This is a true story, and the events will appear in a chronological order.
In a very sunny afternoon, on the beautiful dunes of the Arabian Desert, a rose was born.
The whole village gathered around to contemplate her magnificent beauty, and day by day, they watched her grow”
She is of an outstanding charm, a beautiful heart and a wonderful person!
Chapter1
Saida was born on the 7th of February 1949, to an aristrocrat family. Her father may he rest in peace, was a decent businessman of Lebanese origins. He was a well spoken man and very liberal Muslim.
Saida, grew up with 13 brothers and sisters, nine of them were from the same mother “Lalla Fatima”(Lalla is a title for Ladies from noble families meaning lady in Moroccan)
The other four were her half brothers and sisters from her Dad’s ex-wife who died during labour.
Like any noble family, Saida was raised in an Islamic Culture and had the privilege of French Education.
Her father Sidi Bouazza( Sidi is a title for nobleman meaning Sir), insisted on having a French Nanny to raise his kids as his respectable wife, was illiterate and he wanted them to be among the top best educated aristocrats in town.
In the summer of 1951, a 40 year old French lady, called Madam Lacroix, moved from France to Morocco, where she was introduced to Sidi Bouazza, by one of his friends as a potential nanny for his children.
Madam Lacroix, was a Second World War widow of Moroccan Jewish origins- her husband was killed in one of those Bombings in the suburb of Paris-
During her Interview, Madame Lacroix,showed a lot of knowledge and
respect to the Islamic culture and managed to get herself the Job as a Nanny in the Household of the Naji Family.
In the evening of the same day, Sidi Bouazzza, went home to announce the news to his wonderfull wife “Lalla Fatima”.
So he ran through the stairs and went to the bedroom, where his wife was resting and yield:”Fatima, Fatima, my amber, I have found you a very nice nanny to help you raising the kids and stay with you during my business trips”
Fatima, was a bit puzzled but since he already mentioned that he was in a search of a good nanny to help her with the children, she gently asked him:
“Where is she from?” and “how long is her contract for?”
He sat next to her by the bed and looked straight on her eyes and said:” She is born in France, of Jewish-Moroccan origins. She is a widow and she knows too much about our culture and that’s what we need.
I have reserved the guest floor, for her, it will become her residence. About her contract, she will be given a very decent salary so she can look after you and the children properly. As for how long she is with us for? This is for you to decide upon. If you like her, then keep her otherwise, she will need to go.”
At those words, Lalla Fatima, sat-up and answered:” I welcome God’s visitors, Inshallah Khair(with god’swill, this will be a good thing)”
The day after, at 12pm, outside the house, stopped a small track and started unloading boxes, few minutes after that, Lalla Fatima, discretely looked from behind the curtain in her bedroom. It was Madame Lacroix
The doorman, open the door to her and asked her to wait for the Lady of the house who she will be meeting very soon.
Lady Fatima, quickly put a veil on her head and went downstairs to welcome Madame Lacroix, who looked so tired and exhausted by her trip.
So she called her eldest son, who spoke a certain amount of French to translate for her.
Madame Lacroix, tried kneeling down on her feet for Lalla Fatima , who quickly grabbed her from her hand and stopped her from doing so.
They immediately, exchanged a quick glance with each other and that sign of modesty has really impressed Madame Lacroix.
With the help of her son, Lalla Fatima, managed to offer her new guest a glass of Lemonade and a Brand new Silk Jellaba .(Moroccan Traditional dress).
Then she took her to her private floor where she will be living, in order to have some rest.
Madame Lacroix, soon became a member of the family, her duties were to teach,the kids and asssit Lalla Fatima during the day.
Saida, who was two years old, when her nanny came to live with them has managed to get so close to her. And with her little knowledge of words she started copying her mum by calling her “laziza” meaning “Dear one”.
Laziza was soon the knickname, given to Madame Lacroix by everyone in the family and the town.
Madame Lacroix spent so many hours with the kids teaching them, French, Maths, Geography, History, Music and Arts and on her free times, she went to the Souk (The Market) for Lalla Fatima who was not allowed to leave the house, as a Lady of Status. During this souk trips, Laziza did cloth shopping for Lalla Fatima and brought her the latest beauty products, so she can look after herself, etc.
Madame Lacroix’s, kindness and faithfulness has made Lalla Fatima gradually gain a lot of trust in her and confide to her with her most sensitive subjects.
Every Year, during the first five years, Lalla Fatima gave birth to a new born baby, which soon was looked after by Madam Lacroix as well as the other children
These two women developed a very strong friendship, especially that Lady Fatima was a traditional Muslim woman from a noble family, who has never been to school, whereas, Madame Lacroix, was a very modern Jewish Lady, who graduated from one of the most eminent universities in Paris those days as a History Teacher.
Lalla Fatima started gradually picking up some French words and at the same time, Laziza started learning Arabic so they can communicate with each other without the help of the eldest son sometimes.
They were times, when Lalla Fatima, was very ill and her husband was away for business, Laziza, took everything in charge with a lot of concerns and love.
It was a real testimony of how well these two women from two different parts of the world have managed to help each other and build strong friendship.
The whole village gathered around to contemplate her magnificent beauty, and day by day, they watched her grow”
She is of an outstanding charm, a beautiful heart and a wonderful person!
Chapter1
Saida was born on the 7th of February 1949, to an aristrocrat family. Her father may he rest in peace, was a decent businessman of Lebanese origins. He was a well spoken man and very liberal Muslim.
Saida, grew up with 13 brothers and sisters, nine of them were from the same mother “Lalla Fatima”(Lalla is a title for Ladies from noble families meaning lady in Moroccan)
The other four were her half brothers and sisters from her Dad’s ex-wife who died during labour.
Like any noble family, Saida was raised in an Islamic Culture and had the privilege of French Education.
Her father Sidi Bouazza( Sidi is a title for nobleman meaning Sir), insisted on having a French Nanny to raise his kids as his respectable wife, was illiterate and he wanted them to be among the top best educated aristocrats in town.
In the summer of 1951, a 40 year old French lady, called Madam Lacroix, moved from France to Morocco, where she was introduced to Sidi Bouazza, by one of his friends as a potential nanny for his children.
Madam Lacroix, was a Second World War widow of Moroccan Jewish origins- her husband was killed in one of those Bombings in the suburb of Paris-
During her Interview, Madame Lacroix,showed a lot of knowledge and
respect to the Islamic culture and managed to get herself the Job as a Nanny in the Household of the Naji Family.
In the evening of the same day, Sidi Bouazzza, went home to announce the news to his wonderfull wife “Lalla Fatima”.
So he ran through the stairs and went to the bedroom, where his wife was resting and yield:”Fatima, Fatima, my amber, I have found you a very nice nanny to help you raising the kids and stay with you during my business trips”
Fatima, was a bit puzzled but since he already mentioned that he was in a search of a good nanny to help her with the children, she gently asked him:
“Where is she from?” and “how long is her contract for?”
He sat next to her by the bed and looked straight on her eyes and said:” She is born in France, of Jewish-Moroccan origins. She is a widow and she knows too much about our culture and that’s what we need.
I have reserved the guest floor, for her, it will become her residence. About her contract, she will be given a very decent salary so she can look after you and the children properly. As for how long she is with us for? This is for you to decide upon. If you like her, then keep her otherwise, she will need to go.”
At those words, Lalla Fatima, sat-up and answered:” I welcome God’s visitors, Inshallah Khair(with god’swill, this will be a good thing)”
The day after, at 12pm, outside the house, stopped a small track and started unloading boxes, few minutes after that, Lalla Fatima, discretely looked from behind the curtain in her bedroom. It was Madame Lacroix
The doorman, open the door to her and asked her to wait for the Lady of the house who she will be meeting very soon.
Lady Fatima, quickly put a veil on her head and went downstairs to welcome Madame Lacroix, who looked so tired and exhausted by her trip.
So she called her eldest son, who spoke a certain amount of French to translate for her.
Madame Lacroix, tried kneeling down on her feet for Lalla Fatima , who quickly grabbed her from her hand and stopped her from doing so.
They immediately, exchanged a quick glance with each other and that sign of modesty has really impressed Madame Lacroix.
With the help of her son, Lalla Fatima, managed to offer her new guest a glass of Lemonade and a Brand new Silk Jellaba .(Moroccan Traditional dress).
Then she took her to her private floor where she will be living, in order to have some rest.
Madame Lacroix, soon became a member of the family, her duties were to teach,the kids and asssit Lalla Fatima during the day.
Saida, who was two years old, when her nanny came to live with them has managed to get so close to her. And with her little knowledge of words she started copying her mum by calling her “laziza” meaning “Dear one”.
Laziza was soon the knickname, given to Madame Lacroix by everyone in the family and the town.
Madame Lacroix spent so many hours with the kids teaching them, French, Maths, Geography, History, Music and Arts and on her free times, she went to the Souk (The Market) for Lalla Fatima who was not allowed to leave the house, as a Lady of Status. During this souk trips, Laziza did cloth shopping for Lalla Fatima and brought her the latest beauty products, so she can look after herself, etc.
Madame Lacroix’s, kindness and faithfulness has made Lalla Fatima gradually gain a lot of trust in her and confide to her with her most sensitive subjects.
Every Year, during the first five years, Lalla Fatima gave birth to a new born baby, which soon was looked after by Madam Lacroix as well as the other children
These two women developed a very strong friendship, especially that Lady Fatima was a traditional Muslim woman from a noble family, who has never been to school, whereas, Madame Lacroix, was a very modern Jewish Lady, who graduated from one of the most eminent universities in Paris those days as a History Teacher.
Lalla Fatima started gradually picking up some French words and at the same time, Laziza started learning Arabic so they can communicate with each other without the help of the eldest son sometimes.
They were times, when Lalla Fatima, was very ill and her husband was away for business, Laziza, took everything in charge with a lot of concerns and love.
It was a real testimony of how well these two women from two different parts of the world have managed to help each other and build strong friendship.
Chapter 2: The start of a Journey
Years after years, Saida blossomed and looked like a real princess; she was so fair, with beautiful hazel eyes and light brown hair.
She was so successful in her studies and at the age of 17, she obtained her baccalaureate in Accountancy and decided to go to France to Study.
More to come……
Years after years, Saida blossomed and looked like a real princess; she was so fair, with beautiful hazel eyes and light brown hair.
She was so successful in her studies and at the age of 17, she obtained her baccalaureate in Accountancy and decided to go to France to Study.
More to come……
November, 30, 2008 3:54 PM