A Blessing in Disguise.
I had too many things on my mind that day.
But that’s an excuse. What I did could’ve had serious repercussions.
It was plain bad luck that I had moved a few meters ahead and he saw me.
But then he was right.
I am usually so responsible.
But I was guilty, after all in life you can’t undo a mistake.
It was just that I hadn’t strapped little Sia into a car seat.
But I will never forget the lesson I learnt when the judge made me write a mock obituary for the child. Truly a blessing in disguise.
This is a fiction written for Write Tribe’s 100 Words on Saturday Prompt: A Blessing in Disguise
December 22, 2013 10:06 am|
That’s a powerful message you conveyed through this post, Shilpa! Very powerful and relevant to all.
December 23, 2013 11:56 am|
Thanks Rekha! Negligent driving can have devastating effects on everyone involved.
December 22, 2013 10:57 am|
That made me feel sad, Shilpa!
I love your prompt!
Hugs!
December 23, 2013 11:59 am|
It is truly a sad thing, imagine the guilt of putting your child’s life in danger!
Thanks Vidya. Glad you liked the prompt! 🙂
December 22, 2013 12:03 pm|
:0 this one made me gasp!
But I guess, we usually evade such routines which can cost us a lot! Nice prompt
December 23, 2013 12:08 pm|
Oh yes, negligent driving can have serious impact. We usually crib about using a seat belt but have seen how wearing it has lessened the impact of the injuries during an accident! Loved your take on the prompt, Kajal 🙂
December 22, 2013 12:12 pm|
Oh God! Writing an obituary for your child! Worst punishment ever. Good one for the prompt Shilpa!
December 23, 2013 12:09 pm|
Oh yes. It could be so shocking and devastating! Thanks Jyothi.
December 22, 2013 1:40 pm|
Very poignant take on the prompt… an important one indeed!
December 23, 2013 12:09 pm|
Thanks Nabanita.
December 22, 2013 4:30 pm|
With that type of punishment, one would never make the same mistake twice!
December 23, 2013 12:09 pm|
I know!! It would be forever haunting you!
December 22, 2013 6:10 pm|
Mock obituary for the child 🙁 now that is very sad and yes a lesson well learnt…
December 23, 2013 12:10 pm|
I heard about this in Boston Legal and was ‘inspired’ to use it in this story!
December 22, 2013 6:34 pm|
Wonderful take on the prompt Shilpa.
December 23, 2013 12:11 pm|
Thank you Geeta.
December 22, 2013 8:36 pm|
OMG… I love the judge.. but how hard is that.. an obit for your child. Lovely drabble and super prompt too.
December 23, 2013 12:12 pm|
I heard about this sentence in Boston Legal. I guess, this lesson that mother would never ever forget! Thanks T, glad you liked this prompt and loved your story too 🙂
December 22, 2013 9:57 pm|
I had to read it again to make sure it was not as sad as I felt while reading it … Your message had an impact..And thank you for the lovely prompt
December 23, 2013 12:13 pm|
Thanks Shiva. Glad you liked this piece of writing!
December 23, 2013 12:37 am|
Writing an obituary for a child even if its a mock , is so painful. Nice take on the prompt.
December 23, 2013 12:13 pm|
A strong lesson learnt, truly! Thanks Kalpana.
December 23, 2013 2:15 am|
That judge is a lunatic for asking the mother to write a (mock) obituary for her own child.
December 23, 2013 12:15 pm|
Oops… I heard about this in the TV series Boston Legal 🙂
December 23, 2013 4:34 am|
wow! simply superb
December 23, 2013 12:15 pm|
Thanks Nischala.
December 23, 2013 5:12 am|
Lovely post, very subtly highlights the importance of strapping in yourself, putting your child in the baby seat and strapping it in before starting your car 😀
December 23, 2013 12:17 pm|
Oh yeah, it is better to be safe than sorry! Thank you Jairam.
December 23, 2013 11:12 am|
OMG writing a mock obituary for your own child…so painful…strong 100 words there Shilpa!!
December 23, 2013 12:17 pm|
Thanks Aditi. Glad you liked this attempt!
December 23, 2013 2:42 pm|
Mock obituary for one’s child could be the worst punishment for any parent driver. I am sure no parent will forget to strap from then on. Powerful message though painful.
December 29, 2013 10:34 pm|
Agree, this is one lesson no parent will ever forget after this punishment!
December 23, 2013 6:51 pm|
Sorry about this,but,I think the judge needs a check-up.
December 29, 2013 10:35 pm|
😐
December 23, 2013 8:08 pm|
ok. that was scary.. and I think I would give a thumbs up to that judge honestly.
Great creativity… but then, that’s not anything new now, is it 🙂
December 29, 2013 10:40 pm|
Even I liked the sentence the judge passed… though a bit harsh but would stay with the parent for a lifetime.
December 23, 2013 8:27 pm|
Shilpa this is a very intense and poignant story. I got a feeling of choking after reading it.
December 29, 2013 10:46 pm|
Yes, I understand, it is a bit ruthless sentence the judge gave but for her own good! 😛
December 23, 2013 8:49 pm|
It’s the little things that really make so much difference. Thanks for the poignant reminder!
December 29, 2013 10:49 pm|
Agree with that. Thanks Michelle.
December 24, 2013 8:10 am|
Very true, there is no Undo button in life Shilpa. Nicely done
December 29, 2013 10:50 pm|
True, since we cant undo things in life, caution is the word. Thanks Reshma 🙂
December 24, 2013 11:26 pm|
Powerful message!
December 29, 2013 10:50 pm|
Thank you Payal 🙂
December 25, 2013 2:08 pm|
Thats one smart judge. The person would never ever repeat the offense.
December 29, 2013 10:50 pm|
I know! 🙂
December 25, 2013 2:13 pm|
I hate it when people crib about wearing a seat belt or using a car seat; as if someone else was getting pleasure out of it. How difficult it is to be a bit careful in life?
Nice one!
December 29, 2013 10:51 pm|
Oh yes, I have seen it so many times, and same is the case with helmets!!
Glad you liked this piece, Nisha 🙂
December 26, 2013 12:42 pm|
Great post ! well written, made me feel sad …
December 29, 2013 10:52 pm|
Thanks Genevive!
December 27, 2013 9:49 am|
a wonderful message delivered so beautifully
December 29, 2013 10:52 pm|
Thank you Raj!
December 28, 2013 2:33 pm|
That was a wonderful, and thoughtful reminder by the judge. Well thought SG
December 29, 2013 10:52 pm|
Thanks Anil! Glad you liked it!
December 28, 2013 4:28 pm|
Yet, another brilliant take on the prompt, Shilpa. Powerful message sent across.
December 29, 2013 10:53 pm|
Thank you so much Vishal.
December 28, 2013 7:43 pm|
This one awakens the slumbering conscience Shilpa!!!!!!!
December 29, 2013 10:53 pm|
True that!