Wednesday, July 12, 2017

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Post 1565. Wednesday July 12

Friday Fictioneers


A walking stick, an empty bird cage, an unwashed tea cup. She used to sit here, beside the window. Look, some photographs on the sill. Pictures of children. A little girl holding a certificate, another dancing. A boy in a wheelchair. On the floor, a letter. It’s from the village school; just a few sentences. Get well soon Mrs Hodges, it says, and below, lots of names; big, small, wobbly, neat, the way kid's signatures are. And kisses. Lots of kisses.

I hope we’ll meet again one day Mrs Hodges. You know; up there. So I can say thank you. One day.






Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers and Janet Webb for the picture.

67 comments:

  1. Dear Keith,

    There's always someone we remember as touching our childhood, isn't there? Sweet story.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    https://rochellewisoff.com/2017/07/12/14-july-2017/

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    1. Probably most of us can think of someone. Thanks so much Rochelle

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  2. Such a touching tale. Simply lovely.

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  3. That's a lovely story, Keith :)

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  4. Sweet story Keith. I sense Mrs Hodges led a life well fulfilled.

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  5. I see her as a loved teacher... I hope she can sense all the children's love warming hre.

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  6. Gratitude always speaks well of the recipient. Good one!

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  7. Lovely story, Keith. It sounds like she brought joy and received it as well.

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  8. Such a sweet tale!

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  9. oh so sweet and I love the detail you put into the story so recognisable. I have worked in a childrens home and you do develop a connection with the children

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  10. Such a moving story; this is so well done, thanks for sharing :)

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  11. There are some kind souls out there who do make an impact as volunteers and children are always so good at expressing their gratitude. Reminded me of a letter we wrote as 9 yr olds to one of our favorite teachers. Nicely done!

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    1. Indeed there are and so often they are the unsung heros that shape our lives. Thanks so much

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  12. Sweet story. It sounds as if Mrs Hodges touched a lot of hearts!

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  13. Mrs.Hodges touched many innocent lives and they express gratitude. a beautiful little story of love and thankfulness.

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  14. That's lovely, Keith - I get the impression there was a Mrs Hodges in your life.

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  15. We often remember our childhood fondly, especially the kind souls who made an impact. Mrs. Hodges sure seems like one. Very tender rendering this, Keith. Cheers, Varad

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  16. Being loved like that at the end of ones life, what better way to go? Such a beautiful story, full of loving detail. --Gah Learner

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  17. That's so touching. A very sweet story.

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  18. I think all these fragments of a life well-lived have ferried Mrs Hodge to a beautiful heaven. Lovely.

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  19. it looks like she lived a good life. she will continue to exist for as long as someone remembers her.

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  20. That is a great story..loved it

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    1. I'm so pleased you liked it Balaka

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    2. A lovely story, Keith. I used to teach Grades 1 and 2. I loved it. It's so rewarding. Good writing. :) --- Suzanne

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    3. I'm sure it must be very satisfying, particularly when you are appreciated. Thanks Suzanne

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  21. This gives such a lovely heartwarming picture :)

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    1. Thank you so much Dahlia, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.

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  22. I had responded before, but I guess it didn't save (or is waiting for your approval) - I indicated I loved the kisses - lots of kisses part. Reminds me of my 11-year-old fascinated by emojis- texting lots of kissy emojis to me.

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    1. Not sure what happened! Lovely that you get so many kissy kisses. Thanks for persevering!

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  23. A touching tale. I have kept in touch with one of my teachers and am friends with a few of my kids' teachers. They're such wonderful people and have been there for our family in such special ways.
    xx Rowena

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    1. Not a job I could do, and I really admire them, especially those that go one step beyond. Thanks for droping by

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  24. I would love to get the chance to say thank you to many of my mentors who have passed away. I hope that I showed sufficient gratitude back in the day.
    Tracey

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  25. Teaching is such an important profession, and your story brings that across in a very satisfying way. Good for Mrs Hodges! PS Did she encourage you to write? If so, we're all in her debt!

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    1. I my case she was a he - Mr Salter. My inspiration. Thanks so much for your kind words

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  26. Hi Keith,
    I left a comment ealier. I checked back to see if it posted. I see it didn't. I always have trouble with the sign in. Any hints???
    Hope this one posts.
    Your story is too good to not get my comment. Who doesn't have a mentor they can look back on. My husband talks about his 1st grade teacher all the time. He'd proposed to her and everything @ 6 years old. LOL
    A very moving story about people who touch our lives. Have a special weekend ...
    Isadora ��

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    1. Hi Isadora. Firstly I have no idea wwhat went wrong! I know the Capcha thing (which I'm stuck with) is a bit annoying, but I'm not aware of any particular problems.Thank you so much for your generous words. Yes, many of us can look back and identify one person who influenced us.Thanks again.

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  27. I'm grateful to Mr. Salter. ~grin~ Happy Writing!

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