A Compilation of Short stories
Viewing comments for Chapter 116 "Memories of a Harrowing Visit."Expressions
32 total reviews
Comment from Thomas Blanks
Hello,
I went into your portfolio to see some of your older work. I came across this piece. I find your words very profound and the philosophy perfect in tone.
"To this day, I can't understand how this could have happened... I ended up reading the Old Testament from beginning to end, trying to find an answer how this could have come about. I failed to find that answer, and miserably so." You are not alone.
That is because the answer is not in the Old Testament. It isn't in the New Testament either. When people spout cute little sayings like "Everything happens for a reason," sometimes the reason is that people are horrible to each other.
"God only gives you what you can handle?" I want to ask what God ever gave to the people starving in Africa. I guess they can't handle anything: not food, clean water, a place to live, or life without disease.
My favorite stupid saying is, "When God closes a door, He opens a window." Unfortunately, the window is sometimes on the 47th floor, and there is no ledge, so your only options are to stay put or die.
I liked reading your post.
Regards,
Thomas
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2022
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Hello,
I went into your portfolio to see some of your older work. I came across this piece. I find your words very profound and the philosophy perfect in tone.
"To this day, I can't understand how this could have happened... I ended up reading the Old Testament from beginning to end, trying to find an answer how this could have come about. I failed to find that answer, and miserably so." You are not alone.
That is because the answer is not in the Old Testament. It isn't in the New Testament either. When people spout cute little sayings like "Everything happens for a reason," sometimes the reason is that people are horrible to each other.
"God only gives you what you can handle?" I want to ask what God ever gave to the people starving in Africa. I guess they can't handle anything: not food, clean water, a place to live, or life without disease.
My favorite stupid saying is, "When God closes a door, He opens a window." Unfortunately, the window is sometimes on the 47th floor, and there is no ledge, so your only options are to stay put or die.
I liked reading your post.
Regards,
Thomas
Comment Written 11-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 12-Dec-2022
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Wow, Thomas, thank you so much and for reading this as I hoped it would be read. We are totally on the same page. What I was taught and learned to see was the cruelty man is capable of, in the hope that it would never happen again. Alas! Thanks so much again. Your comments mean a lot to me. Ulla:)))
Comment from J. P. Olesen
Hi, Ulla,
Wow. This is a powerful entry for your upcoming contest!
My count is 333 words. So, you're good there. You've also obviously met the writing prompt.
I saw only a couple of things you might want to correct:
1st graph: I'm not sure you need a comma in your second sentence
3rd graph: I think "second world war" should be "Second World War"
5th Graph: I'd omit the comma after "much"
I think the rest is good. I also like how you didn't name Auschwitz camp. I think, somehow, that not naming it makes it powerful than if you did.
This must have been a tough one to write. Best of luck in the contest!
Warmest regards,
J. P.
reply by the author on 08-May-2022
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Hi, Ulla,
Wow. This is a powerful entry for your upcoming contest!
My count is 333 words. So, you're good there. You've also obviously met the writing prompt.
I saw only a couple of things you might want to correct:
1st graph: I'm not sure you need a comma in your second sentence
3rd graph: I think "second world war" should be "Second World War"
5th Graph: I'd omit the comma after "much"
I think the rest is good. I also like how you didn't name Auschwitz camp. I think, somehow, that not naming it makes it powerful than if you did.
This must have been a tough one to write. Best of luck in the contest!
Warmest regards,
J. P.
Comment Written 06-May-2022
reply by the author on 08-May-2022
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Thank you so much, J.P. I so appreciate your review and for pointing out the corrections as well. Yes, it was a bit hard to write, but something I've always wanted to do. What I saw, and learned has very much shaped my life. I've always been glad that I was taken there. My parents were right. The world needed to know. Thanks again. Ulla:)))
Comment from Brett Matthew West
"memory" in last line should be memories.
Do not know if anyone will ever fully understand the atrocities of WWII, or Hitler.
Seems you had ample opportunities to take perhaps more in at that time than you truly bargained for.
reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
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"memory" in last line should be memories.
Do not know if anyone will ever fully understand the atrocities of WWII, or Hitler.
Seems you had ample opportunities to take perhaps more in at that time than you truly bargained for.
Comment Written 27-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
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I know, Brett, it marked me for life but in a good way. It made me see what evil man is capable of and I hope it made me a better person. It also awakened my interest in the history of the ancient Middle East, hence my interest in your wonderful and informative essays. Ulla:)))
Comment from LateBloomer
Hello Ulla, a timely story. It's easy to understand why and how this memory has remained with you all through the years. The evil of the Holocaust is something that should never be allowed to happen again.
Well-chosen artwork. As this is a contest entry, I wish you good luck. LateBloomer
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022
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Hello Ulla, a timely story. It's easy to understand why and how this memory has remained with you all through the years. The evil of the Holocaust is something that should never be allowed to happen again.
Well-chosen artwork. As this is a contest entry, I wish you good luck. LateBloomer
Comment Written 18-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2022
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Thank you so very much. I'm so glad you liked it. Ulla:)))
Comment from Wendy G
My goodness, Ulla, I can understand your trauma. I cannot understand how man can plummet to these depths. I see why this is one of your strongest memories! Congratulations on placing in the contest.
Wendy
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2022
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My goodness, Ulla, I can understand your trauma. I cannot understand how man can plummet to these depths. I see why this is one of your strongest memories! Congratulations on placing in the contest.
Wendy
Comment Written 15-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2022
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Thank you so much, Wendy. I've never understood it either and it has shaped my view on the human race ever since. Thank you so much, Wendy, and for all all your support. Ulla:)))
Comment from Bill Schott
This story, Memories of a Harrowing Visit, reminds the readers that the Holocaust was the supreme example of unchecked totalitarianism that allowed genocide to flourish and condemn generations of people to death. Still so hard to believe, deniers pop up from beneath rocks all the time.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2022
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This story, Memories of a Harrowing Visit, reminds the readers that the Holocaust was the supreme example of unchecked totalitarianism that allowed genocide to flourish and condemn generations of people to death. Still so hard to believe, deniers pop up from beneath rocks all the time.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2022
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I know, Bill. It's quite unbelievable that some can still deny what happened to 6 million people being erased from this earth. Thanks so much. Ulla:)))
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Exceptional entry for the Family Memories writing prompt contest. Your words flow is easy to follow from beginning to end.
I appreciate you sharing such painful and true story about the horrors of war and evil men. I can't even imagine what it must be like to see a concentration camp. I'm sorry you had to see that ... Pobrecita. You have my vote.
I wish you the best of luck. So far yours is my favorite.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
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Exceptional entry for the Family Memories writing prompt contest. Your words flow is easy to follow from beginning to end.
I appreciate you sharing such painful and true story about the horrors of war and evil men. I can't even imagine what it must be like to see a concentration camp. I'm sorry you had to see that ... Pobrecita. You have my vote.
I wish you the best of luck. So far yours is my favorite.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
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Aw, Marival, thank you so much, my dear friend. Believe it or not, I was glad to learn about what had happened. I instantly knew, it could and must never happen again, but it also taught me to appreciate the beauty of life and to live it to the full.
I was distressed and it led me to research everything how it could have possibly come about. Thanks so much, again. Un abrazo, Amiga mia. Ulla xxx
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
A well-written story presentation. I love your writing. I cannot watch the war that is happening overseas. So, I know what you are saying. Yes, we are seeing a lot of destruction in Ukraine, and it is sorrowful to see what an ugly soul can do to other people because of greed.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
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A well-written story presentation. I love your writing. I cannot watch the war that is happening overseas. So, I know what you are saying. Yes, we are seeing a lot of destruction in Ukraine, and it is sorrowful to see what an ugly soul can do to other people because of greed.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
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Wow, Thank you so very much and for the wonderful stars. Yes, I have a very hard time seeing history repeating itself. How can man be so cruel and callous. It's beyond me.
Comment from wilkswrites
I enjoyed reading this but craved more imagery from a little girl's point of view. It is recommended that you show your reader what you saw rather than tell. Consider adding colors, bricks where buildings use to be, dead trees, vacant areas, broken glass, etc.
"That's when I was taken to the ultimate campsite" could be sprinkled with imagery (colors, wind whistling, man-made trails, etc).
Same with "I saw firsthand the destruction." Show the reader what you see from your young eyes."
Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
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I enjoyed reading this but craved more imagery from a little girl's point of view. It is recommended that you show your reader what you saw rather than tell. Consider adding colors, bricks where buildings use to be, dead trees, vacant areas, broken glass, etc.
"That's when I was taken to the ultimate campsite" could be sprinkled with imagery (colors, wind whistling, man-made trails, etc).
Same with "I saw firsthand the destruction." Show the reader what you see from your young eyes."
Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
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Thank you so much, and I know what you're saying. But I only had so many words to play with. One day I will be able to expand. But 300 words don't give you a lot of room. Thanks again. Ulla:)))
Comment from Judy Lawless
I can't imagine what it must have felt like for you to witness that horror at such a young age, Ulla. It would definitely influence your life. And now we are facing it again. Well written. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
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I can't imagine what it must have felt like for you to witness that horror at such a young age, Ulla. It would definitely influence your life. And now we are facing it again. Well written. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
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Hi Judy, it did. I think it changed me forever. I now realised what man was capable of. It was sobering but it also enriched me. It taught me to see the beauty as well, and how important that is. Thanks so much to again. Ulla:)))
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You?re very welcome, Ulla.
