Welcome to the first Haibun Thinking challenge.
This week I have chosen the prompt below:
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
– Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Saturday morning dawns I look around, take in the calendar.
There is dancing, football, hockey and a committee meeting. I know there is not a lot of time for me today, the kids are demanding they get to their venues on time, that I watch their games, cheer them on amidst the phone ringing, business never stops for anyone. There’s a crisis in Singapore, the Sydney store is short staffed, my assistant is having a weekend away, its chaos all over as I try and maintain the presence of the devoted interested parent.
My daughter trips during the hockey games, help rushes forward, I curse under my breath, please not a hospital visit, reorganise the other kids, rush to the hospital, wait an undetermined time, all the while my phone goes berserk in my hand.
I look at my daughter, she is crying, the pain is increasing, my heart breaks, oh no she is hurting the one thing I cannot stand is seeing my kids hurt. I take my phone out, it continues to beep insanely. I press the off button, back in my pocket, I take my daughters hand, she looks at me, her dad, my daughter; nothing can take priority at this given moment.
work that is insane
children demanding my time
shut off the phone
Written for: http://haibunthinking.wordpress.com/2014/01/21/haibun-thinking-week-1-january-21st-2014/
Morpethroad 
I like that. More people should think of their kids, even on a day off 🙂
Great first Haibun for Haibun Thinking
Thanks Al, let’s see what happens now.
I loved it too… This was so nice. Thank you, love, nia
Thank you Nia, happy you enjoyed my writing.
Excellent. I am a tad technically challenged. But I have discovered the off button. But then I only answer family that calls my cell. If you piece is based on reality…I wish painless and quick healing.
I remember a commercial somewhere that said; anyone can be a daddy but it takes a special man to be a father. (Something like that anyway.)
Thanks Jules, well bits of it are true, why let the truth stand in the way of a good story. I like that saying about fathers, it is so true, thankfully I think my own children see me as both.
🙂
Maybe I can do one of these. But not today snow started early and I will probably be away from home a day or two.
Yes Kim, give it a go. Look forward to seeing you back soon.
Nothing more important to our kids than our time and attention.
So true Lyn and so often we put them off. Thank you for your comment.
That’s lovely 🙂
Thanks so much Helen and welcome again to Haibun Thinking.
There are no days off when you have kiddos! But remember to take care of yourself too…
🙂
Oh yes Courtney that is so important, usually used to be about 10pm each night. Thank fully they have all grown up.
Great Haibun! I enjoyed the story and how you portrayed the idea of running after time. I saw the challenge this morning. Are you part of the team or just a supportive participant?
Thanks Gabriella and yes I am part of the gang of four, are you coming to join us?
For the time being I’ll just be a supportive reader! But thanks anyway.
Good hope to see you back soon. Have a great day/evening Gabriella.
When the kids and I have dinner or special nights….all our phones are off. Welcome back to the haibun world.
Thank you so much Anja, its exciting isn’t it.
And – the haiku sums it all up nicely…
Thank you so much RoSy, are you going to participate?
I wasn’t planning on it… I’ve only ever done one Haibun before. I was a nervous wreck – but – pleasantly pleased with the result. I guess I’m just Haibun insecure.
Well I suggest you haibun a go!
Are you twisting my arm? 😉
Of course, it’s a fun exercise and you would lend an air of sophistication to the challenge. How’s that for twisting?
Cleverly written piece, Sir ST2, getting to the heart of what life is all about.
Thank you so much.
Lots of narrative tension, with the right decisions made all around. Great haibun.
Thank you Brenda I really love that comment, thank you so much.
Great haibun laddy, and thanks so much for bringing this new Challenge to my attention…greatful twice now, for a great haibun read and the challenge too!
you are most welcome young lady, and thanks for participating, you received all the accolades I promised?
Well now, as I just published…so far so good: I’ve recieved yours! 😀
Well you are laughing then, so good to know.
Yes…nice joyous prompts…still wish I could have come up with something for the ponies…
Good Call not taking the call….always put the children first.