So it's 12:30 and I figure I'm an hour or two from finishing up the second draft of my historical novel. I've reviewed everything except the very ending, which I know still needs some work. Mostly, I feel good that I'm this far into the process... but you know, I think I'm going to be a little sad, too, when this draft of the book is done. Of all the books I've worked on, this one comes closest to my heart. That's because it's based on my mum's childhood experiences in a Nazi concentration camp. Until last year, she never told anyone the details about her life in the camp. Of course, as you can imagine, I owe a huge debt to my mum -- not only for sharing her story, but also for allowing me the freedom to make it my own.
My mum is a very special person. She's feisty and she's funny. Most of all, she is very courageous. Even after living through terrible times, she found the courage to rebuild her life -- and to laugh again. So Mum, even though I know you don't read blogs, today I send a special hug and big big kiss your way today.
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There are a lot of Holocaust survivors, who unfortunatly, do not share their stories. I know both my grandparents stories as well as great aunts and uncles who survived as well. I also went on a trip called March of the Living and was fortunate to hear other survivor's testimonies as well. The reason it is so important to hear the stories of loved ones is because it is up to our generations (ms. polak's and mine alike) to pass on these stories and testimonies. It is part of our history and part of our heritage. And to any one who is reading this blog, there will be a play about children in the ghetto put on at ther at the Segal Center for the performing arts at the end of March- and I am in it!
p.s. i send ms. polak's mom a hug to for sharing her story! =)
It must be special to tell your mother's story, with a few changes to make it your own, but overall it's wonderful to have these Holocaust stories written and shared with others. As Tamar says, it is up to all current generations to pass on their stories and those of their family, to keep memories alive and, hopefully, to show that people who went through such difficult times still managed to learn to live (happily) again, just like your mother. Not all stories feature a happy ending, but those which do are heartwarming, and those which don't are a tribute to and recognition of what people went through, and shows that they haven't been forgotten. Thank you to your mother for accepting to share her story, and to you, Miss. Polak, for writing it and allowing readers to discover it as well.