Genre: Fiction/ Word Count: 100
Holding tightly to her mother’s hand, the little girl looked upon the figure in the casket.
“Did Appappan* really die preaching?” she whispered.
Her mother nodded. “He always said he would.”
Behind them hundreds had gathered to pay their respects.
Later, the girl sat in her granddad’s study, thumbing through his notes, tracing the leather cracks on his Bible.
A favorite hymn bubbled up from within her. She started to sing, feeling as if a choir of angels were joining her.
That night she announced, “I want to die singing, Mummy, like Appappan died preaching!”
Many years later, she did.
*”Appappan” is southern Indian for grandfather
Written for Rochelle Wisoff-Fields' Friday Fictioneers Click on Mr. Frog and join in!
This Jolly Beggar 
Dear Dora,
I enjoy hearing your read. And this story was precious. I was once in a worship service where the (my) pastor did die worshipping. You brought back some memories. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What an experience that must have been! I can’t imagine a more blessed time to enter into the presence of God. As for my reading — be careful or you might encourage me. 😀
Aleichem shalom,
Dora
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This could easily be a true story. Wouldn’t be the first time someone died while doing what they loved. Nicely done.
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A wonderful way to go, I’d say. Thank you, Linda. 🙂
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Heart touching story, Dora. My favorite part: “A favorite hymn bubbled up from within her. She started to sing, feeling as if a choir of angels were joining her.” I’m sure that Appappan was part of the choir.
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I’m sure of it as well! 😀🌹
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The cycle of life, beautifully read.
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Thanks, C.E. 🙂
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Appappan – a lovely word. And a lovely story.
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Thank you, Sandra. 🙂
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Such a lovely story, Dora. Peaceful and sublime!
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Awww, thanks so much! ❤️💜
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Sweet story. Lovely to ear you reading it! 🙂
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Thank you, Iain!
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That is soooooo beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. You have a lovely voice, too.
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You’re so sweet, Bear, thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. ❤️💜
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A tender tale beautifully told Dora, especially by you in your audio.
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Much appreciated, Keith, thank you. You’re very kind.
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This would not be a bad way to die.
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Not at all.
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did she sing like a canary? i hope not.
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Very dark, Plaridel. Very. 🙂
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Appappan is a lovely sounding word. A beautiful story of someone doing what they love until they die. Sweetly written, Dora!
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Thank you kindly, Brenda! 😀
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What a beautifully told story, Dora. We are all going to die one day, how better than doing something we love?
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I certainly wouldn’t mind. Thanks, Dale! 🥰
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Beautiful story and a very enjoyable read, Dora. I’m happy she got her wish.
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A happy “ending”! Thank you, Adele! 💝
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Oh this is lovely, and heartbreaking, and touching and sad. Beautifully done
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So glad you liked it, Laurie, thank you!
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What a lovely story, and what wonderful faith.
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Their faith was the key to doing what they loved to the “end.” Thank you, Penny! :>)
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