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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.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
THE MEASURE OF A LIFE
“The space was no bigger than a closet,” said Hannah. “Only room for six of us to hide at once.”
“Were you scared, Bubbie?” asked eleven-year-old Corrie.
“Oy! So scared! I had claustrophobia. But as much as small spaces scared me, the Gestapo scared me more.”
“Did you have to stay there for hours at a time?”
“Only when the family had—visitors. Other times we children were free to play and sing. We even celebrated Hanukkah with potato latkes and presents. The Ten-Booms, such wonderful people.”
“I’m named after Corrie Ten-Boom, aren’t I?”
“Ja. May her memory be blessed.”
To learn about this very special lady and her family CLICK HERE



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This past week I’ve finally gotten around to opening an Etsy shop to market my note cards. Please CLICK HERE to come by and browse. There are many more entries to upload before it the shop’s “complete.” 😉





A beautiful story Rochelle.
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Thank you so much, Sadje.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re most welcome my friend
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I hadn’t heard of her. Anne Frank was not the only one, then
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Dear Neil,
Anne Frank most definitely wasn’t the only one. Nor was she the only one who kept a diary. There were many. In fact, Anne’s sister Margot kept a diary, but for whatever reason, Anne’s was the only one that survived.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, and the link hasn’t opened yet.
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It’s open now. Sorry. 😦
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A fine introduction to a Dutch family that I had not heard about… The Etsy link did not find your page
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Dear Michael,
At Yad V’shem in Israel there’s a Walk of the Righteous Gentiles where trees have been planted in their honor. When Corrie passed away in 1983, her tree died. So they planted another. Hers is the smallest on the walk.
Thank you for the head’s up on the Etsy link. I’ve fixed it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So many memories associated.
Interesting image and story.
Rochelle, please open the link to post.
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Dear Anita,
There are many stories. Corrie and her family managed to save 800 people before being sent to the camps themselves.
The link is now open. My apologies.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A fine story, beautifully told. Love your voice in every respect of the meaning!
You may have heard we have had a funeral here in the UK. I am no monarchist but I do need to look up the story of the mother of the late Queen’s husband, Princess Alice of Battenberg (it’s a day for strange names!) and her work to save Jewish children.
Congratulations on your shop too!
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Dear Miranda,
Our flags have been flying at half-staff for HRH. The end of an era that’s felt around the globe. I always wonder who’s listening to my reading. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My Dutch neighbour’s dad told a similar story, only he was hiding in a cellar and for the rest of his life he couldn’t stand the sound of boots on floorboards. In his case, the enemy was rounding up fighting-age (teenage) males. Terrifying times for many.
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Dear Tanille,
No one was truly safe under Hitler. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Quite a remarkable lady with a remarkable story. Karma or divine intervention or whatever, quite the timely clerical error in her favor to release her from the concentration camp at exactly the right time. Great little story.
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Dear Trent,
I personally prefer Divine intervention. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What a wonderful family the Ten-Booms were. Just recently, I watched “The Hiding Place”. Such courage and goodness in the face of evil. They were truly a God send for those who survived because of them. It would be a honor to be named after Corrie, a courageous woman of faith. This was a wonderful tribute to her and her family.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
I was so impressed with Corrie and her family. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I looked up Ten-Boom family. May God bless their souls!
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Amen to that, Reena. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A delightful tribute to a wonderful person. Thanks so much fo rmaking me aware of her Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
It’s my pleasure, sir. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Corrie Ten Boom is a favorite of mine. I think I’ve read everything written by her; a lot about her written by others. What a joyful, strong, humble woman!
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Dear Linda,
What amazes me is how Corrie spoke of what a strong Christian Betsie was, much stronger than she. Corrie exuded love and joy, didn’t she? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another hero I’d never heard of. Thanks for introducing us, Rochelle.
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Dear Jen,
Always a pleasure to share. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A bittersweet but life-affirming story, Rochelle.
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Dear Lisa,
The Ten Booms were amazingly giving to the point of sacrificing themselves. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are most welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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The sort of individual story that keeps a sense of hope alive for the human race, amongst all the bloodshed.
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Dear Iain,
So glad there are people like that in the world. Sadly, not enough of them. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I listened to this one Rochelle, beautiful stuff, people are just wonderful aren’t they?
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Dear Shrawley,
Some people are just wonderful. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone valued others like that? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another inspiring tale of those who were willing to quietly, and at great personal risk, buck the political dogma and follow their own consciences. Well done, and on your Etsy venture.
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Dear Sandra,
I’m still inputting on Etsy and imagine I’ll be doing it a few at a time for weeks yet to come.
It’s nice to know there are still good people in the world. Wish there were more of them. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the story of the Ten Booms! Great idea 💡
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Dear Starsinclayjars,
The story of the Ten Booms has always been a favorite of mine. What faith and courage they had! Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS So sorry that your comments went to my trash folder. I’m not sure why some comments go there, but I do check it every day for that reason.
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I’ve had far too many nightmares of past hours spent hidden. There’s more to fear than just the Gestapo, eh. Anyway, wonderful story. I need to get something written and posted and back home soon.
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Dear Anonymous, (Bear, I think),
Sadly there is much to fear and that fear is on the rise. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Historical fiction with an emphasis on “history.” It is impossible for me to imagine being in such places at such times. The hate, the fear, the suffering, the inhumanity of what humans are capable of.
Well done, M’lady. Good luck with all you do. I’ll keep a lane open for you.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
I wish we could all learn to appreciate our differences and celebrate our similarities. And I’d say to myself ‘what a wonderful world.’ (sigh) If only people would remember history instead of denying it. Wash, rinse…please don’t repeat.
I’m chomping at the bit to get back in my lane tomorrow. With all the recent activity I’ve missed an entire week of swims. Thanks for the lane.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle.
The many sides of humanity. I took the day off from exercise for family. A good trade.
Peace,
Bill
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so many stories told and written. still, there are those folks who deny the holocaust happened. where’s the world going?
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Dear Plaridel,
Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it I’m told. I fear that’s where the world is headed. I for sure don’t understand the deniers. They probably think the world is flat, too. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story I hadn’t heard of this lady before thank you
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Dear Angela,
I’m so happy to introduce you to Corrie. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very lovely and for me, an unheard of tale.
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Dear Neel,
I’m so happy to indroduce you to an encouraging piece of history. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
As you do so well, you have brought these beautiful people to life. I might have to get that book!
Congrats on the Etsy shop! Woot!
Shalom and lotsa friendly love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
You know me and history. 😉
As for the Etsy shop, I’ll be inputting for a while. (More input, Stephanie).
Thank you
Shalom and lotsa uniting hugs,
Rochelle
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Yes, I do. And you do it so well.
I don’t doubt that!!
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It’s amazing how that war, and probably all wars, brought out the horrific depths and heroic heights of which humanity is capable. Thank you, Rochelle, for shining your spotlight on another well-deserving subject.
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Dear Nobbin,
So great to see you here this week. I’ve felt your absence. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A moving story as always. Indeed, “may her memory be blessed.” The actions of the Ten Boom family were heroic. They gave so much even their lives. I’ve read the Hiding Place several times. Thank you so much for bringing it to light so others can read it too, Rochelle. Have a nice weekend!
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Dear Brenda,
I loved The Hiding Place, too. The movie did it justice as well. In fact, Corrie herself was invited to the set. Her story needs to be told and retold IMHO. 😉 thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hello from Vietnam, Rochelle. That’s one reason I’m so late reading this week. Great story. I loved the Hiding Place, as hard as parts of it were to read. They were incredibly brave though, it’s amazing. Have a great week!
-David
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Dear David,
I’ve read The Hiding Place as well. The Ten Booms were faith and courage personified, weren’t they?
Enjoy Viet Nam. Enjoy some pho and think of me. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow.
This was an amazing read. What a story.
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Thank you so much, Laurie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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