(Author’s note: With the final part of my Korean experience finally complete, I now focus on the next phase of life. This means that Music and Fiction will likely get an upgrade/update in some way. Once I get settled back in a routine, this should happen. Until then, it’s Fictioneers and other stories I plan to write. Hope you enjoy today’s offering!)
© Bjorn Rudberg
The Road Not Taken
by Miles H. Rost
“Daddy, do you ever wish you did something different?”
Paul looked down at his daughter, 9 years old and ever inquisitive.
“There are one or two things, sweetie. But, then you wouldn’t be here. That’s not a wish I would make.”
She put her arms around his waist, and hugged tightly.
“Do you regret losing your arm?”
He looked down at his sweetie, and sadly smiled.
“My arm saved 4 men in Iraq, sweetie. I would not trade that, no.”
Paul swept his arm under her and picked her up.
“Honey, my arm brought me home. No regrets.”
“I love you, Daddy!”
Music and Fiction 
Touching story.
Hats off to such well-armed men and women! May God bless them!
Well-armed…
I see what you did there. 🙂
A story with a lot of heart. Nicely done.
Thanks! It’s a story I thought about for a long while. 🙂
You’ve written that beautifully, Miles.
Thanks! It’s been a while since I went that direction. But, it felt like it needed to happen.
Dear Miles,
Daddy has a wonderful outlook. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
He does. He does!
A father to be justly proud of – really warm story. And I love the way you post the music too.
Thanks! I love doing the music with it because it adds that extra dimension.
A wonderful story, played over again hundreds of times by our returning veterans. Well done.
By a lot of veterans, but not by all. Blessed are those who may have lost, as for those who have not lost.
um – absolutely BEAUTIFUL….
and I have said this about my life
There are one or two things (to regret – and maybe a dozen) But, then my children wouldn’t be here.
so no regrets – that is only a downer
and your piece is intrinsically moving and I hope anyone wrestling with regret (which can lead to depression) I hope they read this and get inspired.
Precisely! Thank you!
😊
This story won my heart, and in just 100 words!
Thank you very much!
At first when I saw your title I thought that we both had used Frost for inspiration… I do love your story of the choices we make, and the consequences compensate for choices we might deem wrong at first.
Yeah, Bruce Hornsby fell more into my sphere. If I was doing anything related to Frost, it’d be the Dangling Conversation.
That Daddy is my kind of guy. He has the right attitude. Well told, Miles.
Such a sweet story. He has a wonderful outlook on life.
It’s one that I’ve seen on many a veteran’s face.
A heartwarming tale indeed.
Click to read my 100 Word Story!
Thank you kindly!
Excellent piece, Miles. I think everyone looks back occasionally and wonders about the choices not taken–hopefully, not always with regret. Hindsight is 20/20 and as a wise man once said, “The grass may look greener, but you still have to mow it.”
Quite apt in stating, good sir!
What a beautifully written piece! Daddy is a real terrific guy.
He is, whomever he is out there in the world.
Clean and truthful. Children do ask the most awkward of questions though.
They wouldn’t be children if they didn’t.
Awwe, that was such a touching piece.
Thank you very much!
That is a very positive mindset that Dad has, we should all learn from that. Nice one.
We should, we should.
Heartwarming story with a great deal of wonderful answers for his inquisitive sweetie.
Isadora 😎
If she’s not inquisitive, she’s not a child.
Tender story Miles. Loved it.
Thanks!
A beautiful story of a man who understands and accepts the sacrifices of life and,hopefully, will teach his daughter the same.
It’s almost guaranteed.
Such a lovely story.
Thank you!
No regrets. Well done.
Thank you again!
🙂
There’s nothing like the love of a father. Well captured.
Thank you kindly! 🙂