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As always, please be considerate of your fellow Fictioneers and keep your stories to 100 words. (Title is not included in the word count.) Many thanks.
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
CRY OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT
Ten-year-old Annie had never ridden on a train. Cousin Anastasia said it would take her and her brother to Springfield. How odd. Stasia never kissed her before. What did Uncle John mean when he muttered, “Almshouse”?
“D’ya think Nellie and Mama and Johnny are happy in Heaven, Jimmie?” Annie asked.
His feverish snoring answered her. She wished she could see the scenery whizzing by.
“Not to worry, little one,” said her invisible faerie friend with an Irish brogue. “Someday you’ll do great things.”
“Me? How? I’m only an ignorant blind girl nobody wants.”
“Trust me, darlin’ Annie Sullivan. You will.”
Helen Keller with Annie Sullivan Macy (Teacher)
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Artfully constructed, Rochelle – the adversity, the pathos, the reveal
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Dear Neil,
Thank you for such a wonderful comment. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Touching tale
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Thank you.
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Dear Rochelle,
Wonderful! And to think she was born 98 years before I was 😉
How did I not know she was blind herself? I, of course, clicked the link to see she had had operations which helped her regain some of it – which explains my not realising that. Oy!
Beautifully brought to life by you. I expect nothing less 🙂
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
The link is actually not well edited but I thought was the best for a short look at the girl who became Teacher. I thought about posting a sequel on down the list, but Asher has taken over my limited headspace. 😉
Thank you for your delicious comment.
Shalom and hugs,
Rochelle
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The link actually sucks, quite frankly. Awful, to tell the truth 😉 But still, we got the message that she was Helen’s beloved Teacher.
Asher… I have no complaints about his residence in your head…
😀
Always, my friend!
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Touching story.
Nothing is impossible for those who believe.
Nice when we have an encouraging fairy/support-system with us to guide and motivate.
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Dear Anita,
True words. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very amazing woman. We often remember Helen, but too often forget Anne. Nice “roots” story, as usual.
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Dear Trent,
Annie was the wind beneath Helen’s wings. From all accounts, she was content to remain in the background. Nonetheless I think it’s important the the world not forget this heroic woman. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was lovely to read about a strong willed individual like Anne.
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Thank you, Michael. Lovely of you to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how you take us into her head. The concept of “scenery” for a bilnd person is the cruelest irony. Well done.
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Dear Josh,
Of all the senses I wouldn’t want to lose, it would be that of sight. Happy to take you along for the ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very good scene. I had a blind Aunt Emma…I am so very thankful to her for teaching me, even as a wee little lady, to “see” the world with eyes shut. It’s a completely new experience for those who’ve never tried it. You should, really.
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Dear Bear,
Of course you know one of my favorite characters in my novels was Rabbi Yussel. Without physical eyes he saw more than most. Your Aunt Emma sounds very much like him. Seriously amazing what a person can do when robbed of one of the senses. I can only imagine. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love reading your stories when they introduce another amazing person from history that I had not come across before, and you bring them to life so well.
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Thank you for such a lovely comment, Iain. Warming on a cold rainy day. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Splendid… so inspiring that this could be made, and that even an orphan could grow up like this, and even more a blind orphan… love happy stories from a time when it could be much worse.
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Dear Björn,
It’s amazing what a human can be capable of, isn’t it? Thank you for your wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tribute to Annie Sullivan, Rochelle. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s nice to find out about the less prominent one. She’s always overshadowed by her friend.
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Dear Larry,
From the accounts I’ve read, Annie was perfectly content to live in the shadows. Her own story practically had to be pried out of her. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I also did not know that she had been blind herself. I only knew of the later years. Your story helps open a vast change in understanding things, esp why she was so essential. Thanks.
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Dear Stu,
I’m reading a biography about her currently. I think there’s a lot about this determined woman we don’t know. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very touching and heart tugging tale.
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Many thanks, Neel. I’m glad you found it so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I learn something new every time I visit your blog, Rochelle. And the lesson is always presented with finesse.
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Dear Sandra,
Praise doesn’t come much higher. Thank you, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And to think I never spared a thought for who made Helen Keller who she was! Thank you once again Rochelle for yet another inspiring introduction. I seem to have struck a dead end even though I unfailingly visit your posts. I shall try again, perhaps, just perhaps one of these days (weeks or months) i will be able to move that block blocking my thoughts 😉
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Dear Dahlia,
We all hit the skids once in a while and succumb to writer’s block. Thank you for being faithful to read and comment on my stories. That means a lot. Hoping your block with crumble soon.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle!
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An extraordinary story – I’ve heard of Helen Keller, though never about Annie Sullivan. I’m blown away by people who achieve what seems impossible. Inspiring the rest of us to have a little of their spirit.
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Dear Francine,
Annie was definitely the unsung hero, but it’s reportedly how she wanted it. She was as extraordinary as her protege. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have read about Helen Keller – but never like this and it was fresh – especially as I could feel what a train ride might seem like to her –
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meant to add “but never like this with Annie Sullivan – and it was fresh
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Dear Yvette,
I knew what you meant. 😉 We don’t get to read much about the wind beneath Helen’s wings, do we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for understanding me 🦋🦋🦋
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The train and your handling of the five senses really brings out what it must have been like for her.
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Thank you, Alice. Glad you came along for the train ride. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love your little historical snapshots. Anne Sullivan was an amazing woman; I didn’t know she had such a difficult start.
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Dear Linda,
When you look at it, it’s nothing short of a miracle that the miracle worker survived. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the movie, The Miracle Worker with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. I like how you used the prompt to make a wonderful tribute to Annie Sullivan, the remarkable woman and determined teacher who helped Helen Keller to become independent and to conquer her blindness instead of being conquered by it.
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Dear Adele,
That movie was the beginning of my fascination with both women. I’m glad you enjoyed my little take on it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Helen Keller was the first person I thought of, I really know nothing about her, save for maybe a lighthouse may have been involved if I remember my GCSE English from millions of years ago! Good stuff Rochelle, I love the way you bring the history to life every week!
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Dear Shrawley,
I’m not sure about the lighthouse but Helen Keller was an amazing woman. But it’s good to remember that it took another amazing woman to bring her out of darkness. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yep I’ll revisit the lighthouse
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Another lovely anecdote into history and another story of a character often seen as a side-kick but who was oh-so-not! I adore your historical micro-fiction intros! Hellen Keller — and even more so, her teacher — have been unforgettable characters in my childhood. We had a series of ‘world greats’ in our home, and I remember reading Hellen Keller’s story and worrying about how much Anne Sullivan had overtired her eyes to read for Hellen Keller in college …
Here’s my little addition (link already left at the link-a-think): https://naamayehuda.com/2018/10/10/the-loophole/
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
From the first time I saw The Miracle Worker, Helen and Annie have fascinated me. I even wrote them into my second novel, From Silt and Ashes. Annie was definitely the wind beneath Helen’s wings. It took a brilliant teacher to bring the child out of her darkness. Many thanks for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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she was indeed a fortress where helen could find refuge. bless her soul.
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No argument, Plaridel. 😀 Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Little blind girl is being sent to an orphanage? It is so sad and unfortunate!
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Dear Abhijit,
Actually the little blind girl and her brother are being sent to an almshouse that was far worse than an orphanage. It’s where the poor were sent and grossly mistreated. Fortunately the little girl grew up to be one of the greatest teachers the western world has ever known.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for your explanation.
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Any time, Abhijit. 😉
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Great achievements and contributions, and to read that she had such a rough childhood as well… a strong and caring woman.
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Dear Ali,
It just shows what determination will achieve. Annie, often in the shadows, was a tour de force. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Took me straight back to The Miracle Worker and that moment where Annie puts Helen’s hands under the stream of water from the pump. I have tears in my eyes. Your writing did that which is exactly what it should do. Brilliant.
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Dear Jilly,
Your comments make me smile and blush. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome. As for the film, if you’re not in tears during that water pump scene you soon will be!
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Thank you for introducing me to a remarkable woman. I liked the way you went right back into her childhood to illuminate what she was like and the faith she had.
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Dear Penny,
Annie was an often underestimated and lesser known than her brilliant protege. Nonetheless I believe she was equally brilliant. Happy to take you along for the train ride. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Terrific story. What a great reminder of the inspirational story of Hellen Keller and her teacher
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Dear Subroto,
Annie deserves a lot more fanfare than she got. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love that you touched on Annie’s story. It is so often overlooked. Great piece.
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Dear Jo,
I agree. Annie never really wanted to be in the spotlight but she should be IMHO. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s amazing to think what people accomplished in a time where people got around on horses. I started reading up on Sullivan and Keller and I learned a lot… About the eugenics movement. Apparently Helen Keller was in favor of some unsavory practices.
It was enlightening to research though- the number of things one can accomplish despite being blind is mind boggling.I wouldn’t think it’d be possible, especially at their time.
Great story, I’m glad I learned something along the way 🙂
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Dear Jacob,
Helen was a free thinker indeed. I can’t agree with all of her ideas, but there’s no denying that she and Annie were exceptional women. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very touching, Rochelle. I loved the invisible Irish faerie.
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Thank you, Sascha. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another touching inspirational tale Rochelle. Loved the faerie friend, and the reveal at the end.
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Thank you, Anurag. Glad you enjoyed. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So that’s how Helen Keller got her teacher! Well done, again.
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Thank you, Liz. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Annie Sullivan was a courageous and determined lady and she got a similar protegee! Nice piece of writing, Rochelle!
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Dear Anshu,
True story. Those two were made for each other. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I enjoyed this glimpse into the childhood of Anne Sullivan. I was unaware she was orphaned and sent to analmshouse, but great tragedy early one sometimes brings great strength.
The story of her work with Helen Keller I have always found very inspiring, being theparent of achild with a disability, though one not quite as challenging as being deprived of both sight and hearing, as Helen Keller was.
The eugenics comment above I found a bit disturbing, a path for further research.
I think the story of triumph against all odds for both Annie and Helen is what resonates in this story, so well told by you.
Stories like this inspire change in the treatment of the disabled by others, and in their education–there was no right to public education for such children in the US in Helen Keller’s time or actually until 1975–so Anne Sullivan’s role in Helen Keller’s phenomenal success as a student and lecturer cannot be overstated.
Thanks for reminding us of these perennial chacters from history.
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I meant ask: what was your thought process, connecting this picture to your story? Is it the lack of real windows?
Also i fear, with his feverish snoring, the brother may also not be long for this world!
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Dear Andrea,
I think I’ve seen every edition of the Miracle Worker. Loved the movie and read Helen Keller’s
“The Story of my Life” when I was in my teens. I’ve always been fascinated with her and her teacher. For that matter I wrote them into my second novel “From Silt and Ashes.” (See what I did there?)
The eugenics comment disturbs me as well, although I did know that Ms. Keller was a progressive thinker.
Now…you’ve asked one of my favorite questions. How did I get there? Often with a prompt I will start with the history of…such as umbrellas, cars or whatever. The Google trail leads in all different directions in many cases.
Just for fun, here’s the link to a story that had quite a few readers scratching their heads. At the end I explain how I got “there.” https://rochellewisoff.com/2014/11/05/7-november-2014/
With this particular prompt I knew a little bit of history behind the building since I snapped the picture. Among the many places the building in Council Grove, KS, this structure was once used as a Poor Farm. My immediate thought went to Annie Sullivan. One of the few things I knew about her was that she spent time in an almshouse where her brother Jimmie died (spot on the ‘feverish snoring’). I’m actually still following the trail with Annie in a biography written about her in the 20’s. So she may just show up at a later date.
While Helen Keller was a brilliant woman, it took another brilliant woman to reach her.
Finding the humanity in history is one of my passions as you might have already guessed.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle thank you so much for this detailed reply! You have clinched the deal on your book. Been meaning to get a copy for a while now. 😊
Its so funny that you chose a story about Frisbees as your example. My husband played on ultimate teams in college and beyond. I agree with you on Anne as an exceptional person and teacher and not just in the special ed sense of the word!
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I love your passion of “finding humanity in history” and you do it so well!
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😀
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There are so many inspirational stories around us. I love how you connect the prompts with history.
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Dear Priya,
Thank you for lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A sensitively written story of a little girl’s traumatic journey to the orphanage. I enjoyed the whimsical comfort she received from her imaginary friend. The human spirit amazes me in its tenacity. It was encouraging to be reminded of the power of perseverance. I admire how much she accomplished in her lifetime despite the severe adversity she was born into. Thank you for including the link. What an incredible woman. Beautifully told as always, Rochelle.
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Dear Brenda,
Thank you for your affirming comments. I’ve always been fascinated with Helen Keller and her amazing teacher.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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First timer! I’m a little late. Hope that’s Ok. Thanks. This was fun.
https://tinastewartbrakebill.com/2018/10/13/unlock-her-heart/
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Dear Tina,
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers. I’ve taken the liberty of linking you to the inlinkz list http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=799724. As this is my comment section for my story, you won’t get as many reads here. Linking is very simple if you need help in the future I’ll be happy to oblige. I hope you enjoyed my story while you were in the neighborhood. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you! Sorry for the confusion.
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And I did like your story! All the comments make more sense now 🤪
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Dear Tina,
One of the things that drew me into Friday Fictioneers 6 years ago was the way people reciprocated. The more one comments on the stories of others…and I’ll admit I tend to comment more on those who comment on mine. Although this can be daunting some weeks., and it isn’t always possible to comment on everyone’s stories. I find that we’ve become a global community and I’ve made a few forever friends in doing so. Again…welcome.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m pretty new to this blogging thing and I’m just starting to (maybe) be a little more comfortable putting myself out there. I’ve made a commitment to engage more with other writers so thanks for the words of encouragement!
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That’s where I was when I joined. Wanting to promote my books and not having a clue where to start. Whether joining FF has helped my sales (I think it has) it has broadened my horizons. And has done more for me than I could say. For me, timing was everything.
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I’m closing in on finishing my first draft of my first novel. I’ve written two biographies but fiction is s whole new world! I’m hoping that blogging will help me feel more confident in putting myself in that world. 🤪
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Blogging does help. As for Friday Fictioneers and writing a complete story beginning, middle and end is a great exercise. You learn which words are important. As writers we tend to be verbose. I’ve found this to be a great lesson in word conservation. Action verbs as opposed to adverbs. Fewer adjectives, etc. Show more than tell. 😉 It has worked wonders for me. I hope it will for you, too, Tina.
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Thanks. I’ll be back 😁
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Annie Sullivan’s story has definitely been overshadowed by that of Helen Keller. What a poignant tale you’ve written about Annie as a blind orphan.
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Dear Magarisa,
From what I’ve read, Annie was happy to stay in the background. She deserves better I think. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow what an amazing story.
Great small snippet here Rochelle. Makes me want to learn more
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Dear Laurie,
There’s so much more to learn about this amazing woman. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully touching.
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Thank you, Lisa.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And she did too…thank you for a beautiful story.
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Thank you, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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When I was a child I read a boon called ‘Helen Keller’s Teacher’ all about Anne Sullivan. The two women and their story stuck with me ever since – I can even remember the illustration on the front cover! I’m delighted your story was about her and thank you so much for the link – I don’t think I realised what she herself had to overcome to achieve what she did. As always, you tackle a subject with tact and a gentle touch. Lovely, Rochelle
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Dear Lynn,
I’m so pleased you enjoyed my story and had such lovely things to say. Helen and her Teacher have long been a fascination for me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure Rochelle
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I remember reading the story of helen keller & her teacher , while schooling. I was in awe to see her will power & her teacher’s dedication towards her. I believe there are many helen keller’s around us,who teaches us that “Nothing is impossible”
They say that though god made them visually/hearing impaired,they are gifted with better senses than a normal human , which makes them more special.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post 🙂
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Dear Thoughts.
Both Helen and her teacher were courageous women. It took a determined teacher to bring Helen out of her darkness. Thank you for visiting and leaving such a lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Pleasure is all mine
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