My Father's Number

Dear Marlene,
Not until reading your story had I ever viewed stories of the Holocaust survivors from the vantage point of the tattooed numbers on their arms. How very blessed you are that you parents survived that horrific span of time. We must never forget. Was your father a young boy or an adult during World War II? Is he still living?
Thank you for your poignant story.
Blessings,
Sandi in FL.

Dear Sani in Fl:
Thanks so much for taking time to comment on my story, MY FATHER'S NUMBER. He passed away about 10 years ago. When the war started he was in his 20's and was in Auschwitz-Berkenau for 3 years. When he was liberated by American military, he was 28. It's amazing now to think that when I was born my parents had only been liberated for 4 years. Only in becoming a parent myself have I realized how amazing it was that my own parents we able to carry on in their efforts to re-establish some type of normal family life style. Again, thank you for your thoughts.
Sincerely, Marlene

Marlene, thank you for giving me this insight into your family's experience. I hope you willl write many more for Our Echo.

I remember when I first read this account and thought it set a high standard for all of us working on our family memories. Congratulations on a well-deserved win.

Wow- what a moving story! I hope you will post more of your work. It gave me goose bumps to read it. Michael Robert

Marlene: The story of your father's experience during the Holocaust, and his thoughts about life and evil is fantastic. I can't begin to tell you what a real pleasure it was to read your compelling memories of the past relationship with your father. I truly enjoyed your writing. Please continue your excellent work. Richard A. Silver, MD. MBA.

Congratulations on your win. Well deserved. BJ

Congratulations, Marlene! Talk about a moving story and so well told.

Kathy Baker

I would like to congradulate you for the story about you parents. What a blessing your story will be to many. I am happy for you and I understand why you won the contest. Your parents would be proud. Thank you for an incite into something we should never forget.

Marlene, this was absolutely the best story I have read on this site. You really are a wordsmith, and infuse your writing with so much heart and soul. I won't forget this one in a hurry. Well deserved win.
In admiration,
Maria Harden

I checked this story after learning of your winning the Family History award. It reminded me of a similar, compelling story told by friends before their recent deaths. Your version is very, very well told and you are most deserving of the distinction you have earned. Jim Rambo

Congratulations, Marlene!!
Wonderful job with your daddy's sory...
Keep it up! May the good Lord BLESS
Cher

Hi Marlene,
As the ol' adage goes, "Better late than never". Just this afternoon I found out that you're the winner of the 2007 Family Memories Contest, and want to congratulate you on this well deserved win, albeit it four months tardy. Last year when I first added a comment about your sad but true story, I had no idea who would go on to take top notch in this online writer's contest, but am genuinely, sincerely happy for you and hope it inspired you to delve into your memory box for more remembrances of your father. No doubt he was a brave, courageous man and had a strong desire to survive, even under terrifying, awful circumstances. I want to be among the many readers who say KUDOS, Marlene!
Sandi in FL.

sandi- how totally totally thoughtful of you to send a note! thank you so much. just when my writing feels as thought it's going nowhere, a boost like yours really inspires.
Marlene

What a story.
I recently met a lady who survived that era. She was lucky enough never to get a number or to have been in a prison camp, but a beautiful young girl when the Russian soldiors came pillaging and raping through her town. As we talked, she told of the numerous times she--through tremendous danger and cold--escaped with her life and little else. She lost her whole family and her dearest friend. Her story is long, so I won't share it here, but your father is not alone in surviving the horrors of that time. There are others. Thanks for sharing his story here. Janet