(copyright Dawn Q. Landau)
The ruin was still there; a ragged remnant of a horrific war. The cold, grey, cement structure, once camouflaged by surrounding coral rocks, was now rose-colored. He wondered if a coat of paint eased the memories of those four days for other members of his company who were pinned down on the beach.
He’d been inside the bunker when the roof was blown off. He’d lain under the rubble for two days before he was rescued. Everyone said it was a miracle that anyone survived the bombardment.
Seventy years of life as a paraplegic, a miracle? He couldn’t answer that question.
(Written for Friday Fictioneers, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. January 10, 2014.)
vb's reverbs 
I like your take on this unusual monument. As the 70th year is being commemorated, this is timely and reflective. Miracle with a question mark, indeed.
It is unusual–believe it or not, it’s a Caribbean bathroom. Go figure.
vb, very different and sobering. Haven’t see you around for a bit. Hope all’s well.
janet
Hi Janet,
Everything is fine, just very busy, and the holidays put me over the top. Glad to be back. Enjoy the warm weather while some of us envy you your Arizona Interlude.
Great and timely story vb. Enjoyed that Glad to see you’re back.
Thanks, Sandra–good to be back.
Dear VB,
Dare I say, “powerful?” Your last line gave me pause. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Welcome back. You’ve been missed.
Sometimes it’s hard to judge the value of a miracle–or of a price paid. Thanks for the Welcome Back, I missed the Fictioneers as well.
it’s a Caribbean bathroom
well that solves any plumbing problem, but the poor fish…
Suspect the environmentalists (as well as the fish) might have a problem with that facility.
It is always a matter of perspective. You hear people on both sides talk about the miracle, but sometimes living with the effects of the miracle are quite a challenge.
Very true–sometimes you wonder if it was, indeed, a “miracle”. And other times, you ask yourself how it could be anything but a miracle.
Tragic and sad. How soon we forget about people like him.
We also forget how difficult it is for the severely disabled to live their daily lives. Takes a lot of grit and courage.
Great story, VB. I speaks to how much those of us who can move around freely take for granted.
So very true, Russell. We need to count our blessings, that’s for sure.
Being a survivor is never easy.. And rose-color can never truly erase memories or recreate lost limbs… Good story
It’s one thing to camouflage your own memories, another thing when strangers try to paint over the source.
Hi V.B.,
Wow, it’s amazing to think it’s been 70 years this year since the Normandy invasion. Your story is a great tribute to the brave soldiers who made that landing. Ron
Many thanks, Ron–that’s high praise indeed. Much appreciated.
Miracle? Indeed.
Some miracles come with strings.That’s life.
My goodness, this was so good! You have all the imagery in your words and it all makes sense at the end. EXCELLENT READ!!
I wish war had never been invented, although that may be an oxymoron where mankind is concerned. Your entry makes me think…a very good thing.