Thursday Inspiration — Always a Woman

Brenda was a teenager who was rather flabby. When she passed her schoolmates in the halls, there was always a lot of snickering behind her back. Her self-esteem was so low that she would come home from school most days crying her eyes out.

Brenda’s mother had talked to their family physician about a referral to a dietitian, and also suggested that Brenda start working out at a local gym. But Brenda would have no part of it. She thought it would be too embarrassing and resolutely refused.

One night her father came into her room. “All those mean girls who make fun of you at school are like pebbles on the beach. There is nothing special about any of them,” he said. “But you are like a pearl hidden inside of an oyster shell. No one can see your true value, but someday a smart, engaging, and beautiful woman will emerge from that shell. No one will tease you or talk behind your back anymore. And balance will be restored to the universe. At least, my sweet Brenda, to your universe.”


Written for Jim Adams’ Thursday Inspiration prompt, where the prompt is “woman.” Also for these daily prompts: The Daily Spur (teenager), Word of the Day Challenge (flabby), My Vivid Blog (snickering), Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (referral), Ragtag Daily Prompt (pebble), and E.M.’s Random Word Prompt (balance).

22 thoughts on “Thursday Inspiration — Always a Woman

  1. Paula Light March 3, 2022 / 12:21 pm

    Billy is always a great choice!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Marleen March 3, 2022 / 12:43 pm

    It’s good to have a dad like that.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. newepicauthor March 3, 2022 / 12:47 pm

    Karen Carpenter was teased about her weight and that drove her to anorexia. People have different size bodies, and this has a lot to do with their metabolism, so Brenda should be all that she can be just like Billy Joel sang.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Lauren March 3, 2022 / 12:53 pm

    Not everyone is the same build but everyone can be kind. Nice job Fandango.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. donmatthewspoetry March 3, 2022 / 2:42 pm

    That’s what i feel like Fan – a pearl hiding in an oyster shell. Been trying to come out for years though…….

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Sadje March 3, 2022 / 5:21 pm

    Aren’t dads awesome! I wish more girls listened to their parents and not their peers.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. leigha66 March 25, 2022 / 3:31 pm

    This was so touching… I have a feeling you were/are an awesome dad!

    Liked by 1 person

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