Written interview with Mrs. Shidan Toloui-Wallace in December 2006

Please tell me your name, your birth date, or your approximate age if you wish, and where you currently live?

My name is Shidan Toloui-Wallace, my birthday is 17th Sept 1957, I am 49 years old and live in Brisbane Australia.

Describe your relationship with Shidrukh?

Shidrukh was my cousin. My mother Mrs Zoghieh Missaghian (Toloui) is the sister of Rohollah khan Amirkia the father of Shidrukh.

Tell me about Shidrukh?

Shidrukh was the oldest of the 1st grand children of Davood and Ghamar Missaghian and I was the 19th. So I always felt a special connection with her. She was amazingly hospitable and giving. She was to me a symbol of love, detachment, nobility.

What did Shidrukh look like?

She had the most beautiful smile. Manousheed very much reminds me of her Mom. Her dignity, and presence is just like her mom.

What were Shidrukh’s hopes and dreams for the future?

She was always happy and wanted to be the cause of happiness for everyone around her.

Do you ever dream about Shidrukh?

I never have in my sleep but often think of her and beg her to give me the strength and the love or the steadfastness I need in different times of my life. So in many ways I feel very much close to her at all times. I have dedicated many of my Bahá'í services to her and asked to assist me and felt I was assisted.

How do you think Shidrukh would want to be remembered?

I do not think she would want us to sad by her martyrdom, I actually feel her soul would sore even higher if we try and celebrate her life and use her life experience to further the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh.

If you could talk to Shidrukh right now, what would you want to say?

That I loved and respected her greatly and ask her guide me in my services to the Faith.

How did you learn about Shidrukh’s martyrdom?

It was late at night when my mother picked up the phone. It was a call from my uncle Masood Missaghian from Germany and all he said while crying and sobbing was: “They killed Shidrokh” and my mother was beside herself with emotions.

Do you have any traditions to honor Shidrukh or keep her memory alive?

I have dedicated my continuous services in the Field of Bahá'í Education to her and that is a big part of my life.

What is the image of Shidrukh that persists?

Her smiling face.

Can you recall your last interaction with Shidrukh?

Vaguely, she was visiting us in Vancouver when she came to her daughter’s wedding.

What do you miss most about Shidrukh?

Her warmth, her angelic presence.

Did Shidrukh have any special talents?

She played the piano and sang beautifully. My mother would have a tape of her voice.

Did Shidrukh overcome any obstacles in life?

She was amazingly a unifying character.

Tell me about Shidrukh’s activities in serving the Faith?

I was about 15 when I left Iran and that a while ago. I know she always hosted large meeting at her home with great love and hospitality.

What do you wonder about Shidrukh?

What would she be doing and where would she be if she was living and was able to serve the Faith. Knowing that she is not makes me want to do things in her name.

What don't you know that only Shidrukh could tell you?

How to be forging and patient in times of conflict with the people around me as I feel she was the master of those qualities.

Is there anything we didn't talk about that you would like to add about Shidrukh?

Not too long after her martyrdom I was asked to give a short talk at her memorial in Vancouver BC, Canada and preparing that talk was very emotional and inspirational experience. I will try to scan a few things and send them to you.