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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 © C.E.Ayr
Yeah, I know, the frog’s not blue and the following story is a rerun (the story, not the photo) from March 2013. Hard to believe as of this month, I’ve been writing Friday Fictioneers stories for 8 years. Many writers have come and gone since then, but still there remains a handful of us die-hard FF’rs. Thanks for participating one and all.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100
PACK RAT
Boxes overflowing with rusted ten-penny nails, camping equipment and car parts cluttered the garage. Judith hated the chaos, but other things got in the way of Greg’s promise to organize until the day he deserted her.
It took months to sort through the cardboard jungle.
Then she came across a crate with “Judith” painted on the lid. In it she found her class ring, his first speeding ticket and a bottle of cognac—same vintage they’d shared on their honeymoon.
A note in his uneven scrawl read,
“Damned cancer. Wish I were there to toast forty of my happiest years.”
The advantage of being a newbie is that I still haven’t seen any of these repeats before. A lovely and bittersweet twist, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
And the advantage to being a longtime player is that I can recycle. 😉 Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, when I think of 52 stories x 8 years, that’s a lot of writing. I’m glad you chose this as one to recycle. It hurt in the heart to read it.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Sad twist. But it sounds like they may have had a great life together while it lasted. I was so sure it was going to be a nasty break up story haha. Well done.
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Dear Tanille,
Mission accomplished. 😉 When a loved one dies, I think it does feel like desertion. Anger, after all, is part of the grieving process. Thank you for your kind comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I guess desertion comes in many forms, m’lady.
Lovely, touching story
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Dear CE,
Death is a desertion of sorts, isn’t it? Not necessary a voluntary one, but no less cruel for the one left behind. Thank you and thank you for the unique photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I saw it while walking to the boulangerie for my morning baguette, just before the lockdown.
I knew immediately that it was made for you, m’lady.
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Great ending twist, Rochelle. That was sad. It must have been one of the stories shortly before I started writing for the blog. It was worthy of a repeat. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
It’s nice that I’ve been doing this for so long that many have come and gone. It’s fun to revisit the oldies and this was one of my favorites. Glad you enjoyed and took the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a poignant end! This was quite bittersweet, Rochelle.
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Many thanks for a lovely comment, Varad.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Always sad when loved ones leave us.
“Deserted” her- he actually fell prey to cancer. Wish there was no cancer and no such dreaded diseases…
Sad but beautiful story. Judith must feel so loved as her husband values their time together.
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Dear Anita,
Judith does indeed feel loved, as well as deserted. Cancer is no respecter of persons, is it? Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Clever bit of misdirection, so that the end was a sucker punch. Beautifully constructed, Rochelle, and a reminder to me to be more patient with my ADD-afflicted pack rat 🙂
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Dear Linda,
A recently widowed friend of mine reminded me that all those habits that annoy will be the very things most missed should the unthinkable happen. I’m also married to an ADD-afflicted pack rat. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very sad story. Nice misdirection with “the day he deserted her.” I’m sure that is how it felt.
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Dear Trent,
Death can feel like desertion, can’t it? Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The word, deserted, threw me for a minute. Many people, though, upon death of a loved one, feel deserted. It’s so good to see they were so very happy
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Dear Larry,
I remember feeling deserted when my mom passed away, my first major loss of a loved one to death. Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Repeat or not, this is a great vignette. I was just thinking about this myself. I think I started in 2016, so it’s been four years for me. I typically write three a week, so it really adds up over time.
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2015! I was off by a year. Holy moses. That’s a long time. I think I’ve only missed one week in all that time, too.
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Dear Josh,
Up until last year, I printed each story and put it into a notebook. Somewhere along the line I left off. I’ve no idea how many stories I’ve written. Although from time to time I do like to take a break and post a rerun. 😉 Or add words to FF stories for Pegman. I remember when you and your alter ego joined. (Took me a year to figure that one out, but I can be a little slow on the uptake.) I believe I remember the week you missed.
In any event, I’m glad you like my story. It’s still one of my favorites. Thank you for being a part of FF and for commenting. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A good twist there. You sucked us in with a bit of anger and then slammed us with a tear jerker. You are so bad….and then good. Love it.
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Dear Jan,
Anger is part of the grieving process, isn’t it? Tears are cleansing. Thanks, m’luv.
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Oh, such a sad ending, but at least she now knows why he left her.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
One of my favorite MASH lines came from Radar when he said something to the effect of, “I was always mad at my dad for dying until I realized dying wasn’t his idea.” Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember this. Good then, good now. Five out of five fixers.
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Dear Kent,
Can you believe it’s been 7 years since I wrote that one? Thanks for the five out of five.”
Shalom
Queen Shelley
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That’s a rough, heart-wrenching twist. That’s a timeless tale to which far too many of us can relate. There’s always a C-word that comes to ruin everything. Cancer, Concentration Camps, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Cody… What’s the deal with the Cs?
My blog is just over two years old. My first Friday Fictioneers was 11 months later. https://nobbinblog.wordpress.com/2019/01/16/friday-fictioneers-another-late-night/
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Dear Nobbin,
There are many gut-wrenching twists in life, aren’t there? Glad you decided to join Friday Fictioneers. I always look forward to your stories and input. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you. That means a lot. I’ve played in a few other flash fiction challenges, but this is the one “can’t miss.”
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Oh … 😦 Beautiful, Rochelle. And so real, for so many, cancer or other illnesses, now.
Mine went a very different way. I think. …
Na’ama
PS Eight years!!! Whoa! I’m a newbee on FF in comparison!
https://naamayehuda.com/2020/04/22/elbow-grease/
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Na’ama Y’karah,
I think Friday Fictioneers was going on for about two years before I joined. Although Sandra would have a better handle on that than I for she was here when I started. When Madison, the creator of the challenge, decided to step down I just couldn’t let it go.
Thank you re my story. 🙂
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow. Well then! I’m glad you didn’t let it go! 🙂 XOXO
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Not so much a twist as a gentle tightening of the emotiona screw there. Lovely, Rochelle. Wasn’t expecting that.
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Dear Sandra,
There’s nothing like an occasional misdirect to keep readers on their toes. 😉 Thank you for a lovely comment and for being one of the first to welcome me to Friday Fictioneers and standing by me these past 8 years.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very poignant bitter sweet tale again told in your inimitable style.
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Many thanks for your lovely and affirming comment, Neel. Much appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The ring, the speeding ticket and the cognac conjure up a little story of their own. Lovely and tender Rochelle.
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Thank you, Iain. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A sad ending, but on the other hand, what more sincere way to let her know the best years of his life came with her. So sad she lost a loved one, but her time with him was meaningful. Lovely story, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
Exactly! Their love was a long enduring one, cut short by cancer. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy Anniversary!. I’ll be back soon.
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Thank you, Dawn. I look forward to your return.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh! I love this story, the note. He sounds like a kind and forward-thinking man, knowing she would have to plow through boxes of memories and “man-stuff.”
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Dear Lish,
I’m pretty sure he knew his wife after all those years. My husband and I are both pack rats. I pity the survivor, be it he or me. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Saw Josh’s comment so I looked and I’ll be durned… I’ve been here since March 2015 myself! So… two years after this was originally posted means it’s new for me. And such a punch in the gut, too. Death is a desertion of sorts. Beautifully penned,
Shalom and lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
No doubt you relate to this in a way that many of us can’t. I remember when you came on board. The universe’s gift to me. ❤ Thank you for your lovely and affirming comments…always.
Shalom and lotsa hugs,
Rochelle
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The gift worked both ways, as it happens. 😘
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His secret wish thwarted by a cruel turn of health. Judith must have been in tears. Nice heart felt story.
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Dear James,
No doubt Judith’s tears flowed as she toasted their union cut short with that cognac. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Eight years of stories is certainly impressive! This was a new one for me as well and I thought it was beautifully bittersweet.
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Dear Josh,
I remember the week I joined Friday Fictioneers, thinking I’d try my hand at it. Thank you for being part of it and for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So poignant, Rochelle.
I hope she toasted him with the cognac.
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Dear Marco,
I sure she toasted him with the cognac and maybe hung that class ring on a chain around her neck. (it’s what I would’ve done. 😉 ) Thank you!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Salud! to that thought, Rochelle. I love the class ring around her neck too.
Shalom
Marco
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You’ve left me wondering how I would feel if I found a crate like that after my wife had died. It would be bitter-sweet, for sure, but it would also feel like a wonderful gift from the person who loved me most. Well written.
Shalom and stay safe!
Penny
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Dear Penny,
A friend who was recently widowed told me the very things that annoyed her about her husband in life were the very things she finds herself missing. I imagine finding something like that heightens the grief and deepens the love. Blessings to you and her.
Shalom and good health,
Rochelle
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A crafty misdirect and box that sounds like a time capsule. Lovely
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A time capsule indeed. Thank you, Mike.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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sometimes we have to take good with the bad. after all, we’re just mortals.
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True, Plaridel. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow. 8 years is a long time indeed. Well done and keep on going. And thank you for the prompt.
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Dear Shweta,
Eight years have flown by. I’ve no plans to quit anytime soon, unless one of my novels hits the best seller list. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations on the anniversary, Rochelle! Eight years and still going strong.
Lovely story, this. Filled with loss and heartbreak, but love most of all. Lovely
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Dear Lynn,
Thank you for being a part of Friday Fictioneers. I had no idea when I asked Madison how to join where it would lead. And thank you for your thoughts re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Always my pleasure. FF had been a source of great joy for the years I’ve been taking part – a wonderful community under great leadership 😄. Long may it continue
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Very sad, that photo is doing that to a lot of us! Even me! You had me going with “deserted”.
I checked back and I started FF in August 2013, so this is a new one on me 🙂
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Dear Ali,
I enjoyed your departure from aliens and silliness this week. There must be something about photos of Paris. 😉 (Truthfully, I wrote this for another photo prompt, but it just fit this one, too) I knew you’d been with FF for some time. Glad you’re a part of it. Thank you for the comment and for you participation.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved that little twist at the end Rochelle. 🙂
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Thank you, Colline. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That feeling of desertion over the death of a loved one is real. I was so sure it was heading for a break-up or a heart-breaking affair. You are the leading veteran writer of Friday Fictioneers, Rochelle. Well done! We so appreciate you keeping the torch (and the midnight oil) burning for us newbies.
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Dear Fatima,
Usually I burn the very early morning oil. 😉 Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. It means a lot. You’re one of the reasons I keep this challenge going. Keep writing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How far does this go back, Rochelle? I don’t believe I’ve seen it before bbut then I haven’t been going anywhere near 8 years. What a bitter, sweet find. Lovely tale.
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Dear Michael,
This story is a rerun from March 2013. I joined the group on April 12, 2012, with no idea that 6 months later the baton would pass to me as facilitator. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like how Sandra put it “a gentle tightening of the emotion.”
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Thank you, Joseph. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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:). It is nice to be back.
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Dear Denise “The Purple Menace” W(T)F,
I often wonder what our kids will find when the go through our stuff. Connie denies being a pack rat and prefers the term “collector.” Whatever the case, we have way too much “stuff.”
Let me know if she needs help disposing cognac. I can help with that.
I’ll be glad with the covid is behind us. It’s hard leaving a comment with a mask on. Perhaps I’ll ask Connie to leave some eye holes in the next one she makes for me.
Happy Quarantine,
Vern
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Dear Vern,
I’m not too fond of the mask. Makes my face itch and I feel like I’m suffocating. Although I get a charge out of it when people laugh at the mouth I painted on it. If ya gotta do it ya might as well make it fun, right?
Alas, Jan and I are both pack rats. Not to mention the art and art prints are taking over my office. Yeah, I feel for the kids. On the other hand, they’re free to also collect the crap in the basement that they didn’t take with them when they deserted us.
When this is all over, perhaps the four of us can share the cognac. It’s our turn to visit the Land O’ Goshen.
Sheltering up in this hear place,
Denise “The Purple Menace” W(T)F
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Querida Rochelle,
I never saw it coming. I thought he’d left her.
Gosh, this brought a tear. Awww … she must be so happy to have opened
the box and not just tossed it. Un cuento muy triste pero bien escrito, mi amiga.
Abrazos y Besitos,
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
Mission accomplished. 😉 You went where I wanted my readers to go. I think he knew she would’ve tossed the box had it not had her name written on it. Gracias para tus palabras amables, mi amiga.
Shalom y abrazos y cariño,
Rochelle
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A moving story Rochelle, all the more so because of the ‘desertion’ meaning at the end.
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Dear Francine,
I remember when my mother passed away, the first significant death in my young life. I was 28. I was angry at her for deserting me. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Most moving and poignant tributes Rochelle.
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That was a kick in the guts! Damn cancer indeed – my 40 year old daughter in law is fighting it right now.
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Dear Liz,
My thoughts and prayers are with your daughter in law…way too young.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Clever use of the word “deserted”. It made for a brilliant twist, as we hope her loneliness is somewhat assuaged.
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Dear Genia,
Thank you for such a nice comment/compliment. I think the find will help.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ten-penny, interesting choice. I wasn’t sure what to think of this story till the end. Second time around? I’ll have to go see the prompt for the first one, see if I wrote one. I wonder what she felt when she found that bottle, wept profusely with joy and sadness as she drank, I expect.
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Dear Ted,
Ten-penny had a nice rhythm to it. Here’s a link to the original post. Different photo prompt. I think Judith had a good cry as she drank a long toast to him. Thank you. And here’s the link to your story that week. https://tedstrutz.com/2013/02/27/2088/
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. I was looking in March and just figured I didn’t write one. I sure remember that photo.
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Such a sad ending. Old Will got it right when he said “Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.”
I just figured that this week’s entry is my 250th FF submission.
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Dear Subroto,
That’s an accomplishment! I knew you’d been with us for a long time, but I lost track of how long. I honestly don’t know how many FF stories I’ve posted. Over the past couple of years I’ve posted a few reruns, too. This one was a favorite of mine. I agree. Will said it best. Thank you for your comment and your participation. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is a story that is all to common I think. At least it seems they had a nice long life together!
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Dear Russell,
It is definitely too common. 😦 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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