Photo Prompt 2015©Ted Strutz
Huntington Fairgrounds was a local place in town to take the kids every summer. A few rides, game stands with big stuffed animals; over cooked hot dogs, burgers and fries were the staple along with cardboard pizza.
My kids always brought a buddy friend.
They’d hate to leave.
Finally, I’d corral them for the whiny ride home.
“Let’s go”, I’d say. “A bathroom stop before we get into the car”.
Within moments, wailing and screams could be heard.
People running and crying abounded.
Impaled in his chest lay a teen on a fence spike.
He was still in the swing.
2015©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count – 100 Words
Although this challenge is for fiction stories,
the photo prompt brought this incident to mind, immediately.
****************
This incident is a true story that happened one summer. My middle daughter brought her friend, Lynn, that day. She was her best friend. The boy in the story was her 12 year old brother who had gone to the fair with his friends family. He suffered a great many injuries. His leg was also impaled. After many operations and a tremendous amount of care, he survived but had injuries that left him handicapped including difficulty walking. His family sued the fairgrounds and won their case. The fairgrounds were closed shortly thereafter.
To join Rochelle and her Friday Fictioneers
in this challenge click here or the froggy button:
Inside the Mind of Isadora 
October 14, 2015 at 1:52 pm
That was grisly. The fact that it was based a true story makes it even more so. I hope it didn’t traumatize your children for life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 14, 2015 at 3:12 pm
They were acting a bit strange for awhile but it’s understandable. They’re in their 40’s now so the memory must be a bit different I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask them.
Thanks for reading my story and commenting, Rgayer. I appreciate it.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
October 13, 2015 at 11:42 pm
Yikes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 14, 2015 at 2:39 am
My exact thoughts. Thanks … 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 13, 2015 at 5:09 pm
Starts off an ordinary day – with that familiar cardboard pizza and ends up in tragedy. A horrible event that you described without melodrama. Don’t like to say a good story – what I mean is told with sympathy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 13, 2015 at 6:30 pm
I really apprecaite your kind words for my story. It was a trauma that affected adults and children alike.
It imprinted in my mind to love those close to me every moment I can.
Thank you for visiting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
October 12, 2015 at 10:23 pm
That’s it. I’m never taking my kids to the fair. or near a clown. or outside. (This has been a tough Friday Fictioneer’s week for the kids.)
A frightening tale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 13, 2015 at 5:27 am
Sadly, it’s non-fiction. The traveling fairs don’t get regulated as strictly as they should. They’re in different states from one place to another. Believe me, I never took my kids to a fair again. To their dismay … But, really?? Kids forget very quicker about danger.
Disney was about it afterwards. I’m sure it’s reputable. You gotta love a place that has a girl and boy mouse. LOL I live a couple of hour from Disney Orlando. 😄
Thanks for popping in and commenting. It was a very different FF this week …!!!
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 12, 2015 at 6:24 pm
What a frightful memory – but it made for a great FF story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 12, 2015 at 9:20 pm
As with all memories, they do start to fade.It isn’t as traumatic anymore since it’s been over 30 years.
But, seeing the carousel brought the story and circumstances to life. Glad you enjoy my story and
thought it was great, Alicia. I always enjoy visits from my FF co-writers. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
October 12, 2015 at 10:56 am
Querida Isadora,
What a sad and horrible thing to have in your memory. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 13, 2015 at 6:26 pm
Querida Rochelle,
It was a topic that circulated for some time among adults and children who
all knew each other. Trauma does effect us. I can’t help but think of the incident
whenever I see that type of carousel even after 30 years. The blessing in such a
hoorible event is that we hug our kids a little closer.
Con carino,
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
October 10, 2015 at 9:18 pm
A really well-narrated and horrifying story! Makes one shudder. Nicely done, but I’m sorry to read that there was a real-life incident like that. Poor kid!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 11, 2015 at 8:06 pm
It happened over 3o years ago and we’ve since moved to another state. But, the memory of the incident still lingers when I see the carousel ride.
These are the moments of our lives when we are being shown things we must learn from. The biggest lesson for me was to love my children every moment I was with them. It was very sad for everyone.
I appreciate your kind compliments. Thank you. I’m enjoying the challenge at Friday Fictioneers very much.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 11, 2015 at 8:14 pm
I can imagine how such a memory could never be obliterated. It’s so very tragic. Yes, it’s so important to always love every minute of being with our children. They are precious.
And you’re welcome! Friday Fictioneers seems to attract the most thoughtful, compassionate, creative writers, it seems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 12, 2015 at 9:22 pm
FF does attract really nice people who care about helping others get better at writing. I’m so pleased
I found the challenge. 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 3:50 pm
Shocking tale, Isadora! Was the boy actually in a swing? Then, this photo must indeed have been a visceral prompt for you! I can’t imagine how horrible that would be. We had one of these swings break at the carnival in my hometown. Several swings went flying across the parking lot, killing 1 and injuring several others… I’ve never been willing to ride one again.
Your story is as shocking as the real one behind it. You pull the reader along, enjoying the fair and the mundane parts of dealing with kids, and shock us at the end. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 11, 2015 at 8:23 pm
Yes, the boy was still in the swing. The photo was a sad reminder of what happened that day.
Although this is a fiction challenge, I couldn’t seem to write it in a fictitcious tone. Everyone was
affected that day. It was one of those moments when you’re very grateful for your children and
want to enjoy every moment with them despite their whining. ❤️ ( side note: my kids were BIG
whiners because they knew I would give in. They told me as adults.)
I appreciate your visit to my blog, Dawn. Thank you for your very coomplimentary comment.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 12, 2015 at 12:44 am
I often weave non-fiction into my stories, or write a piece that is entirely true… I think the 100 words count, and your intention. It’s all good! 🙂
What a horrific story… so sad for all involved!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 8:26 am
What a tragic event, that poor young boy. Even though he survived, he carries it for life and so do the other children around. Well told Issy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 11, 2015 at 8:12 pm
Yes, Gilly, it was very tragic and sad. The incident comes to mind whenever I see that type of carousel.
In that instant, I saw how important it is to cherish your loved ones every moment you can.
Thank you for the complimentary comment.
Issy 😎
LikeLike
October 10, 2015 at 7:27 am
Hello
I wish you a nice weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 11, 2015 at 8:15 pm
Thank you, Marko. It’s very nice to see you here.
I will go and see some of your posts.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
October 10, 2015 at 4:25 am
Such a sad tragedy but at least he survived though disabled. You told the story very well. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 4:33 am
I appreciate your complimentary comment, Susan. Yes, a tragic story. Although it’s a fiction challenge, The photo brought back
the story instantly to mind. It was a very sad event for all. Thank you …
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 9, 2015 at 10:04 pm
This is so horrible (not your writing, the incident). I’m glad the boy survived.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 4:17 am
It certainly was horrifying. The perfect reason for my dislike of traveling fairs.
Hope the story wasn’t too graphic. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 9, 2015 at 7:40 pm
Unbelievably sad tale. Worse that it’s true! No amount of money to the family could ever make any of them whole again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 4:20 am
I realize it’s Friday Fictioneers and the story should be fiction. But, the photo of the ride brought that story right back instantly.
You’re right about the money. The child was never the same again.
I prefer well-establihed places with rides – Disney – rather than these fairs that travel.
Thanks for coming by, Emilio, and commenting.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
October 9, 2015 at 7:29 pm
How you must have reacted to the picture.. I guess fairgrounds don’t attract you any longer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 4:36 am
Yes, the photo prompt brought the incident to mind immediately. It was so very sad for everyone who knew the family.
Fairgrounds that are traveling ones aren’t on my list anymore. But, a well-established one like Disney is a little different.
They are monitered and inspected frequently. Thanks for visiting, Bjorn. I always enjoy your comments and dialog.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
October 9, 2015 at 6:37 pm
A very tragic story, Issy. There have been some horrific accidents in some of these ‘fun’ places.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 4:23 am
Yes, the traveling fairs aren’t subject to strict rules. I believe an established place such as Disney is a better place to take our children. I’m way past that now but I do have small grandkids. I’d be pertified to take them.
Thank you for coming by and reading my story, Sylvia. Have a GREAT weekend ..!!!
Issy 😎
LikeLike
October 9, 2015 at 3:16 pm
Such a graphic and sad tale. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 4:38 am
It’s was a very sad and tragic day for many, Sandra.
Thank you for your compliment on my story. Although this is a fiction challenge, the photo prompt
brought the incident immediately to mind. I just had to write about it. I always knew it would ve a good one.
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
October 9, 2015 at 1:38 pm
That is just horrible! It’s a good thing it was closed down after that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 4:39 am
Indeed, it was a horrific event for all involved. A tragedy …!!!
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 11:43 am
Very much a tragedy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 9, 2015 at 12:58 pm
How frightening, Isadora. I think back now to some of the carnival rides I rode as a child in the 60s and feel so blessed that nothing like that happened. My mom hated those old traveling carnivals. When I got older, I understood her fear (mortality had set in!). Sometimes those rides felt like they were going to come flying off while you were in them. Of course, as an invincible child, that was the unknowing fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2015 at 4:42 am
Yes, we all feel we’re invincible when we’re teens. The traveling fairs aren’t inspected as carefully as
established ones like Disney. I suppose our parents had a reason for their fears.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person