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As always, please be considerate of your fellow Fictioneers and keep your stories to 100 words. (Title is not included in the word count.) Many thanks.
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 © Ronda Del Boccio
Genre: Realistic Fiction – Based on more than one true story.
Word Count: 100
BRICK BY BRICK
Kendra remembers the first magical moment she cradled her newborn.
Her pediatrician’s brow furrowed. “She has a slight heart defect but that’s not our foremost concern.”
Kendra became familiar with terms like ‘extra chromosome’ and ‘developmentally challenged.’
Defying all obstacles, Hanna trained as a gymnast with ‘normal’ girls, surpassing many of them in strength and grace. At the Special Olympics, she walked away with several trophies and a boyfriend, a medal-winning swimmer.
Kendra blinks back tears as two kindred souls gaze into each other’s eyes.
Although her speech is slurred, Hannah’s halting words are clear. “I Hannah take thee, Calan…”
*
*
Maryanne and Tommy Pilling have been happily married for 23 years.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Brick by brick. Exactly as you say
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Dear Neil,
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story of fighting against the odds, and people’s expectations.
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Dear Jennifer,
I have a friend who has a DS grandson named Calan. And another with a DS granddaughter. Like any other humans they have different strengths and gifts. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Absolutely riveting true love story, Rochelle.
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Many thanks for starting my day with a smile, Jilly. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are very welcome, Rochelle 🙂
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I love this story Rochelle. You write a wonderful human story which sadly in the past many writers and still some today don’t do when writing about people with disabilities. Gorgeous job.
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Dear Lisa,
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. It’s comments like these that keep me writing the things I do. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aww, that’s a lovely story. Thanks for the link. A truly moving and inspirational account of persistence and self belief. Well done, as ever.
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Dear Sandra,
I’ve friends with DS grandchildren who informed this story. Like any human these people have often untapped gifts. Thank you for your affirming comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Heartwarming – we humans can really do extraordinary things sometimes. It’s nice to be reminded of that every so often.
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Dear Iain,
We are ALL fearfully and wonderfully made, aren’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful love!
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Thank you, Ruchi. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Brick by brick. I had to go back and look at the picture again, Rochelle! Great take on the prompt and I love this love story! ❤️
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Dear Jan,
Your comments always mean so much to me. Glad this one captured you. ❤ Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very inspirational story and very well written too, Rochelle.
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Thank you very much, Neel. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a heartwarming story!
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Many thanks, Sonia. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sweet. Everyone deserves a little happiness and it is a very good mom to make sure her daughter is happy, despite society’s judgement.
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Dear Trent,
Kendra is a very good mom indeed. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m sure there are a lot of “Kendras” out there that are 🙂 I just got a chance to watch the video you posted with this story. Very inspiring.
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Beautiful story, Rochelle!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you, Susan. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have a cousin with Downs. She enjoys riding horses and competing in powerlifting competitions.
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Dear James,
I’ve two friends with DS grandchildren. I’m learning a lot from them.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a sweet story. A friend of mine said that Downs children were incarnate angels who did not want to cloud their spirits with the karma of troubled consciouness. He was a Comanche medicine man, so I listened closely to what he told me. In my experience I have seen no evidence to contradict this idea.
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Dear Josh,
I think that medicine man had a lot of wisdom. The Downs children I’ve known certainly embody that. 🙂 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful, happy tears are flowing freely. Love this story! People continually underestimate abilities of people who are lucky enough to have an extra chromosome. I like what J Hardy just said… Incarnate Angels… that’s a term I’ve heard often in the tribal family where Children with special needs are looked on as treasured, valued, and deeply loved members of the community. Their word and opinions are especially valued.
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Dear Jelli,
Many years ago Roy Rogers and wife Dale Evans had a daughter born with Downs and a major heart defect. After the child passed, Dale wrote a book called Angel Unaware. I think there’s something to that. Happy tears make a magnificent compliment. Thank you, my friend. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I didn’t know that bout Roy and Dale Rogers. Great story of love conquering over great obstacles.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you, Anthony. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful and inspiring story.
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Many thanks, Pensitivity. Glad you enjoyed and took the time to say so. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome Rochelle.
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Dear Rochelle,
I love when you troll the Internet for inspiration. Thank you so much for bringing this beautiful story to life in your inimitable way. Yay to those who allow, no, make that help, all people lay their foundations, no matter what it is they are building,
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I believe that parents of Downs kids have a special calling. I know a few and am in awe of them. The internet can be such a wonderful place. Would that Google existed when I was in school. 😉 Thank you for your sweet comment.
Shalom and hugs, my friend,
Rochelle
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They most definitely do…. you must have seen that video where moms and downs kids sign the song “A Thousand Miles”… So beautiful… (if not, check my FB page 😉)
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I did. Beautiful!
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A beautifully constructed miniature, Rochelle, from the hook of cradling the newborn, via the worry of difference, cheered by the determination of mother and daughter and through to the happy ending.
Shalom
Penny
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Dear Penny,
Your comments make me smile. Every child has potential, don’t they? 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this story, and the fact that it works sometimes. I’m not sure you read it but it became world news, a young man with the same type of defect was shot dead in Stockholm by the police. He had bigger challenges and could not speak, but had run away with a toy gun in the middle of the night. The police were called because someone saw a man with a gun, and the police had reports suggesting it could have been a violent man. So much sadness and questions afterwards… and so different from your story.
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Dear Björn,
Although I was unaware of that particular story, there are too many like it to count. 😦 I’m glad you liked my story, in any event. 🙂 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good for them!
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Yes it is.
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A real heart-warmer. thanks. Rochelle.
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Thank you, Paul. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s good to see that people with that kind of handicap are capable of living full healthy lives in many ways. To be able to keep a decades~old marriage together is quite an accomplishment.
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Dear Larry,
I think there are too many out there who never live up to their potential because no one thinks they can. And long term marriages? Hard for anyone but worth the effort. Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Down Syndrome must not be a kind of mental retardation, then, or intellectual impairment. Now I have no idea of what it is
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It usually comes with all kinds of health problems. Developmental problems are also a part of it. The severity of that is individual. No one size fits all. All they seem to know is that there’s an extra chromosome.
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Sounds like Down Syndrome. They can live rich and fulfilling lives, despite expectations. A wonderful story, Rochelle. This made me smile.
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Dear Eric,
And Downs Syndrome is what it is. That extra chromosome. 😉 Thank you. Glad you smiled.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A fine account, Rochelle, I wish them well.
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Dear Michael,
My characters in this story are works of fiction. Although they are based on real people 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You know how to tug on our heartstrings, and this one is especially moving. What a wonderful tale, and a just as beautiful inspirational video. Beautiful.
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Dear Gabi,
I’m so glad you enjoyed my story. Sometimes heartstrings just gotta be tugged. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You do it so well. Mot often leaves me with something in my eyes. 🙂
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Dear Divinity Smurf W(T)F,
It appears you went syrupy-sweet on this week’s installment. Next you’ll be writing for True Romance or one of those other magazines where boy meets girl and becomes her indentured servant for life.
Meanwhile, I’ll be serving syrup of ipecac on my site to help readers recover from swallowing a tense scene in my nail-biting crime drama.
Arrivederci,
Mick “Reverse Mortgage” Dagger
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Dear Mick “Reverse Mortgage” Dagger,
Today I’ve not answered spam calls from Chattanooga TN, Creve Couer MO, and Menomonee Falls WI. Not to mention I have 4 allegations against my name and if I don’t hire an attorney or return those calls in 24 hours I’ll be taken into custody.
Detective Lowry could use his time more wisely going after these chuckle-heads, rather than persecuting a poor little mime.
Now admit it. You felt a tug at your heartstrings. Every so often I just gotta serve up Quaker stories, ie pure mush. Thank you for passing through.
Shalom,
Divinity Smurf W(T)F
Wait a minute! Smurfs are blue!
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Maybe you could be the first (and only) purple smurf.
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Hard to comment on this one, its a bit too close to home for me. I hope for as good an outcome as this story portrays and wish the couple many long years of happiness.
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Dear Andrea,
I won’t ask, but will add my voice for hope. Calan is the name of my friend’s Downs grandson who’s only three. It’s my tribute and prayer for him. Of course my characters are fiction but the couple in the photo are real. Thank you for your comments.
Hugs and shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle sorry to be so evasive. I have a son with autism and hope for a bright future for him, too. Reading about the parent’s process of education and acceptance hit someplace that was still raw to me. So glad for your friend and her family.
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😘 hugs.
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Got me all choked up 🙂
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Dear Linda,
High compliment. 🙂 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Two stories in 100 words – I have tears in my eyes and goose bumps. How do you do it Rochelle?
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Dear Dahlia,
You are too kind.Your comment means more than I can say. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Everybody needs love. Glad you set this down.
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Dear Stu,
We all do need love. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Simply beautiful Rochelle
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Thank you, Keith. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for the prompt. A very uplifting tale, Rochelle. Here’s my entry
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Thank you for your kind words. Happy to have you as part of Friday Fictioneers. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Delighted to be a part of this amazing group of writers. Thank you, Rochelle.
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It is comforting to know there is someone for everyone, all you have to do … is catch their eye. Another strong story that give hope and makes eyes drip emotion. X
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Dear Ellen,
Your dripping eye is my compliment. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Every child is special.
Such an inspiring story.
The key is not to give up; rather accept all the challenges of life and enjoy.
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Dear Anita,
Exactly what my story is about. Thank you for understanding and commenting so kindly.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a lovely story 🙂
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Thank you, Ali. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely tender story.
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Thank you, Liz.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very heart-warming. Hannah’s perseverance with Kendra’s encouragement is inspiring! What a lovely story, Rochelle!
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Dear Brenda,
It’s amazing what some people can accomplish against all odds. The true stories these characters are based on certainly made me smile. Thank you for your generous comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
Awww …. Awww … Awww …. su cuento tiene tanto amor de todas partes.
Such a heartwarming tale of overcoming adversity. LOVED IT !!!
I worked at a school for DS children (4- 6) as an assistant teacher. They are
the most loving children. Their goals seemed to be ‘How can I make you happy?’
GREAT WRITE … mi amiga 😍
Abrazos y Shalom,
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
Gracias por las sonrisas y abrazos, mi amiga. I’m so glad you liked my little story. Tus palabras dulces me hace feliz. :D.
Shalom y cariño,
Rochelle
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☕️ 🍩 desayuno para fuerza esta mañana 😀
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Hahahahahahahaha!
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😄
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Awwe, that was so touching and inspirational.
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Thank you, Anurag. Very kind of you to say so. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An inspirational story. I don’t know much about DS but I have heard they are all inspirational people. Loved the happy ending, even more so that it’s true.
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Dear Fatima,
The characters in my story are definitely based on true stories. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You tell this extraordinary and inspiring story with such tenderness Rochelle. It is affirming to learn about people with such determination, and the faith of those people around them.
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Dear Francine,
There are those out there in all walks of life who exceed expectations. They do inspire us and prove there is a God. 😉 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sweet story. In my experience people living with DS have no problem giving and receiving love but don’t always have the happy outcome or support around them of this couple. Inspiring and humbling!
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Dear Miranda,
When I was growing up, our neighbors had a DS son…Earl. He was something of an enigma to me. But according to his sister he was a source of love and joy. DS people don’t always have the happy outcome, but that’s true of everyone, isn’t it? 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story!
So humbling and so real. As someone who works with differently-abled persons, I’m often in awe of how much they have to teach us. Thank you for sharing this story.
Here’s mine (also already deposited in froggy-de-link): http://naamayehuda.com/2018/08/10/green-machine/
🙂
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
“Differently-abled.” Love the term. I agree. We “normal” (a setting on a washing machine) can learn a lot from these special folks. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful. Such a positive uplifting tale succinctly and lovingly told.
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Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment, Sarah Ann.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A story of triumph and of love and best of all a true story. It’s beautiful.
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Thank you for stopping by and leaving such an affirming comment/compliment, BD. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story.
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Thank you, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Gorgeous story Rochelle
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Many thanks, Laurie. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Amazing story of extraordinary courage and determination. Liked how you combined two stories. Went through the links, also had to google and found it very rewarding.
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Dear Subroto,
From one Googler to another, thank you. I’m pleased you took the time to check out the links. Although my characters are fictitious they are based on some amazing people. You comments make me smile. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I loved this story. Very heartwarming and encouraging. Against all odds, Hannah embraced life with courage and determination.
Deborah
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Dear Deborah,
The Hannahs in this life do inspire. I believe they’ve been put here with a purpose. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story Rochelle. The only way to endure life’s difficulties is one brick at a time.
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Dear Susan,
Kudos to you for catching the meaning of my title. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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