullet would do at close range. Instinctively, she knew to push the fear out of her mind.

        In the funny way that time slows during extreme life events, she thought clearly and told him to put the gun away. He complied. Only later would she acknowledge the danger of the moment. Even today, thirty days later, she couldn't tell you why she was not killed in the street at that moment.

        And she laughs at the absurdity of it all...

      • answered by 5redherrings on 07/10/2010
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