NEWS FLASH!!!
Last week we had another short story winner. Margaret Leggatt in Australia.
To read her award winning story click
CONGRATULATIONS, MARGARET!
****
The following photo is the PROMPT. Keep in mind that all photos are the property of the contributor, therefore copyrighted and require express permission to use for purposes other than Friday Fictioneers. Giving credit to whom credit is due is proper etiquette.
Please be considerate and make an effort to stay within the suggested word count.
![PHOTO PROMPT © The Reclining Gentleman](https://rochellewisoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/trg1.jpg?w=600&h=800)
PHOTO PROMPT © The Reclining Gentleman
Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100
WHEN THE SUN CONCEIVED A WOMAN
I tasted dusty tile floor. Aware of prying stares, lying in my own filth, I wished I could dissolve between the cracks of the thrift shop floor.
A paramedic struggled to insert an IV into my collapsed vein. “What year is it?”
“1996.”
“Do you know your name?”
My doctor’s words haunted me.
“You’re going to end up dead on the bathroom floor like Karen Carpenter and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Was this the legacy I wanted to leave my children?
Infused with renewed will to conquer the beast, I answered the EMT. “My name is Rochelle.”
****
*Footnote-This was a major wake-up call and the first day of my decision to live. The following sketch is part of a series I did to go along with an inner child story I wrote while in treatment, entitled The Magic Daffodils.
What a poignant, heart-breaking opening paragraph to your story! Your descriptions made my spine go cold. Is it what I think it is? Was it anorexia nervosa?
If so, you are a superlatively strong woman, to have faced the beast and conquered it. Kudos to you, dear Fairy Blog-Mother!
Beautiful painting, as well!
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Dear Vijaya,
Yes, ma’am it was my ‘last dance with Annie.’ This story is 100% true. One of the most humiliating moments of my life and the day I realized I was truly killing myself.
Thank you for your kind words. I look back on that woman as a stranger. The painting is part of a series I did during my last stay in treatment. There’s a lot to inner child therapy I believe.
Shalom,
Rochelle YFBM
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I am deeply moved by your succinct and beautifully worded sharing of what sounds like a nightmare. Your trust in your readers is absolute. Thank you!
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Again, thank you for such affirming words There was a time I couldn’t talk about it and this type of story would’ve been out of the question for me. It was a nightmare, and one that I chose until I realized that the disease controlled me and not the other way around. As for my trust in my readers…if I can’t trust them they don’t belong here. 😉 Obviously, my friend, you do.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Dear Rochelle,
Glad you conquered the beast. ❤
Adam
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Thank you, Adam. I am too. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations on conquering the past, and may the future continue to be successful. 🙂
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Dear Archon,
I’m happy to look back on that time as way in the past. Who was the pitiful woman anyway? I don’t miss her or that time.
Thank you and shalom,
Rochelle
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Phew.
Stripped bare and beautiful.
At your emotion-rending best here, m’lady.
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Dear C.E.
I’ve never been so ‘stripped bare’ as that day. Thank you for your glowing words my sweet friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember this scene from the “Last Dance with Annie” that you let me read. Haunting, stark and brave. Well done, as ever, not just for beating it but for being able to say publicly that it was a time you lived through and came out the other side. Inspiring stuff. But that’s you.
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Dear Sandra,
I forgot that I shared my fictionalized version of the story. In AA they refer to this kind of a story as a 12th step. Sharing my experience, hope and love. I look back on those times with wonder. It’s all grist for the mill, isn’t it?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We all have parts of our past we arent so fond of, dont we? Part of what made us who we are today I suppose, maybe even one of the biggest parts. Glad you could rise above yours and turn the corner to a better life.
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Dear Adam,
You’re right. Those past experiences make us what we are today. While I’m not proud of this particular experience, I’m grateful for it–to have lived through it and to have learned from it. I believe it’s made me a stronger woman and, hopefully a better writer.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Heart wrenchingly honest and I’m sure your story will inspire many. What a talented artist you are too.
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Thank you for such sweet words, Louise. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh so well done! And the story too… 😉
I am in awe of anyone who manages to battle the beast, whatever it is, and come out on top. You, my friend are definitely on top! xoxo
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Dear Dale,
It was a long uphill battle that not everyone wins. I’m grateful that I never stepped over the imaginary line to the point of no return. I believe that’s what happened to Karen Carpenter. Her mind might have been in recovery but her body couldn’t keep those promises.
Thank you for your comments and glowing compliments. I’m happy to be alive to meet people like you. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We’re the lucky ones…
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Thanks, Rochelle. Your success in fighting this is a powerful example for all of us.
Ω
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Dear Alan,
It never occurred to me at the time that I might be an example of anything. When it came to choices, I had two–live or die. I’m happy to have chosen the former. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Some people’s destiny seems to be that of a bad example for the rest of us. Thankfully, you are a good example in our lives.
Ω
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It is hard to think back on those days. It seems to be a different life in a distant time, far, far away. So glad “that person” slayed the dragon and moved on to become the person you are today. Carry on my Purple Princess.
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There’s nothing like having the Handsome Harley Prince in one’s corner. ❤
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Such a horrible, heart-wrenching experience, and so powerfully portrayed. I so admire your bravery for sharing this, even for thinking back on it yourself, and am happy for you and impressed at how far you have come. Bravo!
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Dear Joy,
I believe that every time I share these experiences the beast is weakened and exposed that much more. He still lurks and lies but I have headphones to block him out.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That is such a wonderful way to approach it. You are an inspiration, Rochelle, thank you!
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I love your story and love you, my friend. Thanks for sharing such a personal part of yourself.
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Dear Terry Toon,
Having you as a friend has been one of the joyful parts of this journey called Life. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rock Star
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Gawd, that’s scary. To think we almost lost you. We were almost denied the happiness of Friday Fictioneers. I’m glad you fought through it for your family first of all, and then for us. Good to know you’re such a fighter. Thanks for sharing something so personal Rochelle.
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Dear Eric,
Your comment is a verbal hug. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very powerful imagery (both written and drawn). You never fail to impress me with the way you can craft so much intensity into so few words. This story is infused with a raw sense of humanity: the fear, pain and ultimately the glimmering hope that lies in the decision to make a change. Whatever your challenges may be, I’m grateful that you’re still with us.
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Dear Chris,
All I can say to that is ‘thank you.’
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a lot of intensity and suffering in so few words. I feel for you on reading them, but thankfully I don’t have to continue doing so, as you’ve conquered it. Brave lady
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Dear Michael,
The beauty of being able share a story such as mine is that I can look BACK on it.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My dear Rochelle, I am so glad the old self failed and the new you rose from the ashes to victory. You have touched so many lives with this one blog, I can only image the lives you’ve touched in person. A life to be proud of.
Congratulations.
Blessings to you,
Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
Thank you for the verbal hug. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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;0)
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So few words conveying so well the width & depth of emotions behind this moving experience, Rochelle. Excellently written. And I absolutely love your art, my friend.💕
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Thank you for such endearing words, Penny. they mean a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An opening that sharpens the mind in more ways than one. Well shared. And I also love your art. Mike
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Thank you on both counts, Mike. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done Rochelle.
Conquering any habit/illness is a tough task.
Cheers
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Dear Chioma,
It was tough but worth it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, what a story! very powerful, and more so since it is so personal. I’ve heard sometimes people have to hit bottom before they can pick themselves up. Even then it isn’t easy to work your way back up to life. As others have said, very good job and the story was well done too.
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Dear Trent,
It was an uphill climb and it didn’t happen overnight. But this was definitely the starting point for me when I realized I really could die from it.
Thank you for comments and compliments. I”m happy to be alive.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A brutally honest piece of writing. Salut!
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Thank you, Patrick.
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Absolutely stunning, both the story and the sketch. I raise my glass to you, Rochelle, for beating your demons, an achievement that so many cannot claim, and here’s to a future full of food and laughter 🙂
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Dear Jade,
My present is full of food and laughter. I’m enjoying life. If my journey encourages someone else it’s worth the write.
Thank you. L’chaim
Rochelle
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Beautifully said, Rochelle. Here’s to your present *raises glass* 🙂
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This is such stunning write.. and so much better that we knew you made it through… and yes I do remember you writing about this before.. the tie to the daffodil is a fine addition..
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Dear Björn,
Chances are I’ll write about it again. 😉 This ridiculous disease took of every waking and sleeping moment for twenty years of my life. I mean to expose it anytime I can. Thank you so much for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh Rochelle. Beautiful and stunning sketch. Beautiful and stunning words and your addendum. You are a beautiful woman — inside and out — and that is said from the heart alothough I’ve only gotten to know you briefly, and virtually at that. You have so much to give. I’m glad you’re here.
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Dear Lillian,
Your words make me smile. Thank you for that. All I can add is that I’m loving my life right now and all of you in Friday Fictioneers are part of my happiness.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The thing that finally “breaks through” to those of us who have been through these times never ceases to amaze me. I’m glad something got through so that I could meet you a couple years later! And I’m happy to see your picture from the daffodil story–those illustrations are still some of my favorites.
Peace,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
Facing one’s own mortality has a way getting the message across like nothing else, doesn’t it? I’m glad I was given another chance so we could meet and reconnect. Perhaps one of these days I’ll get story and illustrations together.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your sketch is gorgeous, and so are you! I am so glad you decided to stay with us. 🌻🌻🌻
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How very sweet of you, Jan. Your words mean a lot to me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a stunningly honest story of triumph Rochelle. And a lovely original drawing! Shalom my friend. Kat
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Thank you on both counts, Kat.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I didn’t expect that name…Can’t think of you as anything but wise…I guess we all need to stumble and fall into dirt sometimes to earn our path to wisdom.
Well written as always. It takes a lot of courage to share your personal story.
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Dear Ansumani,
It’s strange to look back on that time from my currant vantage point. It was most certainly my day of reckoning
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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that reminds me of an interesting ‘story’ about Gautama, the Buddha.
There is a story about Buddha. Before he attained enlightenment he had been fasting and he ate only one grain of rice a day. He was reduced to skin and bones. One day he bathed in a river and collapsed and fell into the water. He realized his folly of practising such severe austerities. That day he rid himself of all his desires, even of the desire to attain enlightenment. That day he became the Buddha.
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Thanks for sharing this. It is beautiful and inspiring.
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Dear Arora,
Folly indeed Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a truly inspiring memoir, Rochelle. You’re a strong woman to not only have won over the terrible illness but to now share it with us. The picture is really beautiful artwork. — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
Your words are encouraging as always. Thank you on all counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, so powerful and even more so as it actually happened. It brought back memories of my past I’d rather (though shouldn’t) forget.
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Dear Ali,
I believe that remembering the past keeps me from going back to it.
Thank you and shalom,
Rochelle
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What a personal triumph! I’m so glad you got through this. And the art is beautiful.
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Dear Gabriele,
Thank you on all counts. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
My heart seized when I read the final word. I had to go back and re-read this several times, starting with the genre. I commend your strength and courage, to challenge the beast and overcome AN, and to write about it here. A dear friend of mine struggles with Bulimia, though she, too, took on the beast and is presently doing well.
Your story is beautiful and touching. I wish you continued good health and peace from the beast. Thank you for your sharing your story.
Sara
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Dear MTO,
This month marks my twentieth year in recovery. It seems like yesterday and, at the same time, a whole lifetime ago. I’m happy your friend has also conquered the beast.
Yes. Not one word of fiction in this piece.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, It’s amazing how you conquered your past and emerged successfully. Portraying your life changing event in just 100 words is awesome. I’m inspired both by your life and your writing talent.
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Dear Jahnavi,
Your words on all counts warm me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Honest and compelling – so much pain and humiliation bookended beautifully between the great title and the sketch
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Thank you for such a lovely comment, Siobhán. I look back on all that with more relief and joy than pain.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So many of us have beasts of one sort or another in our pasts. To have not only conquered yours, but reached a point where you can share the battle shows just how strong you are.
Your story is moving, and a great example of how a few carefully chosen words can bring life to a tale even within the 100 word limit.
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Dear Jen,
That day of reckoning was twenty years ago this month. While I still remember the pain and struggle it seems like a lifetime ago.
Thank you for such a wonderful comment/compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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First off I love the artwork picture at the bottom of the challenge. Second, I love the irony of seeing a spring flower pic in the middle of a snow storm…LOL! I’m off to see what I can come up with this week!
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Thank you.
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Love that you update on Facebook as I’m not always able to get to wordpress. 🙂 ❤
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Oh my gosh, that drawing is amazing, what an incredible talent. It takes courage to share such a story Rochelle, Thank you.
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Dear Laurie,
Funny, I don’t feel particularly brave. Grateful is a better word. I’m fortunate to have been given a second chance. 😀 Thank you on all counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Dr. Dement,
I was going to recommend a good hypnotist, but I see you have the problem under control. You are in the under-eaters club while I’m in the over-eaters group. Perhaps we should join the circus.
Sleepy the Garden Gnome
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Dear STGG,
Actually I’m in the happy-to-be-eating club. It really does beat the alternative all to hell. (And that’s where the beast belongs. 😉 ) Circus? I do a pretty good whiteface mime and I raised three boys so I’d be a good ringmaster
Shalom,
Dr Dement
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Bravo for telling this very personal story, and bravo for overcoming your beasts. I hope you continue to live a long and healthy life! ❤
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Dear Kathy
Thank you for your glowing words re my story and thank you for your well wishes. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, your descriptions of all the little details is almost painfully vivid. What a powerful story, even more so because it’s true. You drew out and raised the dramatic tension so much that I almost felt my breath catch with that last sentence. You are truly a master storyteller. It’s a joy to read your work, even when the subject matter is less than joyful.
-David
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Dear David,
Your words mean a lot coming from a storyteller of your caliber.
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such skill; thank you for such a fine example of storytelling.
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Thank you Cynthia. 😀
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What a incredible story, Rochelle. I’m very moved by this. I think my kids would make all the difference to me, too, in such a critical time. Of course, I’m so very thankful that you found that inner strength and are here to write about it and share it with us. That illustration is absolutely magical! You are so talented!! Whatever happened to The Magic Daffodils story?
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Dear Amy,
A friend of mine, also anorexic, used to tell me that my family kept me going. At the time I didn’t believe her…that is until the day my eldest son called me from college. I could tell he was crying when he begged to me to stop killing myself.
Alas, my handwritten pages of The Magic Daffodils seem to be irretrievably lost. I started transposing it on the computer and have a few pages of that but not the whole story. I’ve thought a few times of rewriting it. It really is something of a children’s story for adults. I wrote it while doing inner child therapy…and I believe there’s a lot to that. For now it’s on the back burner as Havah’s story is on the front one.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are strong and inspiring! It is tough talking about the lows in one’s life but then you can do that; it is commendable. keep going strong!
Also, I loooved you drawing. The thoughts that we exchange with ourselves during such sessions (hobbies) make us move forward!
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Dear Ira,
Thank you for your affirming words. In those days I felt that I was worthless and the world would be a better place without me. Happily, those thoughts are gone.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You have lead such a dramatic life. That is a moving story.
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Thank you, Alice.
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Thanks for sharing with us an insight in your childhood and mind.what a strong person you are. Your painting is beautiful.
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Dear Indira,
I wish I could say it was my childhood. That day was twenty years ago this month–my moment of truth. Thank you for your kind words. Glad you liked the painting, too. There’s a whole series of them waiting to be illustrations for my story waiting to be rewritten.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a story, Rochelle! Very inspiring and moving, knowing where it comes from, I can only tip my hat to you.
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Dear Loré,
I curtsy back to you. Thank you for your sweet words and continued support in Friday Fictioneers. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was powerful and poetic. You are a strong woman for having coming through that, I am sure your inner strength was always there, you found a better way to let it blossom. Your talents are a gift to us all.
I usually don’t read your story or any other until I write mine. Now I am so moved and touched by this I can not clear my head to find my story!
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Dear MTO,
During that dark time a close friend nicknamed me ‘Rocky’- a name, that to my chagrin, stuck. She insisted that I was a fighter and I was going to win my battle. I had severe doubts. But now she and I both look back on those days with gratitude. I’m happy to be alive and if my talents are a gift to others, that’s the icing on the cake.
Before I was facilitator I never read anyone else’s stories before writing my own. And mine usually showed up later than most. Of course in those days, we got the photo on Wednesday and posted by Friday.
Thank you and shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful prompt and write up!
Here’s my entry
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Thank you Swathi. If you’ve linked to the list you really don’t need to post your link here. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow. Thank you for sharing this story and sketch, Rochelle. So happy for the outcome of this story. Powerful, moving, inspiring. Always amazing to read stories of overcoming trials like this.
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Dear Tiffany,
There was a time I didn’t think I’d live to share such a story.
Thank you on all counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, it is courageous of you to share your story and I think it could be life saving to many people. Maybe you will put it in a book?
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Dear Deborah,
I’ve thought about writing a book, but so far I’ve written a few flashes and a longer short story that was published in my anthology called “This, That and Sometimes the Other.” It’s available from Amazon on Kindle and in print from me. 😉
I didn’t really think of this story ‘courageous’ so much as ‘grateful.’ Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You did a great job of writing with this one for sure. 🙂
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I love this! Thank you for sharing! ❤
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Thank you and you’re welcome, Helen. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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definitely, the top story of the week.
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Thank you for such high praise, Plaridel. 😀
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Anorecia is a dreadful affliction. I am glad you had the will to fight it.
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Dear Liz,
It is and was a terrible disease. I’m grateful to be alive and healthy.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Totally beautiful and so touching. What courage you’ve shown. Your story shows how it is possible to grab hold of life with every remaining ounce of will and make it work. Wonderful. (And thank you for the ‘news flash’ – so nice of you to do that).
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Dear Margaret,
Your story deserved the news flash.
At that moment of truth, I didn’t feel particularly courageous. I’d OD’d on laxatives, my BP bottomed out..as I recall my actual answer to the EMT when he asked my name was “My name is Stupid.” but I only had a hundred words. But I also realized that I’d been given a choice and a chance.
Thank you for your kind words and faithful participation.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome, Rochelle. Your story is inspiring, and I’m thinking that you wouldn’t be able to count the number of people who are glad you made the right choice.
Cheers
Marg
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Looking back on this you must be amazed at all you have accomplished since then. Congratulations on deciding to live.
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Dear Dawn,
I am indeed amazed. I’ve been blessed and glad I made the right decision. 😀
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As always beautifully written. Such a vivid and heart wrenching scene. Thank you for sharing.
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Dear Joe,
We know who had His hand on me, even then, don’t we?
Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed we do.
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How brave you were to take that first step towards health. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
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Dear Colline,
I’m not sure how brave I was. I’ve never felt more humiliated than I did at that moment when I realized the beast could really kill me.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That is why I think you were brave. It must have been very difficult to take that forst step towards health and to change the way you were thinking about yourself.
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Agreed there, Colline. It was an uphill battle that lasted many years after my decision. Truly it wasn’t until about 6 years ago I realized I was finally happy in my own skin when I saw an underweight woman and wondered why I ever thought that was pretty.
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Great! What a strong sense of purpose to let let things end as they are!
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Dear Roger,
At that point the purpose was to pick myself up and discover that I had a purpose. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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