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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.

PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 98
I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU
August 1953
Chère Maîtresse,
Today I hold my firstborn, Lois Marie. Marie is for my mother of blessed memory who perished before I turned nine.
Remember how she shoved me into your tender arms at Camp de Rivesaltes? Remember how you kissed away my tears? Why did you leave your comfortable home to spit in the face of death?
“It is my purpose,” you said.
Although I’ve been criticized for naming my Jewish baby after a living gentile, it’s only right to honor the American angel who combed the lice from my hair.
Je ne t’oublierai jamais, Lois Gunden.
*Note: It is an Ashkenazi Jewish tradition to name a child after someone, usually a family member, who has passed on. To a certain extent it’s believed that the soul of the loved one lives on in the child who bears his or her name.
.
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Lois is one of the “righteous gentiles” honored at Yad VaShem, the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem.
Poignant and brave, Rochelle. I liked this a lot
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Dear Neil,
There were so many unsung heroes we know nothing about. When I find them I like to sing their praises from the rooftops. 😉 Thank you for such a wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
A fine addition to your canon. Thanks for keeping the lamp lit.
Yours,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
Happy to see your name among the comments.Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s me…the lamp lighter. Going into the fifth year. 😉
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Five years! That’s amazing. Another corker as always.
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Thank you, Louise. Can’t believe I’ve been at this for four going on five. 😉 Not quitting anytime soon.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good to know. ❤
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Whoa! Doug! I have wondered where you are… so fun to see you’re out there!
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Extremely powerful Rochelle and wonderfully told. A great reminder in uncertain times of the power and spirit of humanity.
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Dear Iain,
There were so many unsung heroes in those time who quietly gave of themselves, some to the point of death. When I find them I have to ‘tell on them.’ Thank you for your lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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History with a personal touch.
This is what you do with such skill, such tenderness.
We care immediately about these people, and we are moved by their courage and goodness.
Wonderful.
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Dear CE,
Every time I follow this thread I find another obscure hero. I feel compelled to tell their stories every and any time I can. Your words are sweet music to my eyes. Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How beautiful a tribute at a time when remembering the war, the holocaust, the losses and survivor’s is so touchably close. You wear you family’s and all the survivors bravery with dignity.
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Dear Ellen,
This is a comment/compliment that touches my soul in the deepest part. Although my generation was born after the fact, the centuries of persecution are ingrained. We must never forget. Thank you so very much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My grandson will be eleven on the eleventh November and I know he is proud to be born on our day of rememberance. As he was /is sickened by the awfulness of the holocaust. Lest they should not be told “Grandma’s job done”. 😇
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Dear Teacher,
Thank you.
Kind Regards,
Stephanie
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Dear Stephanie,
This is a good comment, right? You may go to your seat now and turn to page 1984.
Shalom,
Teacher Rochelle
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PS I forgot to say ‘thank you.’ 😉
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Dear Doris,
I loved this snippet and the accompanying link. There is no greater love than those who would risk/sacrifice their lives to save another. Once again you have brought a little-known face from the past and made her live again for our benefit.
I shan’t be participating this week, as I return to the wilderness on Friday for a five day sabbatical. I hope to play next week. Peace be with you as you venture off to become a radio personality and your joyous time with Olive.
I shall return,
Chip McMurray
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Dear Chip,
To the wilderness? Would this be in hot pursuit of venison? Tis the season. Jan is gathering his tools of the hunting trade. Hoping to score as we’ve all but eaten last year’s.
I’m glad you liked my little story and took the time to say so. Thank you for the well wishes. Enjoy your time in the wild. Relax and fuhget about us Friday Fictioneers who will be pining away for our weekly portion of humor.
Shalom,
Doris
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What a wonderful story — both yours, and the story of Lois herself. Thank you for “singing” about such a worthy unsung hero.
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Dear Joy,
Hers was a story that needed to be told. Up until I found this on the research thread I’d never heard of her. There were so many more like her. I’ll sing when I can. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a beautiful story, a lovely way to remember. I read her story, a true hero, indeed.
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Dear Loré,
I noticed we both touched on the traditions of baby naming this week. 😉 So many heroes that remain unknown. I love to find and tell those stories. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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‘it’s only right to honor the American angel who combed the lice from my hair.’ I love this line!
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Dear Clare,
I’m pleased that line stood out for you. There was so much of her story to cram into 100 words. That is one of the things that leaped out of her story. Lois Gunden had a comfortable job and home. No doubt she faced worse than lice. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Here’s something that’s always confused me~: In the Gospel of St Luke, people told Sts. Zachary and Elizabeth that they assumed their son (St John the Baptist) would be named after his father. That was the rule then. When did it change? Now a Jewish couple never names their child after someone who’s among the living
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Excellent question, Larry. To quote Tevye, “How did this tradition get started. I’ll tell you. I don’t know.” It most likely came in the middle ages and is from Talmud. The same goes for some other Jewish laws that don’t originate in the Torah. I caught major flack when I didn’t name my second son after anyone in particular. We liked the name Travis, pure and simple. 😉
Thank you and shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully done, as per usual, Ms Wisoff-Fields! So many unsung heroes out there and you seem to be able to dig out so many! Bravo to you. And to all those people who sacrificed themselves for others.
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Chère Dale,
When I find the stories I have to tell them. Merci beaucoup.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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C’est magnifique!
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An unsung heroine indeed. We often stay near Rivesaltes and I never knew of this. It’s good that you bring these brave people to the forefront in such a skilful manner.
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Dear Sandra,
Your comments and support are so appreciated. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for sharing the story of another incredible woman. Some people are capable of such extraoridnary bravery and empathy. Good to remind ourselves of this at times when the world seems a hard, uncaring place.
Great story, Rochelle
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Dear Lynn,
I believe that most of us don’t know what we’re capable of until put to the test. Although Lois Gunden took it to higher level. Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for taking the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She certainly did. Thankfully there are still wondrful, brave people in the world, even today. My pleasure to comment Rochelle 🙂
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Thank you for reminding me that there are still so many inspiring people in the world. I believe, both living and dead.
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Dear Dawn,
I love following the threads and finding these people. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for introducing us to another unsung hero! You keep us beautifully informed.
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Dear Lish,
Always my pleasure to introduce them since I only just ‘met’ her myself. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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bless her heart. the story of her life should be turned into a movie.
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Dear Plaridel,
I agree. Her life would make a wonderful movie. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful story and a fitting tribute.
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Thank you, Ali. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We need more strong women, now more than ever. Thank you Rochelle!
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Thank you, Laurie. Your words encourage me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you so much for helping me know about unknown and unsung heros & heroines!
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Dear Sabina,
I’m always amazed at the information that’s out there on the internet. I’ve ‘met’ so many of these people simply by following a research thread. Happy to share.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s great!
I actually had similar experiences when my online work entitled writing about Scandinavians.
Good for you!👍
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That line about combing the lice from her hair brings the whole story alive. Is it really frowned upon for a Jewish baby to be given a ‘Gentile’ name?
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Dear Lizy,
Glad that line brought the story alive for you. As for the naming, it isn’t so much the Gentile name as the naming a baby after someone not related or after someone living. However, my mother wasn’t too keen on my naming my first son Shannon. (It was after my grandfather Sam…starts with an S so it’s Kosher). And all hell broke loose with my uncle when I named my third son Christian…again…after my husband’s great great grandfather.
I hope that answers your question.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You do the unsung hero stories so well. A moving, and uplifting story. A bright light, Rochelle.
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Dear Gabriele,
We need those bright lights, don’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story of heroism based on historical fact, Rochelle. You did your research again for this one. Good writing as always. Thanks for the link. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I love research. 😉 Glad you enjoyed my story and the link. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an important story to be told… actually it’s important to do what you can even in days like this, and remembering the heroes of the past is a great way to do that.
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Dear Björn,
Lest we forget. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love knows no restriction!!
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True story, Chioma. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always love the snippets of history I find in your stories, Rochelle. There’s always brave and fascinating people. Inspiring as always. 🙂
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Dear Eric,
I have to write them when I find them. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good Thursday to you, Rochelle!
This invokes great imagery and emotion. It’s a lovely story and tribute to kindness. Something I think we could all use a little more of this week!
Happy trails! 🙂
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Dear Sara,
Nothing warms this author’s heart more than to know she evoked emotion. That’s what art’s about, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The world is a better place to have had a lady like that in it.
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Dear Alice,
No arguments here. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, thanks for telling us the stories of many unsung heroes. Lovely story. Thanks for the link.
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My pleasure, Indira. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Shalom.
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While I always enjoy your stories, it’s alway icing on the cake when you throw in these amazing pieces of history, that we can dig into and savor. Beautiful, beautiful!
And, I have to know: what is the “teacher” reference from Honie/Stephanie! I don’t usually see her here at FF, and I’m intrigued. Another grand slam, Rochelle. Shabbat Shalom!
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Dear Dawn,
Your words cheer me onward. I’ve been accused by some who shall remain nameless of going overboard with historical fiction and the Holocaust theme. There were so many heroes and not a few of them being women.
I’m not sure on the “teacher” reference since I couldn’t get StepHonie to elaborate. But I’ve been called that before because these little vignettes tend to be educational. Of course, that’s what I’m reading into it. 😉
Shabbat Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ahh, got it! That does make sense; I just thought maybe I’d missed something. Why would anyone have something to say about what direction you choose to go with YOUR stories! That is your niche, and you do it well. Feedback is always a good thing, I believe, but sometimes we don’t have to heed it. Shabbat shalom, friend. xo
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What a beautiful, inspiring story – and such a pertinent, timely reminder of empathy and personal sacrifice. Thank you.
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Dear Louise,
Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was named after my Grandmother’s little sister, who had passed away when she was just a few days old.
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Dear Bridget,
Was your naming because of tradition or just a tribute to your poor great aunt? Are you Jewish? At any rate, there are many reasons people name a child. I was named after my Grandma Rose…The Ro is what counts I guess and the Hebrew name. Rochelle was after an 1930’s actress Rochelle Hudson. Thank you for coming by. I hope by now your flu is a thing of the past.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My Grandmother was half Jewish.
I am not sure if they named me Bridget because of the Austrian or Jewish tradition.
As for the flu. It’s going around here in this area. I am feeling better, but I bark better than my dog right now.
Have a great weekend!
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Beautifully told as always Rochelle
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Dear RG,
Thank you for taking the time to read and leave such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very touching tribute, beautifully written as ever, Rochelle
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Thank you, Michael. Your comments are much appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another fascinating and eye-opening glimpse into history. Thank you for introducing us to Lois and for the insight into baby-naming traditions.
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Dear Margaret,
There are so many of these stories. It never ceases to amaze me just how many unknown heroes there were. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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