Our Mantra
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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
FOUNT OF LIFE
“Andrea should know the truth,” said Myron. “May her father’s memory be blessed.”
“The truth is she’s an American citizen now.” Cerulean eyes brimming, Gabrielle stroked her slumbering daughter’s golden curls. “Forget her father. Forget France.”
Myron embraced his bride and drank in her fragrance. “Your survival is miracle.”
“A ‘miracle’ based on lies—forged papers and a fiancé in the Wermacht. Could’ve fooled Himmler himself.” She sniffed. “I should’ve died with my brunette sisters at Auschwitz.”
Myron’s breath caught in his throat. “Fiancé?”
“The truth is my Albrecht loved me no matter what. I…willingly gave birth to his Lebensborn.”
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Dear Rochelle, the scale of horrors and and atrocities committed on the young and old alike by the SS under Hitler is just unimaginable. Your story brings out a heart touching tale of survival amidst such untold sorrows. As usual, brilliant is too little a word to describe your writing skills.
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Dear Neel,
Sadly atrocities against humanity didn’t begin or end with Hitler, did they? He did take it to a new level, though. Thank you for your generous words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a morally complex and thought-provoking story, Rochelle. Full of steely determination and regret. And all in 100 words. Brilliant
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Dear Neil,
We can’t always help whom we fall in love with. Thank you for your wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can sympathize with your character or anyone who was caught up in that horror. While the children had a right to know the basic history so it wouldn’t be repeated, there was no need to traumatize them with personal memories they could do nothing about, at least until they were old enough to handle it. Good writing as always, Rochelle.
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Dear Suzanne,
So many of these children were rejected after the war. Sadly, it was through no fault of their own. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is a tale where I feel that for the children growing up elsewhere had to be a better alternative… but I guess that handling the truth for the parents (or mothers) must have been a burden. But it’s a moral with so many layers…
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Dear Björn,
From what I’ve read, it was terrible for many of these children who were not to blame. You may or may not know that Anni-Frid of Abba was one of these lebensborn.
Thank you for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Even if they might not have been lebensborn, there were many children being born in Norway with German fathers…
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There is a trilogy by the Norwegian author Herbjörg Wassmo dealing with growing up in Norway afterwards.
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I’ll admit to being stumped on this one. You, however, have created a dramatic story in one of your favorite genres. Love it.
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Dear Linda,
I’d say you did all right. Just a reminder, there’s no race going on to be first. 😉 It’s quite all right to let the picture and story ideas percolate for a day or two.
In any event, that you for your kind words re my story. Yes, it is my favorite genre. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have a better idea now. Is it okay if I post again?
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There are no rules against posting more than once, Linda. 😉 Go for it.
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I did. I’m much happier with my second effort 🙂
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Amazing what people did to try and survive in Auschwitz. A good story Rochelle.
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Dear Al,
For all those who perished in the Holocaust, I wonder how many amazing survival stories there really are. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is human nature to try and survive, even when it is against the odds.
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Indeed, Al, it is beyond astounding and bone chilling what the people in all the concentration camps did in order to survive for just one more day. In many of the survivor interviews and research I’ve done over the decades, it sometimes outright sickens the soul and body to hear. Beyond imagining, beyond real…just… well, there’s not really a human word that can fit it.
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Although it is human nature to try and survive, I think I would have tried to keep my dignity. I don’t think I could live with myself if I turned against my fellow humans, my fellow inmates to survive, but some people do. Did.
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You would be amazed at what you would do that you never believed yourself capable of doing, and you find a way to live, if for nothing else by to honor their lives.
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Until you walk a mile in their moccasins . . .
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Indeed.
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Survivor’s guilt times six million. In Art Spiegeman’s epic graphic novel Maus, his psychiatrist (a camp survivor himself) tells him that it wasn’t the best who died in the camps, nor the worst. It was random. That’s why it was so hard to comprehend. Well done.
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indeed, J.H. Mr. Spiegman put a face on it with his work. It is truly , and will ever be, beyond human comprehension.
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Dear Josh,
Of course it was random. Horrible and inconceivable…what kind of animals slaughter babies? Don’t get me started. I’ll stop and say thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Breathtaking – as in a story that sucks away one’s breath. I’m sure there were many mothers who wondered if they should be honest about their children’s lineage.
A fabulous story you have woven.
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Dear Dale,
Once more, your words humble me. It would be hard to share that kind of thing with your child. But, better to find out from the parent than someone else along the line. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A question for Sandra Cook, what is the building in the pic and where? Just curious.
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On her page this week she says is a little French village close to the canal, Jelli.
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Thanks! I was going to google it and look around. Cheap travel tour.
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Dear Rochelle,
Phew, I just read that post you linked to. I knew it went on, but not all the details. My mother fitted the Aryan specifications exactly. As a teenager, I doubt that she relished the possibility of the Nazis occupying England D:
People do what they can do to survive and it’s very hard to say that you would never do something under dire circumstances, because you just don’t know for sure, unless you actually experience them for yourself.
I think it’s always important to tell a child their origins from the beginning, because if you lie to them and they find out later on, it can be devastating for everyone concerned and the child will never trust you again. That’s my opinion, anyway, but others might feel differently.
As you can see by my comments, your story is most thought-provoking!
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
One of the greatest compliments an author can receive is ‘thought provoking.’ I relish them because I think it means the reader has forgotten the writing and gone straight to the marrow of the story.
I, too, believe it’s important to tell a child his or her origins before he learns them from a stranger.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of the greatest traits of your stories, and especially this one, is the historical education you link to them. I always read the link, and this one was very sad, horrific and revealing about the atrocities man is capable of. I came away with knowledge, that, I wish I didn’t have to know, but needed to. What a powerful story. Especially with the added link. I’m blown away.
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Dear Jan,
Nazi barbarism and stupidity never ceases to amaze me. Tragically, their attempts to create a master race backfired. From what I’ve read, most of the progeny turned out to be average or below. Way to go, Himmler.
Your generous compliments blow me away, m’love. Thank you.
Rochelle
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The lengths some had to go to survive, and the bitterness, guilt and regret they must have felt knowing others had perished. A sad, but inspiring story of survival.
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Dear Iain,
For all who perished I wonder how many survived by whatever means they could. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a horrible period in history. Great story.
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Thank you, Rosemary. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the link to the article, Rochelle – it makes for chilling reading. It’s terrifying when authoritarian governments take control over family life (another example being the ‘One child’ policy in China which also brought about untold suffering) – such very personal trauma all caused by one man with a lot of power deciding who was ‘pure’ and who was not. The emotional fall out for those children is unimaginable. Having to deal with such a history. A wonderful tale, Rochelle. You’re very good at personalising these huge moments in history, making them about people not just statistics.
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Dear Lynn,
I don’t think any of us knows what we’d do in a given situation until it presents itself. Thank you for your generous compliment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, impossible to know. Let’s hope none of us are ever faced with such terrible circumstances.
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I almost wrote my story based on Nazi occupied France, but it turned out to be too much like others I’d recently written, so I reworked the whole thing.
As you said above, horror and tragedy didn’t begin with Hitler nor did it end with him.
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Dear James,
There’s no cure for the cancer that is hatred and, I fear, no remission.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a powerful story of survival. Such emotional and moral depth in only 100 words.
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Dear Magarisa,
Thank you for such a wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re most welcome, Rochelle.
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It’s amazing the strength one can find when it is needed. What a truly harrowing life some have led. Well written as always.
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Dear Clare,
It is a amazing what the human spirit can rise above. Many thanks for such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful story told in 100 words. I love!
Beautiful photo too.
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Dear Lux,
I’m pleased you liked my story. I can’t take credit for the photo. 😉 Thank you for stopping by to read and leaving such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah yes. This was the Nazi eugenics program. They truly believed they might create a super race. It’s just one more indication of Nazi insanity. Great story, Rochelle, and I really liked the follow on link. It’s very informative.
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Dear Eric,
The Nazis were criminally insane, indeed. At any rate, I’m glad you enjoyed the story and followed the link. Knowledge is power. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My Grandmother had forged papers, that’s why I am here today.
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Dear Bridget,
I don’t know about my mother’s side of the family, but I do know that my great grandparents came over from Lithuania in the late 1800’s with a passport other than their own. The original surname was Bader. The passport was for the “Wissosky” family. Rather than go through the hassle of changing it back after they came to the States, they merely shortened it to “Wisoff.” Viva forged papers! 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s an interesting story about your name.
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Beautifully written story Rochelle dear. Your link helped a lot to understand it all. Thanks.
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Thank you for your sweet words, Indira. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of the Nazis’ more chilling programmes – and that’s saying a lot considering the horrors they inflicted. Great story and history.
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Dear Ali,
What a blot on history. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There is always another facet to the horrors of those times. And you always pinpoint it with unerring accuracy. Well done. And thanks for the link.
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Dear Sandra,
Way too many facets to this history. It seems I learn something new every time I hit the Google road. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Lavender Chamomile,
We have similar program here in the U.S. for breeding idiots. Unfortunately, they grow up to be voters and elect candidates from the Blackwell Institute for Lower Learning and Bad Manners to public offices. Oy, don’t get me started.
Enjoyed your little tale of racial impurity. Boy, that Gabriele sure spilled her guts. Guilt must have been weighing heavily on her conscience. Perhaps some calming herbs would help.
regards,
Dr. Lack-O-Manners
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Dear Dr. Lack-O-Manners,
Perhaps it’s all the inbreeding…asses with humans. Wouldn’t Himmler have been surprised to find out that blue eyed-blonde Gabrielle was a Yiddishborn? Just a little y-knot in this story. 😉 Thank you for taking time off from your Institute students.
Shalom,
Lav-Cham
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Of the horrors that have been inflicted on the Earth, the Nazis took it to a whole new level. The story behind the story is terrifying indeed.
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They did indeed, Plaridel. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So hearbreaking… her loss is so profound. The joy of a new child tempered by such pain. Well told as always, Rochelle
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Dear Laurie,
She made the best of a harrowing situation, I think. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I thought i had read it all but then i read this one. How dreadful, how awful people with a little bit of power can be…
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Dear Dahlia,
It seems there was no end to the horror and cruelty of the Nazi monsters. I’m appalled that just when I think I’ve heard them all, another one rears its ugly head. We must never forget. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another lesson on a history we are forced to live with and wonder why.
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“Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”
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Very Interesting story, and complex for so few words. I can see why it would be so difficult for Myron.
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Dear Trent,
I can imagine Myron will have to process all that he’s just learned. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Frightening and unforgettable.
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Many thanks, Hilary. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Your last line is devastating.
As I understand it Albrecht loved Gabrielle, in spite of being a German soldier, so much so that he helped her leave the country and be safe with their daughter, endangering his own life. Gabrielle confesses she loved him, too. Such enormous sacrifice they both had to make for their daughter.
Should she be told the truth? Definitely and adamantly yes, she should know her biological father loved her. Nowadays with DNA easily available, she may find out accidentally in the future, and it would be much worse. The question is when and how to tell her. They should seek professional help.
I feel sorry for Myron, I hope he’s able to understand, be generous and love them both.
Powerful story. It can’t have been easy to write.
Thank you for sharing and giving us so much to think about.
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Dear Luccia,
Actually the way I saw it was that Albrecht loved her in spite of the danger of loving a Jew. He passed her off as Aryan since she was blonde and blue-eyed. And entered the lebensborn program.
I totally agree with your thoughts about telling Andrea. I’m not sure myself how Myron will react, but in my mind, they’re married and he loves both Gabrielle and her daughter. He knows she passed for Aryan and that was how she survived…the fact that his Jewish bride was actually in love with a Wermacht soldier is news. My guess is that Albrecht didn’t survive the war. 😦 In my mind he was a righteous man. (Hmm…) Might be a story to expand.
At any rate, thank you so much. It’s quite a compliment to the author for the reader to become so involved.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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the evil things that men can do…thanks for the link. it helped me understand what the story was all about.
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Dear Plaridel,
Sometimes a link is needed. 😉 Thank you for reading.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
Otra historia muy triste pero muy bien escrito. (Another sad story very well written – for people who want to know – a translation)
Your writing on these historical stories pulls on the heartstrings when being read.
This is another brilliant write, mi amiga.
Thank you for stating that we have time to ruminate on the photo prompt. I like to observe the photo until something pops into my mind. PHEW … I was feeling like I was always late.
It looks like the weekend is upon us once again …. Happy Happy
Abrazos y Shalom,
Isadora 😎
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Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
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Thank you for the reblog, Henrietta. 😀
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You are welcome!
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I will never understand how Hitler mesmerised an entire nation with his atrocious evil.
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Another thought-provoking piece. In the back of my mind, I remember reading something about this but it was well worth revisiting.
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Myron is all the father Andrea needs – a good and strong man. Thank you for the link and another enlightening and powerful historical tale.
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Hell and heaven in the same breath!
Awesome as always!💐💐💐
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Dear Someone,
Thank you very much for a lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So many layers here. Thanks for the history.
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Thank you, Tracey. 😀
Shalom,
Rochele
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What a terrible time in history! A story well told.
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Many thanks. Yuhu. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sad tale Rochelle, even more tragic in its truth. The brunette part reminded me of the apartheid “tests” performed on people who were mixed race. Their fairer skin may qualify them for “white”. One of these tests was to pass a pencil through the hair. If it slipped easily through, they passed for white and entitled to the privileges. If not, then you were a second class citizen with less rights. I have heard of siblings separated and growing up in entirely different lives because of this race classification system. Although abolished, I think such prejudice still exists in social forms today. Thank you for sharing Rochelle these glimpses into those lives affected by the holocaust 🙂
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Dear Fatima,
All I can do is shake my head at the bigotry and ignorance of such people. Thank you for reading my story and sharing your thoughts and facts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for continuing to tell these stories in a way that entertains and makes you think.
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Dear Dawn,
Thank you for voicing your appreciation. It means a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well goodness, gracious me – what a pickle!
Kindness – Robert.
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Dear Robert,
A pickle indeed. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re very welcome, Rochelle. 🙂
Kindness – Robert.
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Thanks Rochelle, yet again you’ve taught me about something I had no idea about. The Nazis were completely moral cripples , the more I learn the more flabbergasted I become
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Dear Michael,
Every time I think I’ve heard it all where the Nazis are concerned, I learn something else. Appalling. Glad you came along for the read. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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