Rain poured down. We were waiting on line to board the Staten Island ferry; a habitual Sunday routine. Usually, we’d go to the beach then visit, Mr. Frank. He was a Santero.
I was feeling car sick. My dad smoked Camels.The open windows would blow the smoke into the backseat.
I can remember the first time we were waiting to board. I had a panic attack and couldn’t stop crying. I thought we were going to drive into the ocean. I can’t swim.
“Shut up!”
A simple explanation would have helped.
Uncanny, I still see a ferry and cringe.
2017©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100 Words
Photo Prompt: ©Ted Strutz
To join Rochelle and her Friday Fictioneers challenge
click here
Santeria is a syncretistic Caribbean religion.
Santeria includes the worship of the Orisha — literally “head guardians,” and religious beliefs of the Yoruba and Bantu people in Southern Nigeria, Senegal and Guinea Coast. These are combined with elements of Roman Catholicism.
Arriving as slaves in the Caribbean, Santerians preserved the elements of their religion by equating each Orisha of their traditional religions with a corresponding christian saint. Many traditions, within the religion, recognize different equivalencies.
One common example includes:
Babalz Ayi became St. Lazarus (patron of the sick)
Shangs became St. Barbara (controls thunder, lightning, fire…)
Eleggua or Elegba became St. Anthony (controls roads, gates etc)
Obatala became Our Lady of Las Mercedes, and the Resurrected Christ (father of creation; source of spirituality)
Oggzn became St. Peter (patron of war)
Oshzn became Our Lady of Charity (controls money, sensuality…)
Many Santerian beliefs are not freely discussed outside of the faith. In addition, there are many religious leaders whose beliefs and practices differ significantly. information click here
June 25, 2017 at 7:46 pm
Oh, to be child in the backseat gave me flashbacks as well… for me it was mainly being forced to be silent…
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June 25, 2017 at 9:23 pm
I can relate with that. Children were always supposed to be quiet in my household. Torture when you’re chatty, like me.
Sorry about the flashback. Hope you can erase it from your mind. Thanks for popping over.
Isadora 😎
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June 25, 2017 at 12:52 pm
I can see how it would appear you are driving into the ocean. I found the explanation of the religion fascinating. Thanks for teaching me something new.
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June 25, 2017 at 1:03 pm
I wasn’t sure about adding the explanation. I’m glad I did if it taught you something you didn’t know. Thank you for letting me know.
I’ve never practiced Santeria because of witnessing it. There are some unnerving rituals.
I appreciate your stopping by and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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June 25, 2017 at 8:25 am
I’m sad that this may be a story fro your life but love the way you told it.
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June 25, 2017 at 1:07 pm
Sometimes, writing the words help heal old wounds and then we move on.
Thank you, Dawn, for always stopping by and leaving heartwarming comments.
Isadora 😎
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June 25, 2017 at 7:54 am
A sad story, written beautifully.
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June 25, 2017 at 1:08 pm
So very pleased you thought so, Moon. Thank you …
Isadora 😎
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June 25, 2017 at 5:41 am
words can hurt like sticks and stones and the damage done can take a long time to heal. so, we should be careful on what to say.
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June 25, 2017 at 1:25 pm
I believe words can hurt more. As Don Miguel Ruiz says, “Be Impeccable with your words”.
Thank you for stopping b and commenting.
Isadora 😎
(The Four Agreementts – book)
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June 24, 2017 at 9:09 pm
Well written. I can almost—via memort lane— smell that smoke.😥
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June 25, 2017 at 1:28 pm
I’m pleased you enjoyed my story. Smoking is a pet peeve of mine.
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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June 24, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Children suffer from the actions and words of adults who don’t realize the harm they do. Many of us have suffered from second-hand smoke before the term was understood. My dad smoked cigars in the car. Thanks for the explanation of the religious term. Good writing, Isadora. —- Suzanne
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June 24, 2017 at 9:07 pm
Oh, poor you! Cigarettes were bad enough.😣
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June 25, 2017 at 1:33 pm
Cigars are gross times 2. 😎
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June 25, 2017 at 1:32 pm
I think Don Miguel Ruiz says it well in his book, ‘The Four Agreements’, “Be Impeccable with your Word.”
I too have asthma from 2nd hand smoke. Sad that others suffer because of a disgusting habit.
Isadora 😎
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June 25, 2017 at 1:52 pm
I suffered from sinus problems including intense earaches and my parents and grandmother, all of whom smoked, didn’t have a clue. —- Suzanne
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June 25, 2017 at 2:37 pm
At least it’s been discovered that 2nd hand smoke does cause many illnesses.
Let’s hope more people stop smoking and put cigarette manufacturers out of business. 😊
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June 23, 2017 at 9:35 pm
Nicely told, I liked the line ‘A simple explanation would have helped,’ it sums up how unintentionally insensitive families can be to each other
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June 24, 2017 at 12:40 pm
Lack of communication is always a detriment. I appreciate your comment, Michael.
Thank you for stopping by.
Isadora 😎
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June 23, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Wonderfully written. You gave us an entire family history in 100 word
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June 23, 2017 at 3:50 pm
It can be difficult to get it all in in 100 words. I’m pleased you thought I did a wonderful job. Thank you …
Smiling
Isadora 😎
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June 23, 2017 at 2:04 pm
Lucky for me, my parents were willing to discuss almost anything and make sure we understood. This poor little girl doesn’t have that! Shame on Dad.
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June 23, 2017 at 3:54 pm
I’m pleased the childs feelings came through. My focus was to get that across. Thank you, Alicia.
Indeed, conversations and explanations are important for children. I always made it a point to talk to my girls and to have them
feel confident about being able to talk to me. Some parents don’t do that. Have a super weekend …
Isadora 😎
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June 23, 2017 at 4:31 pm
You, too. It’s finally drying out here. Time to get outside and play.
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June 23, 2017 at 7:16 pm
YAY … 😃
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June 23, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Ah, very cool, Iz. Sounds like a childhood I had in some way, too. Dads never needed to explain anything.
He was a Santera. Did he make religious icons or was he a priest of a religious cult? Interesting how the story could go.
Super-bien, Iz. 🙂
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June 23, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Yes, there is a great deal more I could write about this religion. My parents sent us to parochial schools yet they never went to church and practiced Santeria. Mr. Frank was a religious leader who later become a friend too. Not a cult as much as a supposed healer.
I came from the parents speak and children listen world. Oh, how the times have changed.
I’ve had this idea for a story for sometime. I just wasn’t sure if non-latin people would find it interesiting. Any opinions??? No … I will not be insulted. I favor critique and guidance.
Thanks you much …
Iz 😎
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June 23, 2017 at 9:49 pm
I had to look up the word and I’m glad I did. No problem.
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June 23, 2017 at 7:08 am
Oh! That’s a horrible feeling, to feel fear and not be soothed. You captured the feeling very well in the story.
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June 23, 2017 at 12:53 pm
I’m so pleased the feeling came across in my story. Her feelings were what I wanted the main focus to be.
I appreciate your visit. Thank you
Isadora 😎
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June 23, 2017 at 2:09 am
When I think of how many cigarettes we kids “smoked” in the cars with our two parents puffing away… ugh.
And yes, heaven forbid they give a simple explanation to calm a child. I so feel for her
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June 23, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Can you imagine how many ‘Baby Boomers’ are suffering from COPD and never smoked?
I have never smoked and have asthma because of 2nd hand smoke when I was grwoing up. : (
My hubby and I have never smoked yet I have 2 daughters out of 3 that do. Where does that come from? I dislike it, of course.
Parenting was so different in days of ole … 😳
Merci for visiting and commenting, Dale …
Isadora 😎
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June 23, 2017 at 1:03 pm
My mother was a terrible smoker. Constant and inconsiderate to us kids in the car. Ironically, my brother took up smoking in his teens but quit in his early 20’s. My three sons all knew their grandmother died of lung cancer. Only one of them smoked and I’m happy to say he hasn’t touched a cigarette in 0 months.
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June 23, 2017 at 2:17 pm
I call cigarettes cancer sticks. They have a foul smell, odors stick to your clothes and irritate eyes. And, let’s not forget highly addictive. I had a friend who was on a oxygen machine she had to lug along and still smoked. WHA the Uck is that?
So sad …
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June 23, 2017 at 2:12 pm
Like my grandmother. She never smoked and all 6 of her kids did….
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June 23, 2017 at 2:19 pm
It’s a mysterious addictive habit. 😳
I cringe when I see someone light a cigarette because in my mind they are lighting money to burn.
Smoking is a pet peeve of mine. Obvious … I’m sure. 😊
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June 23, 2017 at 2:42 pm
I’m an ex smoker and one of those complainers….
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June 23, 2017 at 2:46 pm
LOLOL … my pet peeve = foot in my mouth. Sorry 😳
But, happy your an X smoker. I’m sure your lungs ‘Thank You’. 😍
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June 23, 2017 at 3:39 pm
Been over 20 years…
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June 23, 2017 at 3:41 pm
WOW … 5 *****
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June 22, 2017 at 8:14 pm
Realistic and touching story. I feel for her.
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June 23, 2017 at 12:59 pm
I’m so pleased the girils feelings came across in my story. Her feelings were what I wanted the main focus to be.
I appreciate your visit Iain. Thank you
Isadora 😎
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June 22, 2017 at 7:58 pm
Oh how we carry those ancient messages in our minds!
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June 23, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Tapes with dialogs that never seem to go away despite our best efforts.
Love your children and grandchildren like priceless china. Thank you, Gilly, for always finding something interesting in my writing.
Issy 😎
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June 22, 2017 at 4:38 pm
How sad that her dad has left her with such a terrible memory! Very interesting information Issy and great story!
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June 23, 2017 at 1:02 pm
I wanted the girls feelings to be the main focus in the story. I’m happy that it came though, PJ.
Thank you … Isadora 😎
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June 22, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Querida Isadora,
Me gusta tu cuenta. La história es muy interesante. I suspect there is truth in this one. It would have been nice if the father had had more patience with his daughter. Bien escrito come siempre mi amiga.
Abrazos y cariño,
Rochelle
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June 23, 2017 at 1:08 pm
Querida Rochelle,
Si, Santeria era una parte de mi vida. Mis padres nos dieron educacion en escuelas católica pero participaban en Santeria.
Siempre me confundió.
Years ago children didn’t need to know just follow instructions. Era difficil entender cuando nina.
Gracias por su visita y comentario
Abrazos y Shalom
Isadora 😎
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June 22, 2017 at 12:15 pm
I liked this “memoir”-type story. I guess if it had been longer, you could have explained the role Santeria plays in it
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June 23, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Smiling at your complimentary comment, Neil.
Yes, sometimes, the 100 words can limit explanation.
Thanks You … 😊
Isadora 😎
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