Thursday, January 27, 2011

Sobering truth

I've had it on my calendar for weeks. Tonight a local book store hosted Alter Wiener, Holocaust survivor and author of From A Name to A Number: A Holocaust Survivor's Autobiography. I knew going in it would be powerful and moving; it was a good thing I was somewhat mentally and emotionally prepared. There aren't words enough to describe the impact of seeing him in person, of hearing him relate a fraction of his experiences. But more than that, the reality of who he is now - scarred, yes; but also funny, compassionate, seeing not just the evil but also the good in people of all stripes - made the evening memorable.

The opportunities to hear this history first-hand are diminishing daily. I am so thankful Brian and I had the chance to take advantage of one. Let us never forget....

12 comments:

Sharon said...

Brian may not "get" it now but he will in time to come. That was an important evening for you all. All too soon those voices will be no more.

Michelle said...

Thanks for the affirmation, Sharon. My beliefs, exactly.

Joan said...

Wow, Michelle, what an opportunity. My heart breaks for those who had to suffer through the holocaust... What a tragic time in history that I hope we never forget -- especially so history doesn't repeat itself.

Alettesiriane said...

This is hard ,so hard. Our barn was used when torture was to be done in our district.My grandmother said there was always a sweet smell when they came.We wonder if they doped themselves to be able to do what they did.The boys ran in hiding .The women remained . Family hurts for generations.
The holocaust .War. I hope it never happens again , and that we react when it is a bit farther away.

Leigh said...

About 12 years ago (hard to believe it's been that long!!!) our homeschool group saved up and took a trip to Washington DC. We were some who visited the Holocaust Museum. Talk about powerful! I would have loved to have had some human faces to put on that experience, like this one.

Shula said...

Sounds like a powerful event. When my children are both old enough I will sit them down and make them watch Schindlers list, a must see just for education purposes. I think it's important to listen and watch these stories in the hope that through education, nothing like that could ever happen again.

Kelly said...

What a great opportunity for all of you. I'm going to look for his book right away. Thank you for sharing.
The horrors of that period in our history is beyond what I can comprehend.
What is the old saying, "All it takes for bad people to rule is for good people to do nothing".
Kind of reminds me of a little something else that's happening. Just sayin'
Kelly

Michelle said...

Yes, Kelly, the parallels have occurred to me as well.

Tiggeriffic said...

I called my library to see if they have this book.. they are going to call me back.. I am going to look for it on Amazon and just buy it because I have a selection of books that I have and hopefully someone when I'm gone will read them. This was a very sad memory in our history and hopefully it will never be forgotten. Glad you went to see Alter and learn first hand about the holocaust.
Have a tiggeriffic day~! ta ta for now from Iowa.

Michelle said...

Tiggeriffic, the title of my book in the post is a hot-link to Amazon; they do have it. I got my signed copy last night at the book store that hosted Mr. Wiener. I'm going to make a note in it of the date and place for posterity....

Dianne@sheepdreams said...

Years ago I had the opportunity to visit the site where Anne Frank's family was in hiding in Amsterdam. It was a powerful experience for me....such a sad chapter in the history of humankind.

Kathy said...

It will sink in for Brian, Michelle. We have a few Holocaust survivors living in our area. Scarred they may be, but I always remember that scars are tougher than what's around them.
I'm glad you exposed Brian to this side of life, and those who overcame the worst in mankind.