We could see the candle flicker from my living room window.
Exhausted, we couldn’t sit by the fire and wait any longer.
Paugua wouldn’t come into the house. She insisted she’d keep her traditions and live in her tepee until she died.
Ravaged from the malaria it was just a matter of time. It had taken her beloved Eduvije months earlier.
The Taino people slowly diminished from diseases after the arrival of European settlers.They had no natural-bodily defenses against them.
Perhaps this small piece, left of her life, would bring her comfort.
At midnight, the flickering flame dimmed.
2019©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Historical
Word Count: 100
Photo Prompt:©Renee Heath
To join Rochelle and her Friday Fictioneers challenge
click here
~~~~~~~~~
***** Paugua – Taino Indian name for Paula. My great grandmothers name.
*****Eduvije – Taino Indian name for Vincent. My great grandfathers name.
*****Taino Indians – The original inhabitants of Puerto Rico are the Taíno Indians, who called the island Borikén; however, as in other parts of the Americas, the native people soon diminished in number after the arrival of European settlers. It was estimated that the majority of all the Taino Indian inhabitants of the New World perished due to contact and contamination with Old World diseases, while those that survived were killed by warfare with each other and with Europeans.
February 7, 2019 at 6:33 pm
A very sad piece of history. So well written.
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February 8, 2019 at 6:44 pm
There are many areas of history with these types of things. If we could learn from them; things could be so much better. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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February 6, 2019 at 6:26 am
A sad story, Isadora! The world what is today is accountable for a lot!
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February 6, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Looking back in history can be quite eye opening. One has to wonder if they thought they were helping at the time not hurting. There’s still much to learn. Thank you for commenting.
Isadora 😎
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February 5, 2019 at 10:17 pm
A sad one…
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February 6, 2019 at 12:02 am
Thank you, Dawn. I appreciate your visiting.
Isadora 😎
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February 5, 2019 at 8:34 pm
A poignant and impactful story, made all that much more so for it’s tie to your own family history. Nicely done, Izzy.
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February 6, 2019 at 12:06 am
I appreciate your comment and visiting, Dawn, especially during this festive time you’re in. Yes, my family history was told to me by my maternal great grandmother. I wa in awe as I heard about their traditions and customs. 😊
Isadora 😎
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February 6, 2019 at 7:15 pm
That oral history is so important. I knew both of my great grandmothers well, and cherish the times we spent together.
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February 6, 2019 at 8:31 pm
I’m pleased there were no electronic, even tv, so I could learn the things I did. It makes one wonder if todays generation with all their electronics and media will even have an interest in their families past. Thoughts to ponder …. : )
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February 5, 2019 at 5:45 pm
sad story. i read that the collapse of the inca empire was mainly due to the diseases transmitted by the spaniards from which the incas weren’t immune.
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February 6, 2019 at 12:12 am
Yes, this is true. My husband is a history researcher (as a hobby) and knows a great deal about the Mayan and Inca cultures. It’s also true of their people. Thank you for stopping by to read my story.
Isadora 😎
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February 5, 2019 at 6:23 am
Very sad, europeans have a lot to answer for.
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February 5, 2019 at 5:10 pm
Yes, history is always exposing more details but slowly, very slowly. Thank you, Gilly, for commenting. Have a great week …. Issy 😎
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February 5, 2019 at 12:33 am
This is beautiful. It breaks my heart what those who think they’re civilized do to humans they label uncivilized.
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February 5, 2019 at 5:12 pm
Yes, indeed, Susie. Taking progress to those who don’t even know they need it isn’t always progress. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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February 4, 2019 at 9:43 pm
Sad and beautifully told
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February 4, 2019 at 10:30 pm
I appreciate your visiting, Laurie. Thank you for commenting.
Isadora 😎
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February 4, 2019 at 8:17 pm
Beautifully written and poignant.
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February 4, 2019 at 8:25 pm
Thank you very much for your complimentary words. I appreciate your visiting.
Isadora 😎
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February 4, 2019 at 8:49 pm
You’re most welcome, Isadora.
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February 4, 2019 at 7:51 pm
That had to have been a difficult vigil. It’s good that she could go on her own terms, but sad that she had to suffer disease in the first place.
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February 4, 2019 at 8:30 pm
I think it’s a journey we’d all like to take in our own way when the time comes. I appreciate your insightful comment. Thank you 😊
Isadora 😎
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February 3, 2019 at 8:54 pm
Oh … what a sad remembrance… but her stoic pride is encouraging
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February 4, 2019 at 3:28 pm
Thanks, Bjorn. She did have the power of fortitude. I appreciate your reading my story.
Isadora 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 9:39 pm
A tragic and disturbing end, but hopefully wit some peace for her too.
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February 2, 2019 at 10:21 pm
Yes, a tragic ending, indeed. But, death is inevitable no matter what. She did it her way … as the song ‘My Way’ says. Thank you, Iain, for commenting and stopping by. I appreciate it.
Isadora 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Querida Isadora,
This is so tenderly written. At the same time It’s a slap up the side of the head. Sadly it’s a widespread thread. Here’s a link to a story I posted 6 years ago (has it been that long?) Similar theme…kinda sorta. 😉 https://rochellewisoff.com/2013/01/23/25-january-2013/
Bien escrito mi amiga.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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February 3, 2019 at 7:19 pm
Querida Rochelle,
It’s never a good ending when cultures, traditions and customs are disrespected to the point of annihilation. We need to be a kinder people.
I’m on my way to read you story. gracias por leer mi cuento y por su buen comentario. 🙂
Carino y Shalom,
Isadora 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 6:32 pm
Isadora, thank you for the history lesson, and moving piece. You must be very proud of your heritage, sad as some of the story is.
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February 2, 2019 at 10:12 pm
Yes, I’m very poud of my ancestry. I learned a great deal when I spent a year studying at a Benedictine Monestary and stayed with the great aunt who was taking care of my great grandmother. She spoke to me on many evenings about her life as a Taino and their customs. I’m grateful she chose to tell me them. Thank you for visiting, Resa, and your lovely comment.
Izzy 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 10:42 pm
Wonderful! How fabulous you got to be with a great aunt, and learn about you, and your family!
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February 3, 2019 at 6:50 pm
I appreciate that I had the oppotunrity now that I am older and can look back at how much I learned but when I was there at 16 – not so much. Time does alter our way of thinking … doesn’t it? 😎
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February 3, 2019 at 6:51 pm
Oh yeah! 😀
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February 2, 2019 at 4:56 pm
Sad, but so sentimental.
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February 2, 2019 at 10:13 pm
History does have some sorrowful injustices.
She died as she wished. Thank you for visiting and commenting, James. I appreciate it.
Isadora 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 3:36 pm
Wonderful story, Izzy and all the more touching with your personal ancestors history!
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February 3, 2019 at 6:39 pm
Thank you, PJ. A bit of ancestry I haven’t written about previously.
I think we all have our own stories to tell. It’s giving them the proper
respect when writing that is of the utmost importance. Happy Sunday 😊
Izzy 😎
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February 4, 2019 at 12:00 am
Yes and you did that very well!
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February 4, 2019 at 3:26 pm
😎
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February 2, 2019 at 3:12 pm
A memory that shouldn’t be forgotten, Isadora. Nicely told.
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February 3, 2019 at 6:23 pm
Well, Hi Tom. It’s a pleasure to see you here. I’m glad you stopped by and left your thoughtful comment. I’ve been under the weather … no excuse … but am starting to roam to my bloggers again. I’ll be sure to add you to my list of visits. Hope you’re well? Happy Sunday 😊
Isadora 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 2:05 pm
Heartbreaking, but beautifully done, Isadora.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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February 3, 2019 at 7:12 pm
Thank you, Susan. I tried to write the story with compassion.
Isadora 😎
ps – I hope my comment at your story posted. I had a difficult time adding. I think my google is disabled – on it’s own, of course. Grrrr …. 🤨
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February 2, 2019 at 1:35 pm
Beautiful photo and moving story.
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February 3, 2019 at 4:58 pm
The photo is a prompt we’re given to write our perception of what we see. I delved into a little ancestry. Thank you for enjoying my peace of history by visiting and commenting. 😊
Isadora 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 10:05 am
All the more moving if it’s your own history
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February 3, 2019 at 4:55 pm
Yes, Neil. It’s a bit of history from my ancestry.
I haven’t attempted to write much about it out of respect. I’m glad you felt I showcased the emotions. Thank you
Isadora 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 1:38 am
It is so sad. Entire populations were decimated. Good story.
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February 3, 2019 at 4:52 pm
Cultural differences aren’t always respected creating losses through aggressive events.
Trent, thank you for commenting and always reading my FF posts.
Isadora 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 1:23 am
So well done, yet sad on multiple levels. To me, you dug deep for this one – and that’s a good thing. Hope to see you at Neil Diamond on Saturday.
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February 2, 2019 at 3:12 am
I haven’t delved into this historic part of my heritage. I experienced a huge eye opening story telling when I was sent to a monastery and connected with some native family members. I plan to write more in the future. Thank you, aFrank, for your compassionate comment. YES … Neil Diamond is on my musical list. He’s a fellow Brooklynite. Happy 😃 Musicality!!!
Isadora 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Oh … using your heritage? … Even more brilliant!
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February 2, 2019 at 2:57 pm
Gracias …
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February 2, 2019 at 12:16 am
A loving and gentle way to let her die.
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February 2, 2019 at 3:14 am
Isn’t that what most people want? To die with dignity and in their own way. Thank you 😊 for your gracious comment.
Isadora 😎
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February 1, 2019 at 11:32 pm
A very moving account, Issy. Your writing really draws one into the situation.
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February 2, 2019 at 3:17 am
An emotional journey I experienced with out prior knowledge. An eye opening time for me during a year of independence. Thank you for enjoying my experience.
Issty 😎
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February 1, 2019 at 10:25 pm
What a well done, heartfelt and heartbreaking bit of history. Thank you for personalizing it, and for sharing a bit about your own family’s ties to the realities that had decimated so many. Thank you for the tribute and for the respect of the old, and their traditions, and the small bits of soul we can teach ourselves to stretch our comfort to allow when we know the meaning they carry for others. Na’ama
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February 3, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Na’ama, your comment is touching. Thank you 😊
It’s my first attempt at writing ✍️ about my ancestry. I definitely wanted to showcase the respect for the traditionas and customs. I always appreciate your visits and comments.
Isadora 😎
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February 3, 2019 at 5:46 pm
I hope you write more about your ancestry, Isadora! I will be very interested in reading more! 🙂 Na’ama
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February 3, 2019 at 6:45 pm
Thank you for the encouragement. I may give it a try once again. Isadora 😎
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February 1, 2019 at 9:42 pm
Such a sad piece of history. So many of the natives died thanks to the “white man’s diseases”…
A loving way to let her go… beautifully done, Izzie.
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February 2, 2019 at 3:21 am
Stories retold after death shock those left behind. Learning my history was a growth period. Sadly, victims were left behind. Glad you enjoyed my story. Thank you …
Izzy 😎
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February 2, 2019 at 3:32 am
So true.
There are always victims left behind…
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February 2, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Yes, indeed.
Izzy 😎
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