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101 Word Short Stories

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A Family Record

February 21, 2022 19 Comments

By Dian Seidel

Two hundred twenty-one points for a single play. Her bingo, attached to time, spans two triple-word-score squares along the board’s right side.

Our family has played a lot of matches over the years. It’s what we do whenever we’re together—a game for everyone, even those with arthritic hands and knees.

Both Mom and Dad were stellar players. They were born to be. Both their names, Dorothy and Leonard, are bingos. In his final years, he struggled with the game but played on.

She turns ninety-eight next month. How’s her game? Her latest winning word was withered. Mom is anything but.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon Skowronek says

    February 21, 2022 at 6:56 am

    A terrific tale! An amazing Woman! You are so lucky to have her!

    Reply
    • Dian says

      February 26, 2022 at 8:38 am

      Thanks. I do feel lucky.

      Reply
  2. Lillian Sherman says

    February 21, 2022 at 9:37 am

    Short, sweet and beautiful..-We are all lucky to have played with her.. Love it, Dian..

    Reply
    • Dian says

      February 26, 2022 at 8:39 am

      Thanks. Let’s all keep playing as long as we possibly.

      Reply
  3. Nancy Desrochers says

    February 21, 2022 at 4:10 pm

    A beautifully crafted story that mellows the agony of defeat. At least I’m the lucky one who gets to be whooped most often!

    Reply
  4. Catherine Colucci says

    February 21, 2022 at 5:28 pm

    A story in a nutshell that conveys so much! Keep up the great work Dian!
    Kate Colucci

    Reply
    • Dian says

      February 26, 2022 at 8:40 am

      Thanks. Telling a story in 101 words is a fun challenge.

      Reply
  5. Jonathan S Greenberg says

    February 21, 2022 at 5:49 pm

    What a wonderful flow of punchy transitions from a game, to family, to parents, to a loving tribute to a Mom. It’s so meaningful to be able to partake of this, and I look forward one day to meeting your Mom.

    Reply
    • Dian says

      February 26, 2022 at 8:41 am

      Thanks. I hope that day will be soon!

      Reply
  6. Leslie O'Flahavan says

    February 21, 2022 at 6:07 pm

    I loved your story and I love knowing that your mom, you, your sister, even your cat could beat me at Scrabble with your eyes closed.

    Reply
    • Dian says

      February 26, 2022 at 8:43 am

      Thanks. Putting words on a board is only one way to use them. Write on!

      Reply
  7. Judy says

    February 22, 2022 at 1:22 am

    Your tiny tale is a terrific tribute (bingo!) to your tight tribe. May your mother continue to flourish (extended bingo!) until 120 in good health. A well told story in precisely one hundred and one words that glides through time and gives some insight (bingo!) into your intellectual and loving family life. Keep on writing to inspire us all!

    Reply
    • Dian says

      February 26, 2022 at 8:44 am

      Thanks. Hope we can play together (extended bingo) soon.

      Reply
  8. Florence and Eleanor says

    February 22, 2022 at 11:34 am

    Hi Diane,
    Loved your creative Short short story which gave us insight into why your mother always wins at Scrabble. You have a definite talent for. writing , and using words to paint a picture for the reader . Thanks for sharing.
    Keep writing!
    Love, Florence and Eleanor

    Reply
    • Dian says

      February 26, 2022 at 8:45 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Rachel says

    February 22, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    Having played Scrabble with Dian and Steve, I can attest to the fact that the proverbial apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Dian is a superb Scrabble player!

    Reply
    • Dian says

      February 26, 2022 at 8:46 am

      Thanks for reading. Let’s play again soon!

      Reply
  10. David Lewis says

    February 23, 2022 at 8:00 am

    Very clever and touching! I’m not a Scrabbler, but maybe I’ll change my mind and grow older.

    Reply
    • Dian says

      February 26, 2022 at 8:47 am

      Thanks for reading. I hope you do give the game a try. Enjoy!

      Reply

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