A Compilation of Short stories
Viewing comments for Chapter 116 "Memories of a Harrowing Visit."Expressions
32 total reviews
Comment from 1Dreamer
My husband and I went to visit the Holocaust museum in Washington DC. I can't imagine how as a young girl you could go through that!!!! That visit I had as an adult was one I will never forget. All the best to you and sending prayers and many blessings.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2022
  |
My husband and I went to visit the Holocaust museum in Washington DC. I can't imagine how as a young girl you could go through that!!!! That visit I had as an adult was one I will never forget. All the best to you and sending prayers and many blessings.
Comment Written 14-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2022
-
Thank you so much. There was a strong sentiment in post war Europe, that this must never be forgotten, nor ever be repeated. I'm glad I was taken to those sites, understanding what happened and being able to pass it on to future generations. Ulla:)))
-
I agree that despite the horror, much can be gained from going and remembering and passing the knowledge on to hopefully prevent it from happening again.
Comment from LisaMay
Your story brought back memories for me. It is so well written and its emotional focus resonated with me. Being adopted myself, I often wondered what my birth family background was. I was also concerned about prejudice and had read about the Holocaust. When I travelled overseas as a young woman in the 1970's I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, and also Dachau. I was left despairing of Man's ability to be so removed from 'humanity'. My response was so visceral I felt I might myself be Jewish, so I went to live in Israel for a while, where I felt at home. I returned to Australia and have since discovered that I am not Jewish, but the impact of learning about - and seeing the sites of - these atrocities marked me for life, as it has yourself.
Superb story, well delivered to make people think.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
 |
Your story brought back memories for me. It is so well written and its emotional focus resonated with me. Being adopted myself, I often wondered what my birth family background was. I was also concerned about prejudice and had read about the Holocaust. When I travelled overseas as a young woman in the 1970's I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, and also Dachau. I was left despairing of Man's ability to be so removed from 'humanity'. My response was so visceral I felt I might myself be Jewish, so I went to live in Israel for a while, where I felt at home. I returned to Australia and have since discovered that I am not Jewish, but the impact of learning about - and seeing the sites of - these atrocities marked me for life, as it has yourself.
Superb story, well delivered to make people think.
Comment Written 14-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
-
How amazing how much we have in common, LisaMay. First of all thank you so much for your wonderful review and lovely stars.
I thought about going to Israel but first I read everything I could about what happened to the Jews during the war. Then life took over, but I never forgot. I flew into Israel many a time as a cabin attendant, and like you I often wondered if I was Jewish. Now I know I'm not, just like you, but my affinity with Jewish people have never ceased. Next spring, all going well I will be going to Jerusalem. For some reason, I just have to. I hope it makes sense. Thanks so much to again. Ulla:)))
Comment from Ben Colder
I can understand your youth when coming to what your parents desired for you to know, but you were too young to really understand that God, who created the world and man, did so, making man a free soul giving him a choice between good and evil. You quickly learned and saw the reflection of how evil man can be versus the power of prayer for good to win over the bad. Remember, God hates the shedding of innocent blood and will always hear the prayers of those who wish for peace.
Well done, Ulla.
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2022
|
I can understand your youth when coming to what your parents desired for you to know, but you were too young to really understand that God, who created the world and man, did so, making man a free soul giving him a choice between good and evil. You quickly learned and saw the reflection of how evil man can be versus the power of prayer for good to win over the bad. Remember, God hates the shedding of innocent blood and will always hear the prayers of those who wish for peace.
Well done, Ulla.
Comment Written 14-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2022
-
Thank you so much, Ben, for this deep felt review and the lovely stars. It stayed with me all my life. I've read extensively about what happened and how it came about. I've been to Israel a few times and I hope to go to Jerusalem next year. Thanks so much again. Ulla:)))
-
So happy you are going to Israel. They are beautiful people.
-
They certainly are :)))
Comment from l.raven
Oh Ulla, just reading your story...tears
my sweet friend...
I wouldn't have wanted to learn about Bergan Belsen
the way you did...today I know the story...and have seen
awful pictures that I cry ever time I think about it...
I know in my heart what happened...but to go there...
I couldn't...I have thought about it a few times...but it
tears my heart apart...it is something that should never be forgotten...but also should never be relived...
I can understand why it is one of your strongest...most enduring family memories...
your story is very well told sweet girl...and your picture says so much...good luck in the contest...love you...Linda xxoo
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2022
|
Oh Ulla, just reading your story...tears
my sweet friend...
I wouldn't have wanted to learn about Bergan Belsen
the way you did...today I know the story...and have seen
awful pictures that I cry ever time I think about it...
I know in my heart what happened...but to go there...
I couldn't...I have thought about it a few times...but it
tears my heart apart...it is something that should never be forgotten...but also should never be relived...
I can understand why it is one of your strongest...most enduring family memories...
your story is very well told sweet girl...and your picture says so much...good luck in the contest...love you...Linda xxoo
Comment Written 13-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2022
-
Thank you so much, Linda. I'm so glad this meant something to you. Ulla:)))
-
yes it did my sweet friend...
and your so very welcome...big smiles
back at you...love xxoo
Comment from Pantygynt
I remember a similar impression made on me when I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau as a young man of twenty-six. Poland was the wrong side of the iron curtain in those days so not many would have got to see it then. I was part of a team competing in the International Six Day's Motor Cycle trial, which was held that year in Zacopane in the Tatra mountains. We travelled out by road and our journey took us close to the Polish town of Osweciem, which is what the place is now called. it was a place I will never forget, my feelings being much as yours.
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
|
I remember a similar impression made on me when I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau as a young man of twenty-six. Poland was the wrong side of the iron curtain in those days so not many would have got to see it then. I was part of a team competing in the International Six Day's Motor Cycle trial, which was held that year in Zacopane in the Tatra mountains. We travelled out by road and our journey took us close to the Polish town of Osweciem, which is what the place is now called. it was a place I will never forget, my feelings being much as yours.
Comment Written 13-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
-
Thank you so much, Jim, and for understanding. Ulla:)))
Comment from Jasmine Girl
This is such a moving piece. Wow. Were you tow and half years old? How can you remember anything being so young? I haven't even visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC yet. I have been to DC about ten times but have not courage to see. This sad story is well told.
Exceptionally done.
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
|
This is such a moving piece. Wow. Were you tow and half years old? How can you remember anything being so young? I haven't even visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC yet. I have been to DC about ten times but have not courage to see. This sad story is well told.
Exceptionally done.
Comment Written 13-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
-
Thank you so much, Jasmine, for this lovely review and stars. No, as the piece said I was somewhat older. I merely explained that I'd been adopted at the age of two and half. Thanks so much to again. Ulla:)))
Comment from Cindy Decker 2
Hi, Ulla.
I think your soul has been strengthened by visiting concentration camps in that, in a world where people doubt the holocaust (I like that you did not need to use this word in your exposition, because it is well-known and you handled it deftly) even existed. You got to stand on what many consider to be hallowed ground.
My sister and I went to see Schindler's list; we took my niece and nephew. My nephew 13, an excellent student, asked if these events actually happened, or was the movie fiction? It happens his school would be teaching about the holocaust in high school, but I was still shocked it was not a printing his school!
Your work tells of a young girl who learned of this travesty, and I gather, is a better person for it.
Excellent work!
Best wishes, and have a healthy, happy Easter, Ulla.
Cindy ð???
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
|
Hi, Ulla.
I think your soul has been strengthened by visiting concentration camps in that, in a world where people doubt the holocaust (I like that you did not need to use this word in your exposition, because it is well-known and you handled it deftly) even existed. You got to stand on what many consider to be hallowed ground.
My sister and I went to see Schindler's list; we took my niece and nephew. My nephew 13, an excellent student, asked if these events actually happened, or was the movie fiction? It happens his school would be teaching about the holocaust in high school, but I was still shocked it was not a printing his school!
Your work tells of a young girl who learned of this travesty, and I gather, is a better person for it.
Excellent work!
Best wishes, and have a healthy, happy Easter, Ulla.
Cindy ð???
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
-
Thank you so much., Cindy.for a thorough and thoughtful review. That anyone.could question whether those atrocities even happened is so very shocking. What has the world come to? Victor Borge, who you probably know about, was a Danish Jew who's real name was Rosenbaum. He never forgot what Denmark did to save every single Jew from the Nazis. And it's part of the Fourth of July celebration every single year. How can that be forgotten? Ulla:)))
-
That?s amazing about Denmark. Just a little info, my nephew grew up and moved to the city and he has a Jewish roommate. They?ve discussed alot of things, including the Holocaust, and they?re very good friends. His family looks after my nephew, since he?s far from home. So, things worked out.
I believe in teaching hands on at a young age, like you learned about one of the worst travesties of the 20th century.
Good luck with your story, Ulla.
Best wishes,
Cindy
Comment from amahra
Thank you so much for sharing, Ulla. Once more you've dazzled me with one of your awesome family memories. Unfortunately, being a minority, I didn't have to travel outside of the US to witness the cruelty of Man. But, like you, we all managed, through our parents, to find the true horrors of this world. Keep those memories coming.
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
|
Thank you so much for sharing, Ulla. Once more you've dazzled me with one of your awesome family memories. Unfortunately, being a minority, I didn't have to travel outside of the US to witness the cruelty of Man. But, like you, we all managed, through our parents, to find the true horrors of this world. Keep those memories coming.
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
-
Thank you so much, amahra, for a wonderful review and stars. I grew up in Denmark, so I was on the doorstep of Germany. Denmark was occupied.from 1940 -1945. I was born in 1952, but something like that takes many generations to forgive and forget. Ulla,:)))
Comment from Irish Rain
It hurts my heart.
Those are the only words I have for
what is being allowed.
I found, I think, the answer.
It is the evil in men's hearts.
Heart disease that causes misery.
It is also free will.
All people have it.
Some commit horrendous acts through it.
I love your story Ulla.
They are always so full of emotion.
Blessings...
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
|
It hurts my heart.
Those are the only words I have for
what is being allowed.
I found, I think, the answer.
It is the evil in men's hearts.
Heart disease that causes misery.
It is also free will.
All people have it.
Some commit horrendous acts through it.
I love your story Ulla.
They are always so full of emotion.
Blessings...
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
-
Thank you so much, Irish. I agree, it's hard to put a label on what happened back then and what is happening right now. Thank you so much my again. I always appreciate your wise words. Ulla:)))
-
You are most welcome! Happy Easter!!
Comment from Gloria ....
I am reminded of Viktor Frankl who survived the holocaust and described "the search for a life's meaning as the central human motivational force."
Your family sounds like they were very well informed of what was going on around them, and understood the impact of childhood memories, particularly processed with parental guidance, if it is present.
I can certainly appreciate what a powerful impact visiting Bergen Belsen, and I am assuming Auschwitz as well had on you, as a child.
Wishing you great luck in the voting booth, Ulla.
Gloria
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2022
|
I am reminded of Viktor Frankl who survived the holocaust and described "the search for a life's meaning as the central human motivational force."
Your family sounds like they were very well informed of what was going on around them, and understood the impact of childhood memories, particularly processed with parental guidance, if it is present.
I can certainly appreciate what a powerful impact visiting Bergen Belsen, and I am assuming Auschwitz as well had on you, as a child.
Wishing you great luck in the voting booth, Ulla.
Gloria
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2022
-
Thank you so much, Gloria. Yes, my family found it paramount to show the future generation what had happened, in the hope it would prevent it for ever happening again. Ulla:)))
