As someone once said…oh, wait! I said this.
Take heart, all ye brave Fictioneers
For Wednesday is finally here.
Look at the prompt.
Create what you want.
Work through the blood, sweat and tears.
One week I’m sure that I heard,
“One hundred words? That’s absurd!
I can’t tell my story
In all of its glory
With that few,” some authors averred.
Now that the deadline is near
Even tho’ that story’s so dear
If you wield the scalpel
Relief will be palpable
And your writing all that much more clear.
EL, this picture is so you! 😉
copyright el appleby
Elezegeraffe
(Ella-zee’-grr-af)
What do you give someone who might shortly need nothing?
Poking around a dusty antique store, we serendipitously unearthed the perfect cancer-fighting gift, a gift that was us.
First came Jessica, always nosy, Christmas-present-ferreter-outer extraordinaire,
Nigel, giraffe-tall and gangly,
Mom, “a real tigress” as Dad fondly called her, and
me, an adopted polyglot of colors.
We smuggled the Elezegeraffe into Dad’s hospital room, aided and abetted by willing nurses. Today “E” resides in our side yard, reminder of a time of joy and laughter.
To this day, we remain convinced that the ensuing hilarity was the beginning of Dad’s healing.
*********************
Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.
Mark Twain
A day without laughter is a day wasted.
Charlie Chaplin
Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.
Bill Cosby
According to some studies, laughter therapy may provide physical benefits, such as helping to:
- Boost the immune system and circulatory system
- Enhance oxygen intake
- Stimulate the heart and lungs
- Relax muscles throughout the body
- Trigger the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers)
- Ease digestion/soothes stomach aches
- Relieve pain
- Balance blood pressure
- Improve mental functions (i.e., alertness, memory, creativity)
Laughter therapy may also help to:
- Improve overall attitude
- Reduce stress/tension
- Promote relaxation
- Improve sleep
- Enhance quality of life
- Strengthen social bonds and relationships
- Produce a general sense of well-being
This, that and the other thing 
Dear Janet,
Methinks perhaps I should berate you for sneaking in two pieces this week. However, the verse and story are both so good I guess I’ll let it slide…this time. 😉
I love it that we both wrote father stories. My dad would’ve loved that whimsical little creature in the picture. And no one made laugh the way he could.
As Ed Wynn sang in “Mary Poppins”…”I love to laugh, loud and long and clear. I love to laugh. It’s getting worse every year.
Thank you for an enjoyable, educational read.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Aaaww, I used the verse before and you didn’t say anything. 🙂 It just seemed appropriate, so thanks for not lashing me with a wet noodle!
My dad used to tell us stories while we were in bed and sometimes he’d scratch our backs, too. Not sure what he’d make of this critter, but those were good time. And yes, laughter is good. The Bible says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” And you don’t have to have health care to get the benefits.
janet
She’s saving the wet noodle for me 🙂
Great poem, great story, and great lessons. I can’t say they grate on me. Or, that woodn’t be funny, wood it? I think I’ll just splinter out of here. Have a grate day. Ha
Sounds like a lot of bark and no bite, Randy.
Randy, it’s always a tree-t to have you stop in. 🙂
janet
That’s a great story, and a good argument for me writing more light-hearted stories. 🙂
David, I’m glad you liked the story and hopefully it brought a smile to your lips and heart. I debated whether to have the father die and the family’s left with the sculpture, but decided to go with the healing power of laughter and joy.
janet
Brilliant post! I’m with Charlie Chaplin – that’s always the best medecine.
Merci, Easy! So glad you liked it. I know you bring lots of laughter into the lives of your mom and dad, so much that they’ll probably live forever. 😉
janet
Wow, a great take! My dad is fighting cancer and infection right now and Mom’s so freakin’ paranoid about germs that she won’t even let us bring in Father’s Day cards. It doesn’t matter as they’ve already said that the infection is killing him anyway. I’m going to sneak the cards in when Mom is away… going to take some stalking to do it, though.
I can only imagine how afraid your mom is about losing your dad, so she’s probably fighting in all the ways she can. Maybe you could disinfect the card and perhaps please both of you. Or make a big hand-made card that he could see from the doorway. It’s an untenable position for all of you!
janet
I’ll get the cards to him. With the nocardio infection destroying his brain, my years of medical experience says it won’t be much longer anyway. He might as well have the joy that the cards will bring him.
Enjoyed it all. Love how “E” represented everyone so well!
🙂 Thanks!
janet
Janet, Perfectly wonderful, every single word! Thank you, an excellent opening poem, a great FF piece, and a wise reminder about the healthy and wonder of laughter! 🙂
It was, as always, my pleasure, Penny.
janet
I enjoyed the optimistic tone of the story!
Thanks, Hannah.
janet
I loved your beginning poem. It was the perfect appetizer for your uplifting story. How nice this was to read! 😀
I’m glad, Linda. Thanks for reading and commenting.
janet
stress kills / laughter heals
very good story to highlight the point that medical doctors don’t heal the spirit
Fantasy Has Teeth
Thanks. Glad you liked it all.
janet
See what you mean about you having an E and me having an H
Great story, SO glad you didn’t have him die. Laughter is the best medicine -Ok it’s a cliche but nevertheless very true.
Liked your intro poem too; seems we were tuned into the same wavelength for a time…
Dee
🙂
Dee, there was a series of weeks when I was having fun doing intros that I hoped were fun and unusual. This is one of those recycled. Just felt right with the story. So glad you enjoyed both story and poem.
janet
A wonderful post that combines (like the animal) different pieces, of poetry, prose, and quotes. I really liked how you incorporated different characters’ personalities with the different parts of the animal. I also really liked the reminders of the power of laughter. Thanks for spreading this!
I’m happy you enjoyed everything, Zooky! And I hope you had a bit of healing laughter or at least a smile or two.
janet
This is a wonderful post, Janet! That means it is full of wonder, starting with the fantabulous ditty at the top. All those things be real… and I’m sure ‘E’ would help any dad.
There be pirates and Elezegeraffs! Yar! Wonder is a good thing and I’m glad you enjoyed my dose of it. Thanks, Ted.
janet
A beautiful and uplifting story! Also, I’m digging the introductory poem. Good job!
Many thanks, Jan. Hope you had a good Wednesday.
janet
Sentimentally beautiful! I’ve burned many calories laughing! 🙂
Thanks!! I’m glad.
janet
Very well-told and inspiring story. And I love the name for the creature!
Hey, Perry, nice of you to stop by. I’m thrilled you liked the story and the name. I went through a lot of choices before picking this one and there are a lot of other cute ones out there this week, too.
janet
Elezegeraffe for healing. Perfect. and an enjoyable poem as well
Thanks. So pleased you like them.
janet
Hi Janet
I love this story – it’s perfect 🙂
The real ‘E’ is 3ft tall (I’m not sure the photo shows that), and makes me smile every day – definitely therapeutic.
I’m glad I earned the EL Seal of Approval for my story on your cute “E”. I couldn’t tell anything about height from the picture but it makes smuggling “E” in a bit easier. I also got a smile from him/her. Thanks for the enjoyable prompt.
janet
Lovely story with a lovely sentiment.
Thanks for stopping by Trudy. I’m glad you liked it.
janet
Beautiful (and original) take on the prompt Janet. Loved it.
Many thanks, Sandra. I hope you are having lots of fun in the sun!!
janet
Like the way you used “the beast” to describe the family–very clever. Am enjoying your poetry as well.
Thanks, vb. Hope your day’s going well.
janet
Nice story, I’m glad you decided to end it happily. Maybe the lion tail is the father – the King of their family of beasts!
That would work. I didn’t even see the tail, truth be told, but at least I got the tale. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting.
janet
the poem amazing, the picture i agree is so El, smile if you can’t run a mile ! enjoyed this 🙂
Much easier to smile than fun a mile. 😉 Glad you liked everything.
janet
and yeah.. i never imagined it to be 3ft tall !
Wah! what a lovely take 🙂
Ahh! Thanks so much. 🙂
Great poem, lovely story. I liked the twist at the end – dad made it!! Very uplifting and reassuring. I am now going to practice active laughing. My immune system needs a boost. 🙂
Hey, that’s NICE, Janet!!! Very realistically told … even if the pic itself doesn’t quite lend itself to “reality” (what a concept!). Good take on the prompt!!!!
Glad you liked it, Kent. What do you mean it doesn’t lend itself to reality? You’ve never seen “E”??? 🙂
janet
Such a thing exists? Please post a pic!!!!
EL already did!
Hahahahahahaha!
I loved the story. It really touched my heart.
Also, thanks for posting the quotes and the list of benefits attributed to laughter. One of the reasons I decided to focus on writing humor was to make people smile. It’s very rewarding for both parties. 🙂
That’s true, Russ, but you also have a God-given talent for it. And as the Bible says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” It’s medicine that not only good for one person but for everyone around. I’m happy you liked not only the story but the rest as well.
janet
Loved this thoughtful prose.
I appreciate that, Shirley.
janet
A really good feeling story, janet. Very nice.
Glad you stopped by. With so many stories, it feels as though it should be Friday already. 🙂 Gets a little confusing some weeks.
janet
A great flash – loved this description;
an adopted polyglot of colors.
Thanks. I’d say I love flashing, but that might get the wrong sort of comments. 🙂 I love flash fiction. Better, but not as edgy. Glad you enjoyed the story. It was fun to get back to a happy ending after some weeks of unhappy ones.
janet
Yeah I felt the same, this image lends itself to happiness.
Humour as healer. Great.
And the best thing is that it’s free!!
janet
Thanks, Patrick. Humor is just good fun besides (so to speak, of course.)
janet
I’m loving seeing the name of the creature everyone has invented. Yours is the best so far! And a sweet story, too.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/young-at-heart/
Absolutely wonderful, Janet. Great that ‘E’ was on hand to start Dad’s ‘ealing. 🙂
Thanks for the pronunciation tip!
I thought I’d best include the tip for easier reading and because I liked the way it sounded. I’m that today, a dreary, rainy Friday here in Cleveland, might be a good day to dig out some humorous books and have a read. One of my favorites of the non-fiction ones is “Anguished English” by Richard Lederer, which I think the Fictioneers as a group would enjoy. And speaking of enjoy, have a great Friday.
janet
Thank you, you too 🙂
Loved the poem and the story both. I trust the soft toy was well fumigated and washed before being smuggled into the cancer ward (found in a dusty antique store after all), but I’m sure it would have helped.
Amazing – but true – stories of cancer survival come to me surprisingly often. The singer-songriter whose concert I photographed on Wednesday, Ann-Louise Anttila, has recently been declared cancer-free after several years of uncertainty. Hope you don’t mind me sharing this link — http://gbg365.thesupercargo.com/ann-louise-anttila-band/
Great news about Ann-Louise! My husband, who writes here sometimes, is currently cancer-free as well.
Glad you liked the story and poem. I’m sure they took care for making “E” appropriately clean before smuggling him in. 🙂
janet
Janet we have been busy with Vacation Bible School this week and have many opportunities to regale in the laughter of large groups of children. While an adult laughing can be great medicine, hearing the combined laughter of children is such a powerful antidote to so many troubles.
Very true, Joe, and there’s something special about the laughs of children that are soul-healing. I hope VBS went well.
janet
Nice, Janet. This has a lot of heart! I imagine laughter could be the beginning of healing. It’s good for the soul.
It is and I hope you have lots of it this weekend. I’m glad you liked the story.
janet
Wonderful! I love the way you tie the different family members to the toy – and I especially like the ending.
Not to mention your bonus poem at the beginning! You’re outdoing yourself, Janet.
Awww, Sharon, nice of you to say so, but I cribbed the poem from a FF intro I did some months ago when I was on my intro kick. Glad you liked both poem and story.
janet
Poem and tail, I mean tale, good for the heart and mind. I often do laughter therapy. It really works.
It does work and it makes life more enjoyable besides. I think everyone should try to find something to laugh about (not at) every day. 🙂 Thanks for the Saturday visit and I’m pleased you liked the poem and tail/tale.
janet
Lol, no wonder lived through my stroke!
Scott
Mine:
http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/friday-fictioneers-672013-invasion-seriously-pg13/
I hope you always have lots of laughter around, Scott. Thanks for reading and I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
Hope you’re having a good Saturday.
janet
🙂
A story to give me a big smile 😉
Smiles are good for your soul and health, too. Hope your business trip is going well (or that it’s successfully over and you’re once more at home.)
janet
Came home this morning.. not really jet-lagged just tired.
Loved it 🙂
Thanks, Carrie. Glad you could make it by and on the weekend, it’s especially appreciated. Hope you’re having a good one.
janet
It’s surprising how busy I end up being while on “vacation” 😉 I’m slowly working my way through the links
This is incredible. I liked it instantly. Good story.
Thanks, Renee, and thanks for reading on a Monday! 🙂
janet
My weekend went to hell and I was finally able to read all the stories today. 🙂
Sorry about your weekend. Hopefully this week will be a good one!
It already is better. Hope your week goes well too.
beautifully written and a very touching story. they found the perfect present 🙂
They did, kz. I appreciate that you’re still reading stories and that you stopped by. Have a wonderful Monday.
janet
Laughter is therapy. Another wonderful touching tale of love and hope. I really enjoyed where the prompt took you. I hope ‘E’ is well-cared for in that side yard.
I know he is and always ready to provide some healing if needed. I’m always happy when someone enjoys my writing. 🙂
Have a great Monday.
janet
You too. I will try harder to read your FF story before Monday next week.
It doesn’t matter when you ready it, Sarah. People are busy and I understand that. I’m glad you had time to read it, like and comment. 🙂 Life always takes priority, although sometimes my blog seems to take over life a bit too much.
Hmm, I concur with that last sentence. And when the blog takes over, the rows can start (well, here they might anyway). 😉