*Note: The frog is no longer just blue. 😉 Click on the caption under the Santa frog. Glad you can join us!
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 © Fleur Lind
I admit, my story’s connection to the prompt is tenuous at best. But it’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Genre: Pure Non-Fiction
Word Count: 100
YES VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS
The minister summed it up as she delivered his eulogy with, “This sucks.”
I couldn’t agree more. Santa Claus isn’t supposed to die.
That’s who my friend and high school classmate was to the hundreds of children he enthralled with his mellifluous, “Ho! Ho! Ho!”
Two years ago in a cheerful conversation, he told me he’d been diagnosed with cancer, but he and his doctor were optimistic. Remission was almost a certainty.
Then a couple of months ago, I received that dreaded phone call from him. “I’m calling a few people…”
“Farewell, John. You made me believe in Santa Claus.”
Taken four years ago. He was coming from one of his housecalls.
John was Santa all year round.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Yes Rochelle, as children we need to believe in everything that gives us hope to show this is a wonderful world.
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Dear James,
That was definitely the guiding force in John’s life.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tribute, Rochelle
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Thank you, Neil.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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To do good in this world, that is the mark of a lovely individual.
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Dear Anonymous,
That was John. Thank you for reading and commenting
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a wonderful and touching story, Rochelle.
The world needs more people like John.
Beautifully told.
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
He leaves a big hole in the universe. This one has hit me hard. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My condolences, Rochelle. 🙏🏼
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I am sorry your Santa passed away – he sounds like a good man. I know someone who is Santa and it does become a way of life. At least John touched many people. Nice tribute.
Side note – not 100% sure if I am 100% back – just been silly busy this year.
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Dear Trent,
John was one of the best. Bigger than life with heart the same size. He’s been a friend since our high school days in drama class. Thank you for reading and commenting. And, of course, I hope you’re 100% back.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Tenuous, maybe, but I so get wanting to honour your friend. It was done in a lovely way.
Shalom and lotsa hugs and love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Aw, you’re so sweet to say so. This week the photo really wouldn’t have mattered. (I figure toys on the cabinet…yeah, Santa brought them…that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😉 ) Thanks for the support and encouraging words.
Shalom and lotsa hugs and love back atcha,
Rochelle
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I know what you mean and, as far as I’m concerned, that is reason enough!
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😘❤️💜
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🧡💞💜
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Tenuous? Non-existant! But yur story about your friend is touching – I have a similar friend who is Santa to a lot of children in Tenerife orphanages.
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Dear Lizy,
I’m not sure I agree with non-existent. There are the cute little toys that Santa might’ve brought. No matter. 😉 Thank you re my story. John was someone special.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You left me wishing I’d known him. Tribute indeed. Sorry for your loss.
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Dear Sandra,
He was a person worth knowing. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A great tribute to Santa John. Truly one of the REAL nicest guys ever. He will remain in the memories of uncounted children and adults as well. Our visits were always a pleasure. Sometimes a “nonfiction” story is needed.
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Dear Jan,
John was better than fiction, wasn’t he? Can’t improve on what God created. But I don’t need to tell you that. We did have some great (albeit too few) visits with them, didn’t we?
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Sorry to hear your sad news Rochelle.
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Thank you, Iain.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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::reaching for Kleenex:: while watching that video. Rest in Peace, Dear Santa.
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Dear Lisa,
Yeah. I shed a few tears in the writing and the watching of that video. That was John. Nothing phony about him. thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you’re welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend! May he live forever in the memories of those who loved him and he’d inspired. xoxo Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
John went above and beyond the fat man in the red suit. To him, giving and caring was a lifestyle. His service to G-d. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad he was. For people like him change lives in many simple and not so simple ways.
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That news segment was beyond beautiful, My condolences, Rochelle. May John’s memory be for a blessing. (I know his life was)
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Dear Michael,
I appreciate your kind and encouraging words. I’ve watched that clip a time or two, wishing he could be brought back. He was a great man and a good friend who supported my art and writing. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful tribute to a long time friend. Who cares if it fits the photo prompt? Sending hugs.
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Dear Lish,
Again, thank you for reaching out to me through snail mail. It meant a lot. Thank you for the hugs and encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How sad yet a wonderful tribute to him.
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Thank you, Connie. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So sorry for your loss, Rochelle, it sounds like your friend embodied all the magic of Santa all year round.
This is a beautiful tribute.
Jen
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Dear Jen,
Yep. John was Santa all year round. He took his role seriously and adored children. He leaves a huge vacancy here on earth. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a remarkable, delightful man! Thanks for sharing his story with us, and many condolences to you on his loss.
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Ach! This is Granonine, not anonymous! I keep forgetting I have to log in!
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Dear Linda,
He had such a heart for people. He loved his Lord with all of that huge heart of his. I was privileged to call him friend. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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http://IMG_4666.JPG/
Querida Rochelle,
It looks like your friend, John, went to the same kindness school my friend, Linda, did. She was Mrs. Claus to so many. Dressed the part while reading Christmas stories at the libraries or schools. She even wrote a book about Christmas that her sister illustrated. I lost her the end of January. It was a 32 year friendship I will miss.
I know how you feel about your friend. Sending healing hugs. May he and Linda have fun making people smile wherever they may be.
Muy buen cuento, pero triste … Abrazos y Carino,
Izzy 😎 🙏🏻 ❤️
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Querida Izzy,
Si. Muy triste. Hugs to you on your loss.
John was a special man and a dear friend. We didn’t connect as often as I would’ve liked but when we did it was as if no time had passed. He was supportive of my writing, inviting me to be guest author for his book club more than once.
Gracias, Shalom y abrazos mi amiga,
Rochelle
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a life well-lived. may he rest in peace.
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Amen. Thank you, Plaridel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a lovely tribute to your friend. He sounds like an amazing, special person. The video is so good. I can see in his face and eyes, and the way he speaks, that he was love and kindness personified.
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Dear Margaret,
I’m so glad he came across so well in the clip. He was all that and more. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It sounds like he was a man who brought light into countless lives! Your writing is a beautiful remembrance and inspiration. -Angela
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Dear Angela,
John was definitely a man who brought light to people of all ages. He was a wonderful man and a good friend. Thank you re my writing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tribute to a very special person. No wonder you believe in Santa Claus.
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Dear Keith,
John could’ve made the strongest skeptic believe in Santa. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend. I’m so sorry you lost him far too early. This week I had no problem to see a connection. That car is red and white, is it not? Just like Santa…
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Dear Gabi,
I hadn’t noticed the car being red and white. But, hey, I’ll take it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m sorry for your loss.
I’ve had a similar Santa scenario, except he was more of a father figure type. I wrote a similar story about him. https://medium.com/read-or-die/my-faith-is-dead-long-live-my-faith-90a3b7e2536c?source=friends_link&sk=6478fc927f9ad75e5c5d52d10ea26387
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Dear Nobbin,
And I am sorry for your loss as well. Jerry sounds like quite a mensch (a person, but so much more, in Yiddish) Love the picture of him with the fur babies.
John was a father figure to so many, including his own children and grandchildren.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is such a lovely tribute, Rochelle. John sounds like an amazing person. Thank you for sharing the video. It’s wonderful to have something like Santa to believe in as a child. It keeps innocence and sweetness alive.
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Dear Smitha,
John’s love and devotion to children of all ages was something to believe in. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
John led a good life, and you kept his memory alive through this post, as only a good friend does. 💛
Shalom,
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Sad truths, Rochelle.
I have had such calls. Reality often does suck, even for Santa.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
For a couple of weeks, John and I played phone tag. The last time I called and he told me they were just leaving the hospital. He’d get back with me as he was calling around to a few specific people. That was our final chat. I wish it had been more. I wish it hadn’t happened. I wish he were still ere.
The longer we live the more of those calls we get, don’t we? He was the second classmate I lost in a week’s time. And two more friends passed the same week.
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Exactly, Rochelle.
We want to live a very long time, but we forget that everyone else must also.
I have had “goodbye” calls followed by calls notifying me of the loss. My high school class seems to lose one or more per month.
Indeed, the privilege of old age is denied many. But …
Peace,
Bill
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Your story is a beautiful tribute but that video clip made me cry. What a loss! My condolences.
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Dear Dawn,
That clip makes me cry, too. John leaves a huge vacancy that has nothing to do with girth. 😉 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So sad. It happens all too often. I suggest you don’t read my offering this week.
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Dear Patrick,
I came away from your story unscathed. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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OMG he WAS Santa Clause. What a big heart and what a terrible loss. I’m so sorry. He sounds so very special ❤
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Dear Laurie,
It is a terrible loss. He was very special. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tribute. We all need to believe in a bit of magic. It’s good for the soul 🙂
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Dear Fleur,
John was magic in and of himself. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful heartfelt story Richelle! I loved it! ❤
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Dear Carol Anne,
I still feel his loss keenly. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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