“The Respect of Love” was inspired by an article I had come across about man in the midst of a legal battle over the mistreatment of his husband’s remains. The couple’s heartbreak struck my soul (with a howitzer). To imagine this man not only dealing with the loss of his husband, but also having to force the “home” to be accountable for their breach of contract (and lack of basic human respect) was beyond reality to me. Here is where ‘Peter’s’ story sprang to life, lunging from my soul to the page.
When the editors’ call for submissions came to my inbox, without a doubt I wanted to be part of the Resist and Triumph Anthology and its potential for fundraising magic.
100% of the proceeds will go to:
The Trevor Project (www.thetrevorproject.org)
a 24-hour toll free suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth, and
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD – www.glaad.org)
a US non-governmental organization founded by LGBT people in media devoted to countering discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in the media and promoting understanding, acceptance, and equality.
I hope you will enjoy the excerpt and you will feel moved to purchase a copy of the book to help in the fight for accountability in the media and the protection of our LGBTQ youth. Thank you for spending a moment with me.
Book Blurb
“As 2017 opened, the United States took several steps back in the progress toward equality. In response, a group of authors has stepped up to offer positive stories of hope and love. In an effort to help fight and support those groups who are facing even greater challenges, we wrote these stories to offer a small amount of aid.
Stories of hope, resistance, and ultimately triumph fill the pages of this anthology.
All proceeds of the anthology go to The Trevor Project and GLAAD to help fight the effects of the dark times we’re facing.
Buy Link:
“What do you mean you won’t cremate him? What about our contract?” I was flabbergasted. This woman couldn’t be real!
“I’m sorry, Mr. Parker, but it’s our policy. We have the right—according the state law—to refuse service at our discretion.”
“Unfavorable? Did you really just say my husband was unfavorable?” I squared up to the administrator. “You’re sorry, Ms. Perkins? Perhaps, you should honor your contract. The very least your organization could’ve done was to tell me of your state-supported policy before we chose to give you our business. I would’ve made other arrangements for his last few months.”
“Again, I’m sorry, Mr. Parker, but you’re going to have to make other arrangements for the cremation and immediate transport of your…husband’s remains.” Opening her leather portfolio, she presented an envelope. “This will cover the cost of transporting and disposing of the remains plus a more than adequate amount for the inconvenience.”
Snatching the envelope, I opened it to find a three-day Notice of Removal of Abandoned Property and a check. “Is this supposed to make breach of contract acceptable?” I screeched, but the anger within would not be assuaged. “I promise you, Ms. Perkins, you and your home have not heard the last of me.”
“Very well, Mr. Parker.” She actually bowed her head. “How long will you need to care for Mr. Lautton and his belongings?”
“That’s really none of your business unless you’re going to prorate the month and give us our money back. Are you?” She shook her head, lips pressed together. “Last day of the month then!” I forced a smile, sure I appeared psychotic, and headed back to the room where Peter lay waiting.
“Taking care of business, baby.” Sitting on the foot of the bed, looking at the physical leavings of my soul mate.
After moving to Southeast Wisconsin over two decades ago, Mandi Ware has exploited writing for entertainment, distraction and even personal therapy. Each uncharted emotion having been the muse for many tales. In the mood for some other short stories, and/or indiscriminate bloggings, visit Mandi at www.mandiware.com. When that’s not enough find them on Twitter and Facebook.
Author Links
Twitter: @scribemandiware
Facebook: scribemandiware
Don’t forget to click the link below and take your chance at winning a FREE paperback copy of “Resist & Triumph Anthology”.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3797bda115/
