Author's Note: In this piece I am practicing putting myself in a minor character's point of view. In my book The Help I am Skeeter's Mother during her last days.
Dear Lord,
Everyday I worry about my daughter Skeeter. As she poorly dresses herself in the morning, I worry about her finding a husband. As she slowly picks at her lunch, I worry about her health. As she sneaks off to her room to do who-knows-what, I worry about her social life. I know that worrying shreds my hair and paints my skin pale, but she means the world to me and I am willing to risk even my appearance for her. If only I could take her shopping like I used to. Just to pick out a pretty outfit, to do her hair, and to send her off to a party of some sort would satisfy me. These days she hides up to her room during the day and attends bible study group all night. She's so good, so pure; yet, so secretive and unsteady. Is she seeing a man, simply scared for my approval? Is she--dare I say it--seeing a woman? With out her trust I may never know.
The part of my worrying that sends me to laughing fits, is that she worries about me! My cancer only permits me a few months left, I know. But Skeeter has so much more to worry about than her elderly mother! With the pain I receive stepping out of bed each morning I can only hope to see her someday walk down the aisle in a white wedding dress being wed to the perfect man. If I don't live that long, than Lord, please let her know that I am still with her, critcizing her every move. If in heaven I still am not able to do so, then I beg you to take the task upon yourself. My daugher truly means much to me and without her, I am not worthy of living.
In the name of the Father,
The Son,
And the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Excellent work. Instead of a response, you've given the reader an inside look into Mrs. Phelan's mind and yet, you've still managed to answer all the questions needed. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI liked the format of this piece, how it is in the form of a prayer and I enjoyed the overall sound of it, too. You had a few grammatical errors, but overall it was very well written.
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