Lament
I can hear you talking about me. You’re disgusted by what you think I did to my sons. You see me as a neglectful, cold-hearted mother. Even my boys are convinced I don’t love them. They don’t get it. Never mind. Their opinions don’t matter. Frankly, neither do yours.
No one should judge me. Except for a few friends, I had nobody. My mother loved herself alone; my father was only happy if he was the center of attention. Husbands? Fiancé? They either didn’t or couldn’t provide what I needed. I don’t even want to talk about my brother!
As far as my people, the Jews, went, if they knew everything that I did and thought during World War 2, they’d be appalled. I know.
But hear this! Before you judge me, realize that you don’t know why I did what I did. You don’t know me. You don’t know what happened. You don’t know the whole story. Nobody does. You see, the truth was different. Read my story; see for yourself.
Henri Hartog Wallig and Aleida Christina Benninck, Rita’s parents.
Rita Wallig and her brother, Hans Wallig
Rita Evenblij on the right. Frits, her eldest son, is next to her. Esther Wallig, her sister-in-law, and two of Esther and Hans’s children are on the left.
By I. Caroline Crocker
The Truth was Different
One Woman’s Journey Through World War 2
To be published in November, 2026
Moeder
The most common reaction of those who read Unforgivable is “I couldn’t put it down.” Then, in a tone of disgust, comes, “What was up with that mother (Rita)?” The Truth was Different is the answer to that question.
Her Story
Every person on this planet has to live with themselves. And, most likely, the vast majority of people believe that they are rational and their actions justified. Rita was no different. She didn’t believe that she was a cold-hearted, spiteful woman. How do I know? She wrote five now-out-of-print books in which she detailed and explained some of her actions. The rest of her true story was pieced together through interviews with her survivors and relatives, along with extensive historical research. That goal was accomplished early in 2026.
Wait for it!
In a book to be published by the end of 2026, Rita will speak for herself, not omitting any of the painful or embarrassing details. The powerful story of heartbreak, impossible choices, and bombshell revelations will be unforgettable and will provide food for thought for years to come.
Note: The photos below are of real people but were enhanced by members of the Facebook group Photoshop Request NL.
Meta Bisschop, Rita’s daughter-in-law, is in the front. From the left at the back are Cor Bisschop, Rita, Corrie, Guusje, and Jacobus Ouwerkerk. Cor and Guusje are Meta’s parents, and Corrie is her sister. Meta is married to Frits, Rita’s eldest son. Jacobus is Rita’s second husband.
Hans Wallig with his children, Meriam and Edith. Rita Evenblij with her children, Frits and Jan.
Rita and Jacobus Ouwerkerk
Award-Winning Author
Caroline Crocker
Caroline’s story is that she has worked as a biology professor, the chief executive officer (CEO) of a startup company, the president of a nonprofit, a private tutor, a technical writer, a research scientist, a consultant, and a communications expert.
Caroline maintains a blog, Rambling Ruminations, and is the author or coauthor of 15 books, including the related five-star and award-winning WWII series books, Brave Face: The Inspiring WWII Memoir of a Dutch/German Child, and Unforgivable: Through a Child’s Eyes.
Caroline is married to Richard and has four grown children and eight grandchildren.
But what is most important here is that Caroline is Rita’s granddaughter.
See where Caroline is appearing by clicking here!
Schedule an Event
caroline(at)ramblingruminations.com
Contact Author
caroline(at)ramblingruminations.com