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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 © CEAyr
Frog delightfully rendered by Keith Hillman
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100
MOTHER’S DAY
“Can I wake up?”
“Not now, Evan.” Rosemary yanked off her glasses and glared at her four-year-old son. “Can’t Mommy have five minutes to herself?”
His brown eyes welled. “I need a hug.”
Setting her book aside, she heaved an exasperated sigh. “I need your nap.”
He climbed up on her lap and pressed his soft cheek against hers. In that moment she imagined him as a grown man with a prickly beard. She tightened her arms around him and gave him a loud smooch.
He giggled. “Do you still want me to go away, Mommy?”
“Yes. Go away closer.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Yes at that age, they need all the attention you can give them – within reason – as they eventually drift away into their own proud world.
Sweet story and so true.
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Dear James,
As a mother of three men with prickly beards, I sometimes miss those exasperating days of interruptions. 😉 Thank you for your sweet comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nicely handled ambiguity of feelings, Rochelle
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Thank you, Neil.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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They grow up so fast. I think Mummy knows this and is making the most of it even though she wants to relax. A complex emotion you captured Rochelle, well done, very sweet.
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Dear Tanille,
They do grow up way too fast. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely story, Rochelle. It’s wonderful when a mother can be home with her little ones. I was fortunate to be able to be with mine at that age. Well written as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I, too, was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom when my boys were small. Thank you for your sweet comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Delightful tale, m’lady, neatly portraying a tired mother’s conflicting emotions.
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Thank you for such a sweet comment, C.E.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reminds me of when my children were little 😀
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Dear Colline,
What mother can’t relate?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh well, the book won’t change much while it’s sitting there waiting to be read… Very sweet.
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Dear Trent,
The book will keep. The boy will not. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sweet story with some great lines. You handled the conundrums faced by mothers really well.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
It’s a story based heavily on memories of my three sons. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Children grow up so fast that it’s hard to imagine how little time you have with them at that age. A well done story of a mothers realization and love. A book will always be around, or can be replaced. A child cannot be replaced and will only be with us briefly before moving on.
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Dear Jan,
Don’t we know it? What happened to those three little boys? Thanks, m’luv.
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Lovely and sweet.
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Thank you, Maria Christina. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a sweet story. I tell my wife all the time that the kids will be gone soon enough and then she’ll be stuck with just me (and the dog).
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Dear Josh,
I’ll bet that’s enough to make her cherish the kids. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Almost! 😉
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I’m always concerned that I should appreciate every minute of their time with me, and yet sometimes the yearning just to do your own thing can be so strong. And then there’s the moment you give in… Nicely done.
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Dear Sandra,
I’ll be the first to admit there are some things about child rearing that are behind me I don’t miss. I’m not the most patient person and breaking up squabbles was not my favorite thing. Then there were these snuggly moments that I cherish in my memory. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a sweet moment… I sometimes remember those moments with my own mother who recently passed…
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Dear Björn,
I’m so sorry for your loss. We’re never ready to lose them, are we? The last line, “Go away closer.” was one my mother used to say to me when we cuddled. ❤ Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I so loved this Rochelle!
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Glad to know, Di. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So sweet and so realistically portrayed. I felt like I was in the room with you. It is delicious and befuddling, isn’t it? How fast they grow.
Thank you for this …
Especially today.
For you see, mine went into empty arms today. Perhaps because that is the biggest reminder here, at this moment. XOXO
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
When they’re babies you think they’re never going to talk. Suddenly they’re talking your ears off. When they’re children, you think they’re never going to grow up. Then, just as suddenly, they’re grown me with prickly beards living miles away. Sigh. Thank you for your sweet comment/compliment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂 Thank YOU for the sweet images! 🙂
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Written by a mom who at one time was a bit frustrated, but madly in love.
And I bet is still in love with her children.
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Dear Phyllis,
I confess to all of the above. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I knew it! ;0)
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Any mother can identify with this one. Sometimes my kids napped because I was tired 🙂
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Dear Linda,
I had a friend who used to tell her kids, “I need your rest.” 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I may not have littles, but I can still feel this very deeply! Especially as I spent this morning with 11 littles (2-4yrs). Nothing beats the hug of a child crawling into your lap, even if it’s just so they can see Veggie Tales better. :)<3 Love this story, Rochelle! ~ Shalom, Bear
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Dear Bear,
No one says you have to have given birth to a child to love him deeply. Kudos to you for looking after the littles. 😉 ❤ Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Amen to that! My not having kids is actually the best answer to prayers there could be. I made a decision as a very young person that I would break the cycle of addiction in my family. And part of that included asking God to Not gift me with a child. Most people don’t understand that kind of prayer, but if you think about it… about how I was/wasn’t raised, and understand the depth to which I did not want to ever see another child go through that, it makes sense.
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I think it’s a most selfless prayer, my warrior princess friend. It’s obvious you love children. God knows your heart.
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Those frustrating moments can be overcome by cuteness, and by knowing that the early days can never last
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Dear Larry,
It’s true. Nothing blots out frustration better than a cuddle. 😉 Oh for those days gone by way too fast. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’d have to be pretty stone-hearted not to like this story, I think, Thank you for injecting a bit of cuteness into the FF mix this week.
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Dear KZebra,
We all need a dose of cuteness once in a while, don’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s very profound. Too often, in the moment, we forget to cherish the moments. Time goes by so fast. Except for the case of Henry Bemis, there’s always time to read.
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Dear Nobbin,
There’s always time to read…unless you break your glasses and you’re fair blind without them. 😉 Those moments do go by so quickly. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I knew you would get that reference.
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😉
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This reminded me so much of my own 5-year old, growing up far too fast in front of my eyes. I will miss those hugs and naps when they are gone. Lovely.
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Dear Iain,
They say it’s gone in the blink of an eye. And so it is. Cuddle that 5-year-old as much as you can. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, Rochelle. It’s amazing how a shift in perspective can change our attitude. Kids are only young for so long.
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Dear David,
I remember so well the frustrations of raising three active boys. Looking back on it, I wonder where the time and my babies went. 🙂 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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They are only young such a short time. If only we realized it at the time.
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Dear Lisa,
Between breaking up fights, wiping snotty noses and weathering temper tantrums it’s hard to see the big picture isn’t it? Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes it is, Rochelle.
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That one word “closer” was the whole story. Nicely told. 🙂
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Dear Rochelle,
This was perfection. You captured what every mother feels at one time or another. Time goes way too fast, doesn’t it?
Shalom and lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Children can be such a challenge. In the midst of diapers, spilled gooey liquids and tantrums it’s hard to see how fast the time is whizzing by. Then one day they’re grown men (mine anyway 😉 ) and you long for those cuddles. (don’t miss the spills or tantrums). Perfection? You’re way too kind…but I’ll take it and say thank you.
Shalom and lotsa hugs,
Rochelle
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That they can! Even when they have prickly beards 😉
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Aww that’s such a sweet tale, Rochelle.
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Thank you so much, Shweta. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Go away closer” is such a maternal response. Very good!
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Dear Nan,
My mother used to say “go away closer.” I felt so loved when she said it. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful story. So affectionate and motherly!
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Thank you so much, Abhijit. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Go away closer” – what a sweet oxymoron! ;Loved this a lot, Rochelle.
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Dear Neel,
It was one of those things my mom used to say to me when we cuddled. One of my fondest memories of her. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your stories are always so very enjoyable
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Go away closer – I love that! Just the way I felt on Tuesday seeing my granddaughter on her first day at Big School.
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Dear Liz,
It’s one of those expressions my mom used. I felt so loved and cherished when she said it. One of my sweetest memories of her. I saw your pictures on Facebook of your sweet granddaughter. They do grow so fast, don’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a tender story Rochelle, love the way they are with each other. And funny – —Rosemary’s line ‘ I need your nap’. Precious times.
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Dear Francine,
I always wondered if the little ones truly needed the rest or the other way around. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aw, who could resist? Sweet story 🙂
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Dear Ali,
My oldest son could be whiny and a pill all day but one look into those big brown eyes and I was his captive. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A sweet tale filled with little gems! A treat to read Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
Your comment is also a treat. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sweet story! I feel like that with my animals sometimes…when I’m trying to finish something and they want whatever…and it’s endearing and exasperating at the same time. Thanks for sharing and hosting!
They changed the frog this week…glad you kept it in the same place as always.
Shalom.
Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
Animals and children have similarities when it comes to mischief and demands for attention, don’t they? Love them both. Glad you liked my story and took the time to say so.
Who changed the frog? I actually borrowed Keith of Keith’s Ramblings rendering. Still the same link though. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i guess it’s a case of priorities. kids don’t remain kids for long. Books can wait much longer.
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Dear Plaridel,
That is the whole point for the story. You’re spot on. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I Love this, the initial frustration but then the reality sinks in and she can’t let go. Gorgeous emotions in this one.
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Dear Laurie,
You can hold onto them but you can’t keep them from growing up. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
One last try and BINGO … aahhhh … my link is up. 👍🏻
Anywho … sweet vignette of how most mothers feel when they are deprived of ‘Me Time’.
Our hearts dictate that they always come first. Left me with a feeling of warmth.
Buen fin de semana …
Abrazos y Carino,
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
When our children are young it seems those constant interruptions and lack of space will last forever. It’s hard to see the future then, but looking back I wish I could tell my younger self to chillax just a bit. But I do remember those sweet snuggly times. Gracias mi amiga.
Shalom y cariño,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
I was literally LOL. Wait for the bigger child to arrive: the retired husband. LOL I was telling my hubby, recently, I need to go and take a shower without asking where a utensil is. LOL This is why we are woman: patience. Gracias, mi amiga, por todo su trabajo. Have a great week …. Isadora 😎
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Hi Joe,
Since this is my comment section for my story only (not like the weekend writing challenge 😉 ), the only person who will click on your link will be me. I’ve taken the liberty of adding your link to the inLinkz: https://fresh.inlinkz.com/party/c23ef9bc83ed478fab239bba63a7590c Thank you for participating.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a wonderfully natural story, obviously written from experience and the heart. You couldn’t have said it better!
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Thank you for such lovely comment, Valerie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ahh the reminder that all is temporary and not for long..the fuel all mothers use and need to give more and more love. Beautiful Rochelle.
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Dear Sampada,
It does go by so fast. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You wrote a very endearing story! Thanks for hosting this challenge. It was fun, I had to give it a shot.
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Dear Matthew,
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers. Hosting is my pleasure. However, when I clicked on your link there was no story.
Thank you for your lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aww. Such a sweet story and what a lovely way to end it.
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Thank you, Subroto. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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They grow up so fast. She’s lucky she realized it.
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They do grow up fast, don’t they, Dawn? Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Honest and beautiful.
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Thank you, Thom. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Parental love is a mish-mash of polar opposite feelings. Wanting our own space and yet wanting to hold them close. Yep, I know this well. Loved the last line.
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Dear Fatima,
Parents do indeed go through a lot of conflicting emotions. 😉 As for the last line, my mother used to say that to me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Before you know it they’re gone, like a puff of smoke. A lovely poignant piece, we all need space but maybe we need to locate out time differently because there is only regret for attention we haven’t given.
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Dear Shrawley,
Truer words were never spoken. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hug them tightly before they grow up and don’t need you. Beautifully written.
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Dear Indira,
So true. Mine are grown and gone. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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