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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
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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
THE WOMAN WITH THE TORCH
March 1887
Dear Father,
The sun has long set on Glasgow. My eyes are weary from study and my heart is heavy with longing for you and my sisters.
My mind swirls with new knowledge of the human body. How fearfully and wonderfully made are we. My cup overflows.
Precious Father. Had it not been for your encouragement, becoming a physician would be an impossibility for a wee lass in this man’s world. As God is my witness, it shall not always be so. I promise to do my best to make you proud.
Your loving daughter,
Elsie Maude Inglis
With her many accomplishments, it was difficult to squeeze the magnitude of her influence into 100 words. So I chose a small but important piece of her life. To quote Elsie Inglis
“If I have been able to do anything—whatever I am, whatever I have done—
I owe it all to my Father.”
Dr. Elsie Inglis
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Inspirational, Rochelle
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Thank you, Neil.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A fitting tribute to Dr. Elsie Inglis, Rochelle. Thanks for the additional information. Good writing as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
Glad you enjoyed my story. There was so much about her that just didn’t fit in 100 words. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for another excellent piece of historical fiction, Rochelle! And hats off to Dr.Elsie Inglis!
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Dear Joy,
Women across the globe owe a lot to Dr. Inglis, don’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I already knew a little about the history of Scottish medicine. But Rochelle the remarkable Dr Ingis had escaped my research. So I thank you for bringing her to my attention. A fascinating story from you…
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Dear Michael,
She was an amazing woman. Women everywhere owe her a debt of gratitude I think. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, You really made her come alive to us through her affectionate letter. I love the allusions to the Psalms, a hint of what motivated her intense desire to become a doctor, perhaps. No doubt the “wee lass in a man’s world” must have made her father proud. We(e) daughters owe our fathers a lot when they simply love us as individuals and encourage us in our endeavors. 🙂
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Dear Dora,
Your kind comments make me smile. There was so much about her it was tough to tell her story in only 100 words. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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For a small country, we have managed to punch above our weight for a long time, thanks to the likes of Elsie 🙂
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Dear Iain,
Small country maybe but that doesn’t make the people or their accomplishments small. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great little story. Unfortunately a lot of the first women into fields needed the support of their fathers to overcome the sexism. Fortunately those fathers had faith in their daughters and were there to help.
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Inlinkz changed again and doesn’t like me, so I might not be joining in this week…
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Dear Trent,
From what i read, Elsie and her father had a very special relationship. According to her sisters, it wasn’t that he treated her any differently than he treated them, but there was a bond. The world’s a better place thanks to his encouragement. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Not sure what the problem was with InLinkz but I have linked you. You’re #39. Sorry I didn’t get to it sooner.
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I am sure they had a special relationship, and it is just that encouragement that I was thinking of. Sometimes in these patriarchies, you have fathers that understand that their daughters are just as talented as their sons, and it often makes a difference.
Thanks about the link! I think the problem is my computer – I am using an old laptop (my “vacation” computer). I have never used the Inlinkz with it, so I think it will be fixed once I’m back home.
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I understand the challenge. I love my laptop when I’m away from home but it’s just not the same as my desktop.
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She was quite a lady with a long history for women’s rights and breaking the glass ceiling. Good story and History lesson. I had no knowledge of her previously. As always, you teach a great lesson with your stories.
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Dear Jan,
Who knows? If I hadn’t been misdirected by a certain “guidance counselor” I might’ve gone into teaching. 😉 Glad you enjoyed. Thanks, m’luv ❤
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I love this. The photo is marvelous, too. Reminds me of Dame Maggie Smith.
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Thank you, Josh. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your piece leaves me wanting more. Thank you for sharing this with us Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
I couldn’t ask for a higher compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s amazing what one can achieve with the right support system. If only more parents were more supportive.
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Dear Nobbin,
And the world is a better place for Elsie’s support, aren’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I just realized what’s going on with the frog. That’s funny.
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He he. Glad you caught that. 😉
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Love where you went with my photo, m’lady,
A great tribute to a remarkable and brilliant lady, whose father was a pretty impressive dude in his own right.
Been travelling again, but will try to post later.
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Dear CE,
I hope you’re enjoying safe travels. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such an important part of history, and so often unknown for how it was intended to be forgotten and minimized. No more. Thanks in part to your talent at highlighting aspects of history ought to be known!
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Na’ama Y’karah,
It amazes me how many forgotten stories there are. I love finding them and bringing them to light. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And … I love how well you do it! 🙂 We are all the richer for it!
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😘❤️
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xo
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What a lot you manage to say between the lines about Elsie’s life and motivation. Excellent, Rochelle!
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Dear Penny,
Your comment makes me smile from the inside out. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how much you captured… there were always (and still are) many areas where women still have conquer… we all owe a lot to the pioneering first.
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Dear Björn,
Women have come a long way. 😉 My thoughts are, if women were meant to remain in men’s shadows, where do they have talents or gifts? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always love finding a new historical figure (or a new perspective on one I knew) when reading your stories. Wonderful as always.
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Dear Joshua,
I couldn’t ask for higher praise. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I recognized a passage in your story from the bible as it is one of my favorites. What a blessing to have a parent so encouraging. They say one regards God in the same way one regards their parents. This story could be a prayer as well. Nicely done, Rochelle.
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Dear Lisa,
I’m so pleased you recognized that passage. 😉 One of my favorites, too. Thank you for such a magnificently affirming comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are very welcome. In my long time Christian-based support group I participate in, it is one of the “flash cards” we memorize as an affirmation. You are very welcome, my friend.
Shalom,
Lisa
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I’ve never heard of her. You never know what kind of very distinguished characters are hidden away among history’s footnotes
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Dear Larry,
Google is my friend. I’d never heard of her either until I started the Google trail with famous people from Scotland. 😉 I love history’s footnotes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another wonderful story featuring someone I’ve never heard of before! Thanks for blessing us with so many of these snippets. They always lead me to search for more information 🙂
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Dear Linda,
You make me smile. I’d never heard of her before either. Thank you happy hunting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting bio too. Thanks Rochelle.
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Thank you, Trish. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh Rochelle, you are truly the teacher behind the FF crew, what an amazing woman and beautifully told.
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Dear Shrawley,
You make me blush. She was an amazing person. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting take, I’m searching the photo. Now I have to go read about Elsie.
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Dear Ted,
Elsie was someone worth reading about. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, very much so, thanks.
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Dear Rochelle,
Only you can bring these historical people to live as you do. What a lucky young woman to have had such a father – in those days, especially!
Shalom and lotsa healing love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
She was blessed with a wonderful father, wasn’t she? Thank you for your affirming comments. (that I’m finally getting around to replying to 😉 )
Shalom and lotsa hugs,
Rochelle
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the father knows best. at least, in her case. 🙂
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True story, Plaridel. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I enjoyed the letter style. A great way of making the reader feel closer to the “character”. Bet this doctor woman had many interesting opinions.
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Dear Tanille,
I don’t use the letter form often. But sometimes, it’s the best way to bring the person to life. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So wonderful when children make their parents proud.
Great. Positive.
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Dear Anita,
She definitely made her father proud. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful appreciation expressed for her father. Really uplifting, Rochelle.
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Thank you so much, Jilly. Good to see you back. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done epistolary piece, Rochelle.
My education continues. Thank you for that.
I am sitting here thinking back to my first female physician experience, which was about 100 after this letter is dated.
Today, it seems like half of my medical provider encounters are women, and that is the norm. ’tis a good thing for women, the medical profession, and in my opinion, for patients and society in general.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
I relish such comments as yours. 😀 Our dentist is a woman and so is my GP who I’ve been seeing for over 25 years. Growing up it wasn’t so.
On that note, when my father passed away in 1984, sine he wasn’t affiliated with any synagogue, he was assigned a new rabbi, a delightful young woman. She asked if I had a problem with her being a female. I told her Dad was delivered by a woman doctor in 1914 when it wasn’t popular. That he should be sent off in the same way was fitting.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I went to a panel discussion about prayer about two years ago. The Rabbi was a drop dead gorgeous blonde (I hope that’s not sinful of me) well dressed and an excellent speaker. That was my first. How the world changes. 🙂
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Amazing
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Thank you, Nyakio.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I so enjoyed how you weave history into your storytelling! It’s wonderful to learn as we are entertained!
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Thank you for such a lovely compliment, Sue. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The girl did well, and I bet her father was proud.
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She did, Liz. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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another great little history lesson!
Ronda
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Thank you, Ronda. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, was there anything she didn’t do? A real trailblazer. I’m glad her father was forward-thinking and encouraged her to become a doctor rather than marry one and keep house for him.
Coincidentally my mum qualified as a speech therapist in Glasgow back in the 1800s or whenever it was (hope she’s not reading this heh heh).
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Dear Ali,
Your mum owes you one. 😉 Elsie was a trailblazer. Not only a doctor but a Suffragette as well. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reading your post, all I can think of is how lucky she was to have an encouraging father who supported her despite the social challenges. Not many people are as lucky.
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Dear Fatima,
It is a rare father who encourages his daughter to be more than society dictates. Thank you for the read and the comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You have shown us how the strength, fortitude, encouragement and support has won through for this lady, Dr Elsie Englis. A wonderful example of determination and inspiration for everyone.
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Dear James,
I’m glad my intent shone through. Thank you for your affirming comments.:D
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very inspiring story..
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Thank you, Vartika! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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well done, thanks for the added info.
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Thank you, Mary. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely inspiring bit of historical fiction. The family support is always a big help. Thinking about support, it must be close to sixty years since my Aunt became a doctor encouraged very much by her family.
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Dear Subroto,
How lovely for your aunt. My GP is a woman. I’ve been seeing her for over 20 years and adore her. Come to think of it, our dentist is also a woman. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful letter. Perfect for father’s day here in Australia tomorrow.
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Dear Laurie,
I had no idea about father’s day in Australia. 😉 Nice to know. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What would ensuing generations do without those few, courageous women to lead the way? Almost unimaginable that a woman could achieve so much at that time. You manage to bring another sparkling gem into the light, Rochelle. Thank you
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Dear Lynn,
As I said before, I’m so happy to see you back in the neighborhood. Your comments are always so encouraging. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Always a pleasure to read your stories and to learn about such extraordinary lives. Keep well
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Great story!!
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Thank you, Mother Wintermoon. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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שבוע טוב 😊
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😀 תודה רבה
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A great piece of historical fiction, what a women, what a role model for other people
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PS Rochelle – This is francineangelcakes who made the above comment. Not sure why I come out as anonymous ?
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Dear Francine,
Thank you for letting me know. Weird. Anyway, Thank you for your lovely comment, too. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Beautifully written and inspiring piece. I always look forward to reading your historical fiction. Thanks for sharing the link. Elsie Maude Inglis was a remarkable woman. True to her word, she made her Dad proud. It’s wonderful when a daughter can say of her accomplishments, “I owe it all to my Father.”
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
I’d say Elsie’s father was a remarkable man as well. Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely story, Rochelle 😊
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Thank you, Priya. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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