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.
Dear Keith,
ReplyDeleteThere'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/
Probably most of us can think of someone. Thanks so much Rochelle
DeleteBeautiful, Keith!
ReplyDeleteThank you moon. I really enjoyed yours too.
DeleteSuch a touching tale. Simply lovely.
ReplyDeleteVery kind of you. Thanks
DeleteThat's a lovely story, Keith :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Jane
DeleteSweet story Keith. I sense Mrs Hodges led a life well fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to think so. Thanks Iain
DeleteI see her as a loved teacher... I hope she can sense all the children's love warming hre.
ReplyDeleteI am sure she did. Cheers brudberg
Deletelovely take
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sheena
DeleteGratitude always speaks well of the recipient. Good one!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put Reena
DeleteLovely story, Keith. It sounds like she brought joy and received it as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm certain she did. Thanks Sascha
DeleteHow lovely!
ReplyDeleteKind of you to say so. Thanks Sandra.
DeleteSuch a sweet tale!
ReplyDeletePleased you liked it Karen
DeleteVery nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dawn
Deleteoh 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
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Marja
DeleteSuch a moving story; this is so well done, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDelete...and thank you for dropping by!
DeleteThere 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!
ReplyDeleteIndeed there are and so often they are the unsung heros that shape our lives. Thanks so much
DeleteSweet story. It sounds as if Mrs Hodges touched a lot of hearts!
ReplyDeleteI think she did. Thanks Alistair
DeleteMrs.Hodges touched many innocent lives and they express gratitude. a beautiful little story of love and thankfulness.
ReplyDeleteShe did. Thanks so much Kalpana
DeleteThat's lovely, Keith - I get the impression there was a Mrs Hodges in your life.
ReplyDeleteHow did you guess? Cheers liz
DeleteWe 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
ReplyDeleteWe do indeed. Thank you so much Varad
DeleteBeing loved like that at the end of ones life, what better way to go? Such a beautiful story, full of loving detail. --Gah Learner
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind of you. Thanks so much.
DeleteThat's so touching. A very sweet story.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
DeleteI think all these fragments of a life well-lived have ferried Mrs Hodge to a beautiful heaven. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they have. Thanks Gemma
Deleteit looks like she lived a good life. she will continue to exist for as long as someone remembers her.
ReplyDeleteForever remembered. Cheers plaridel
DeleteThat is a great story..loved it
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased you liked it Balaka
DeleteA lovely story, Keith. I used to teach Grades 1 and 2. I loved it. It's so rewarding. Good writing. :) --- Suzanne
DeleteI'm sure it must be very satisfying, particularly when you are appreciated. Thanks Suzanne
DeleteThis gives such a lovely heartwarming picture :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Dahlia, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what happened! Lovely that you get so many kissy kisses. Thanks for persevering!
DeleteA 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.
ReplyDeletexx Rowena
Not a job I could do, and I really admire them, especially those that go one step beyond. Thanks for droping by
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteTracey
I'm entirely with you. Thanks Tracey
Deletewhat a tribute!
ReplyDeleteTeaching 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!
ReplyDeleteI my case she was a he - Mr Salter. My inspiration. Thanks so much for your kind words
DeleteHi Keith,
ReplyDeleteI 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 ��
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.
DeleteI'm grateful to Mr. Salter. ~grin~ Happy Writing!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Cheers Darla
DeleteSuch touching and Lovely take on the prompt
ReplyDeleteClick Here to see what Mrs. Dash Says
Thanks so much Mrs D!
Delete