26 Comments

Beautifully written and touching, as always.

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Thank you for sharing your story Alice. It is fascinating and so sad that it is part of your past. I imagine the pain that it has given you throughout your life. I always enjoy reading your stories. Be well…

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Brava, Alice! A friend who read my biography of my great-grandfather told me I was "striking a blow against amnesia." And so are you.

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My parents are both gone. My father died at age 56 and my mother at 76. Being 57 now, I often think about the people they were, the adults that they were, and the lives they led which I knew nothing about as a child. A good parent, I believe, is simply a parent to us when we are young. The challenge is for us to mature to where we can finally see them as more than just parents, but as the unique individuals that they are. I think what I’m most fascinated by is how each of us live incredible lives independent of what even are closest friends and families know. We are so multifaceted- no one can ever truly see our fullness and complexity. At least, I think it is difficult while we are still alive. It is an examined life that requires time and distance to unpack, understand, and integrate into our larger worldview.

What incredible gift it is that your father did share these stories with you. And clearly what a profound difference it has made. Thank you, intern, for sharing with us.

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Wonderful story!

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Compelling, and beautifully written. Looking forward to reading the next leg of this journey.

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heartfelt story beautifully written

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So touching and beautifully told Alice. I really do want to hear more.

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Alice, This story down memory lane and reflection on your life and the understanding of your parent’s life is absolutely fascinating. Those memoirs you are writing I hope will be available to the public soon, I absolutely want to read them. You are such a good story teller.

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Intriguing ...

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I'm hooked. I can't wait to hear the rest of the story.

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Your story really touched my heart. Have to confess to a few sighs & tears. Thanks for sharing!!!

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What a wonderful piece of writing. I admire your courage to write the memoir and look forward to reading it.

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This glimpse into your family's past and your own is very touching, Alice. I so look forward to reading your book and to learning more about your parents, their incomprehensible challenges and amazing resilience; the impact on you; and about the strength of Polish people. We have much to learn from all of you today.

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Thank you for sharing another beautiful story about your father, Alice. I can't wait to red your book once it is published.

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It's amazing to me that no matter how many war stories we think we know, there are always thousands of others that have never been told. The entire saga of the suffering of Poles during WWII is largely unknown to me.

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