. 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.

The photo is of an old graveyard. It looks like it’s beside a church. At any rate the headstones look to be quite old.
The following story is a rerun from ten years ago as I’m still on vacation visiting my brother. Actually at this point, I’m bidding a fond farewell to him. The photo is also a rerun. Some of you wrote stories for it. Feel free to rerun yours as well.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
WHERE THE GRAPES OF WRATH ARE STORED
“Water…somebody…please.”
Clara knelt next to the Union soldier and held a cup to his lips. The stench of feces and decaying flesh made her stomach roil. Her back and neck ached from three nights without sleep.
“Don’t you remember me, Miss Clara?”
At once she recognized the bright child from her long ago Texas schoolroom.
“Of course I do,” she whispered. “Save your strength, David. We’ll talk later.”
In one heart-stopping moment something ripped through her right sleeve. The cup dropped and David fell back, quivering in the agonies of death.
Clara Barton never mended the bullet hole.
.
.




Heart wrenching
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Thank you Geeta.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A pioneering woman. Well told, Rochelle
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Many thanks, Neil.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So many groundbreaking women! And I would bet they are all doing summersaults six-feet under as they watch women’s right be rolled back. Great write, Rochelle.
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Dear Violet,
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Totally unexpected – and sad too. I’m joining in this week!
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Welcome aboard, Amanda. Thank you for your comments re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have not participated for quite a while but I am glad to be back, Rochelle.
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Dear Rochelle,
This was a gut-wrenching and powerfully written account about the suffering of a soldier and a remarkable woman who tended to him. Thanks for sharing her story. It was neat finding out that she founded the American Red Cross, was an educator humanitarian and a civil rights advocate. I like that she was acquainted with Frederick Douglass.
We need more Herstory accounts like this. Keep them coming 🙂
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
I remember reading her biography while in grade school. Fascinating woman. Thank you for your generous comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You read this unspeakably sad story. It says so much about the evils of war. No life is untouched when war exists.
Save travels home, Rochelle.
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my typo, sorry. should add “so well” after sad story
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Dear Lisa,
Typo happens. 😉 Thank you so much for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are very welcome. Hope you had a wonderful time on your vacation.
Shalom,
Lisa
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A great story of the origins of the Red Cross. Compassion in heat of battle and war is rare.
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from James.
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Dear James,
I appreciate you identifying yourself. WP is being hard to get along with these days. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I love how you are always teaching us about fascinating, pioneering, strong and wonderful women of history. Of course a woman founded the Red Cross. A well-written and poignant story, my friend.
Shalom and lotsa healing love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Clara Barton was one of my childhood heroes after reading a biography in elementary school. I’m always happy to pass these things along. 😀 Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom and lotsa healing hugs,
Rochelle
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Lucky us!
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What an inspiring woman Rochelle ❤️
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Thank you, Angela.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hope young women are still learning about these heroes.
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Dear Dawn,
Hopefully.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A poignant piece indeed, Rochelle.
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Many thanks, Keith.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, Rochelle, but so sad. As always, whenever I visit your blog, I learn something new. Thanks for the link, dear. Shalom.
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What a lovely thing to say, Indira. I’m happy to see you here this week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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💕💕
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A sad story so well told. I read the article and it is making my teeth grind for how she was treated by men. An amazing woman, and having been the founder of the American Red Cross after her visit to Geneva is a huge accomplishment. Sadly, people like her are the minority.
A great addition to your ‘women’s achievements that aren’t acknowledged’ series.
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Dear Gabi,
It amazes and appalls me to find so many unsung heroes. At least someone did recognize them and the stories can be found online. It makes one wonder how many went totally unrecognized. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Again, you brought a fascinating woman alive for us to know. Nicely done!
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Many thanks. Brenda. 😀
Shalom,
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Wonderful write, dear Rochelle. Another spectacularly inspiring woman in history.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on. – Julia Ward Howe
Shalom
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
Thank you so much for your lovely, head-swelling compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an inspiring lady. How I wish there was some way to stop the wars…
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Dear Dahlia,
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people could put an end to war. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Gosh, that was really interesting, Rochelle! Plus, something from me will be coming very soon.
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Thank you, Chris.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh oh so heartbreaking
Incredible woman.
You write such scenes with such a deft hand.
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Thank you for such a wonderful comment, Laurie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like your historical fiction and this one was a good one to rerun (and hope your visit was nice). Also, cheers to Barton and the good work the Red Cross continues to do!
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