An awakening of the suffering at Aushwitz

 

My son was assigned this book to read, "Night", an account of the horrific & unimaginable things that happened at the Aushwitz  Concentration camp. 

I'm trying to keep up with him, to be able answer his questions and to comfort him, as the discovery of a demented universe where to be in-human was human, where disciplined, educated men in uniform came to kill innocent children and weary men because of their belief and origin. 

Oh, how my own heart breaks a little more and wants to hug and hold onto the youth of my own children and their innocence. 

I understand that silence is worse than knowledge, but it certainly changes a humans life to know such tragedies existed. The only way to get through this book is by reading Dr. Seuss in intervals, warm blankets and tea, 

and a prayer in my heart for my son; 

may his compassionate heart be widened,his valor strengthened,

and his own beliefs secured, 

knowing always do what is right.

I didn't get much done as I read and read. The forward in this book was so thought provoking, but what followed was a nightmare. 

I cut pieces of paper randomly and let Em put them together to buy me some time to read. 

I didn't get much else done because I read and read and read. Little Em made collages, looked at books on her own, played with building blocks, and watched more episodes of Doc Mc Stuffins than ever before. AND she was ok without me by her side, I was not too far to reach for a hug. 

I feel blessed that this is my freedom, to snuggle my Little in the middle of the day, teach her family values and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ and not be afraid. I'm so grateful for the peace I feel in my home and heart. This book  of such tragedies reminds me even more, how important and precious these simple things are. 

Gigi walks in the door, she starts her  homework and Jo is soon to follow. I make sure they have a snack and ask about their day and listen to some complaint about homework and have a discussion with Jo about not wasting his time. I think about what to make for dinner and then carpooling for tonight's activities. 

Jo is having a hard time and after snack goes to lay down. I remind him of his responsibilities and that he needs to exercise as part of his personal fitness plan and tell him that he will feel better and have more energy if he exercises. He doesn't respond and I leave. This is as hard for me as it is him. His school work piles, the realization that work and more work is ahead and that work will be his future as the head of a household someday. We are trying to balance all this out with some fun. 

Just as he, and all of us, I'm not without trials in my life, but they are so trivial compared to what happened in 1944 Aushwitz, the horror, the agony, the broken hearted without hope, loss of family, freedom and connection to the God they thought they knew. 

I am wondering if people feel this way today? I know we are at war and I realize I do not know much about it. I am ignorant and ashamed. 

Then a child from the neighborhood knocked on the door and my thoughts turn back to the present. He wants  to introduce himself and see if anyone wants to play. 

My heart lifted when my son decided to go out and play frisbee with him. The child was in the 3rd grade, my son is a sophomore, yet they played together until more children came around and eventually Gigi made it outside, at least an hour passed by with them all playing outside in front of our house. 

{ I think how this has been an answer to a prayer, one given up months ago, before I thought I'd ever leave my country cozy. This simple gesture of outreach and neighborhood gatherings, reminds me of the hope for future answers to the prayers I'm giving today.}

I take Jo to his activity,  where I sit and read, and think how we are free to worship where we choose.  

I thought how would it feel to be singled out and shunned because of our beliefs ...and terrifyingly the thought

...moved to the ghettos until we meet our death. HOW incredibly sad to even think that could happen. How we must also recognize and appreciate others beliefs and rights in order to have our own. I do believe in a very simple principle and that is "to do unto others as you wish they would do unto you."

I am not done with this book, I'm half way through.

 The book, "Night" by Elie Wiesel won the Nobel peace prize. I'm sure I will have more to say on this matter, but for now, I must get some things done. I leave with this word....

LOVE

From me to you w love, M