“My daddy helped your daddy.”
“I know. My daddy helped your daddy, too,” echoed Ivy.
“My mom said that when you’re a soldier you can die.”
“I know. A soldier can die like my daddy did,” Ivy whimpered.
“Don’t cry, Ivy, our daddys are together. They can still help each other in heaven.”
“I know. My daddy was a good soldier,” Ivy said with tears falling.
“Maybe, we can be soldiers when we grow up. We can be soldiers together. A soldier keeps people safe.”
“I know,” Ivy mumbled. “But, I want my daddy back.” “He was my best friend.”
2015©written by Isadora De La Vega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 was Veterans Day.
It’s a day to say ‘Thank You’ to all of the men and women who have served in wars to help maintain our freedom.
Children suffer the ravages of war in ways which effect them their entire lives. They are often forgotten. The loss they feel should not be minimized. They are the innocent victims.
To those who have come home to us, we praise you for your bravery.
To those who have not survived the ravages of war, we honor you for your bravery and for giving us the freedom we are able to enjoy today and everyday.
May your souls rest in peace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To join Rochelle and her Friday Fictioneers in this challenge click here or the froggy button
Inside the Mind of Isadora 
November 15, 2015 at 12:41 pm
Querida Isadora,
From the mouths of babes, you’ve touched my heart.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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November 16, 2015 at 2:15 pm
Querida Rochelle,
It’s very true. Children can express things simply yet perfectly.
I’m pleased you enjoy my thoughts on the photo prompt.
Sinceramente,
Isadora 😎
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November 15, 2015 at 12:28 am
Nicely done tribute to all who have sacrificed and frequently the parents are their children’s very best friends.
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November 16, 2015 at 1:55 pm
In this fearful world children rely on their parents for friendship, safety and love.
I appreciate your thoughts on my story, Perry. Thank you.
Isadora 😎
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November 14, 2015 at 10:54 pm
A very tender piece, Isadora. It’s a lovely tribute to all who have sacrificed, adult and child alike.
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November 16, 2015 at 1:53 pm
Dawn,
I appreciate your thoughts on my story and your visit. Thank you.
Isadora 😎
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November 13, 2015 at 11:28 pm
A beautiful, moving story. The naive, idealizing children’s view is very realistic, and the sentiment about the best friend really hits home. No man or woman should have to be a soldier and fight, kill, and die for a cause others have forced upon them.
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November 14, 2015 at 3:34 pm
Dear Gahlearner,
Your touching words express a kindess I am very grateful for. The lives we are living in society today are overwhelming. Witnessing the children in the prompt photo sitting among tombstones took my emotions to sadness. I wondered why and how they wound up there. The story grew from there. I’m grateful my feelings managed to fill every word as they covered a myriad of emotions for the children in the image.
Thank you very much for visiting and bringing joy to my heart and a smile to my face.
Have a wonderful weekend …
Isadora 😎
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November 13, 2015 at 8:32 pm
I’ve been reading a lot of these FF submissions. Yours is the only one that gave me goosebumps, Izzy. This is so endearing and tragic. I felt this way about my step-grandfather. He didn’t die in a war, but he was my best friend for a long time when I was a little girl. Very beautifully written!
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November 14, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Your comments always fill my heart with joy, dear Lorna. I remember your post on the fun ride you took once with your step-grandfather on your blog. Some people leave an imprint on our hearts that bring a smile by just thinking about them and a tear of sadness for their departure that has left you longing for more. He must have been a sweet man as he left you with fond memories that linger still.
You know how much I appreciate your encouragement … Thank you seems too small for how I feel about that. ❤️
Namaste
Izzy 😎
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November 15, 2015 at 8:13 pm
You have such a good memory for things I’ve written, Izzy! I’m amazed. 🙂
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November 16, 2015 at 2:09 pm
Your writing has a way of staying with people ~ me. I enjoyed both your books and your stories on your blog. I hope another book will soon be coming to fruition. 😎
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November 17, 2015 at 11:40 pm
I’m thinking about it…so far, though, only thinking. 😐
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November 18, 2015 at 12:58 am
😎
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November 13, 2015 at 5:03 pm
A beautiful tribute Issy, are the last photos you and your husbands dads?
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November 14, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Thank you, Gilly. The photo prompt touched me. The children playing near headstones made me sad.
I wondered what they were saying to each other.
Yes, the last 2 photographs are of my Dad(on the left with my mother and a boy I never knew or was able to
find information about after they had passed away); the one on the right is of my father-in-law. A great man who
treated me as his own daughter and often told me I was) I appreciate your asking. 🙏🏻
Have a wonderful weekend filled with joy and love.
Issy 😎
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November 13, 2015 at 4:13 pm
A timely and beautifully composed tribue.
Visit Keith’s Ramblings!
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November 14, 2015 at 3:20 pm
Extremely, grateful for your very nice compliment in your comment.
Thank you, Keith, for visiting and brightening my day with your words.
Isadora 😎
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November 13, 2015 at 2:15 pm
Ahhh, this is so sweet – and so sad. A beautiful tribute to Veteran’s Day!
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November 14, 2015 at 3:19 pm
My thoughts, once I saw the photo prompt, were of what the children might be talking about.
The story grew from there. Thank you, PJ. It’s nice to be back from my time away. Happy to see you.
Isadora 😎
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November 13, 2015 at 8:10 am
Just when I thought I was all cried out… nicely done Isadora.
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November 14, 2015 at 3:13 pm
The children sitting among headstones brought sad thoughts. My curiosity about what they might have been
saying to each other brought about the story. Sandra, I cried as well. Thank you for your kind words and visit.
Isadora 😎
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November 13, 2015 at 8:05 am
“A soldier keeps people safe” – words fail me!
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November 14, 2015 at 3:16 pm
It’s difficult times we live in. I pray for us to be able to enjoy lives without suffering for all.
My heart is grateful for your complimentary words. Thank you !!!
Isadora 😎
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November 16, 2015 at 7:23 am
I can’t pretend it was intended as a compliment Isadora. Soldiers only keep their own safe, at the expense of everyone else or “war” for short.
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November 13, 2015 at 7:29 am
Very touching.
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November 14, 2015 at 3:14 pm
The photo oozed sad thoughts for me … and so … the story developed from there. Thank you!
Isadora 😎
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November 13, 2015 at 3:48 am
That photo of the soldier and his baby says it all. Wow.
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November 13, 2015 at 4:39 am
Excruciating pain and joy all at once, Ruth. Thanks for poppping in.
Isadora 😎
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