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 © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
So begins my annual Sibling Revelry vacation . 😉 You can click on the link to see what it’s like. The pictures I take this year will be pretty much the same as last year, beach, sister-in-law, brother and fur babies.
With the Summer Olympics in the forefront, I went with a story about an Olympian I’d never heard for before. A swimmer, of course.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
“Lay down. You are sick,” said Dad.
“But I’m not—”
“Do as I say!”
When they came for her, Dad told the Pro-Nazi Arrow Crossman, “She is the swimming champion of Hungary, and one day you will be happy you saved her life.”
“She’s a Jew.” The officer’s eyes flashed—one brown, one gray. Yet, he let her live.
In 1950 Eva Szekely won a gold medal for the 100m freestyle on Margaret Island in Budapest. A special prize was presented by the major of the communist political police. He smiled at her, eyes shining—one brown, one gray.
********************
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Wow, what a story!
I’ve said it before but I come away being a little bit better, knowing a little bit more, every time I read your work.
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Dear Mr. B,
It seemed the perfect story for this week, as I’m watching the Katie Ledecky take gold for freestyle. 😀 Your comment leaves me smiling. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That officer clearly had a talent too
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Dear Neil,
If not talent, he seemingly had compassion and foresight.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another incredible story from you, Rochelle; incredible in the sense that it is so informative and well-written yet incredible in the saddest sense knowing that so many stories like this need to be told at all. Peace.
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
There are so many many stories that need to be told. I’m always happy to share them as I find them. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Shalom, Rochelle
🕊️
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Another knock-out punch from your story, Rochelle. That officer clearly knew how to rise through the ranks and keep his nose clean. Eva sounds like an incredible woman, thank goodness for her father’s courage too.
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Dear Jen,
I’d love to have know what was going through that officer’s minnd as he handed her her prize. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Me too!
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Another amazing, true story from the annals of history.
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Dear Lisa,
You know me, when I find them, I must share them. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I can’t think of a better way to learn history. You’re very welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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I love what you did here.
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Thank you, Dawn
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another great history story that you have such a talent at finding and sharing. You never cease to amaze me. Thanks for the link for more background.
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Dear Jan,
It comes with learning how and what to Google. 😉 Thanks m’luv.
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Dear Rochelle,
You truly are an expert at bringing historical figures to life in a wonderful way. We learn weekly!
Shalom and lots beautifully shared love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Expert? Aw shucks you make me blush. I do love me some history and Google. 😉 Thank you, my friend.
Shalom and lotsa historical hugs,
Rochelle
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Oh yes. Expert. You teach in a most agreeable way.
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😘
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I read the story that inspired your own. Loved it. Such triumph, and the irony is complete.
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Dear LInda,
Yeah the irony really struck me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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given the circumstances, she was lucky to have survived and won a gold medal in the olympics.
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Dear Plaridel,
She was incredibly lucky. It took courage to beat the odds. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such an inspiring story. Beautifully told, as usual. Congrats on the great reviews too.
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Dear Margaret,
Thank you for your kind words re my story and the reviews. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a great story. Love these tales which are taken from real life incidents. Inspiring indeed.
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Many thanks whoever you are.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lots of information and history this week to unpack.
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Dear James,
And I fear at this point is that what we’ve learned from history is that we’ve learned nothing from history. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh gosh that is so creepy the way he stared at the end. You always capture the emotions is such short pieces so beautifully
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Dear Laurie,
I’m sure there were a lot of emotions for her when she saw those eyes. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a timely story for this week!
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Thank you, Anne. 😀
Shalom,
Rocnelle
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great story, Rochelle 🙂
And so like the sketch also shiver – Ladyleemanila (wordpress.com)
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Thank you , Lady L.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One brown, one grey – that says a lot about him. Another interesting and informative tale, Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
Those eyes would be hard to forget. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hello Rochelle, this is an amazing story , often true stories are the best this one is perfect for today. 💜💜
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Dear Willow,
They say truth is stranger than fiction, don’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Never a truer word 💜💜
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Wow, Rochelle. A powerful, moving story! What a good job!
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Thank you so much, Rosemary.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So typical that the Nazi is now mayor under communism. These guys found their way into power everywhere. Another honoring of an almost forgotten strong woman, bravo Rochelle. And then I remembered the Szekely goulash my Oma used to make (they came from then austro-hungarian croatia), but found that it refers to an interesting photographer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sz%C3%A9kelyk%C3%A1poszta – I need to cook this sometimes soon.
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Dear Gabi,
Thank you for a great comment and an interesting recipe.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This made me shiver! Wow. This story is incredible. I’m so glad he showed some compassion and she showed the world what she was made of. Thanks for another wonderful story, Rochelle!
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This is Angela Adams.
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Dear Angela,
Thank you for identifying yourself. And thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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what a great story, thanks for the link. I always learn something with Friday Fictioneers. I hope youre havin a delightful vacation.
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Dear Michele,
I’m glad you liked my story and took the time to check out the background story. It’s being an interesting vacation. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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