Alice
Herz-Sommer was her name. Lessons from her life is the book. The world's oldest
living Holocaust Survivor is the context. And here is an extract to distract
you from the haze outside:-
"At
108 years old (b. 1903), the pianist Alice Herz-Sommer is an eyewitness to the
entire last century and the first decade of this one. She has seen it all,
surviving the Theresienstadt concentration camp, attending the trial of Adolf
Eichmann, and along the way coming into contact with some of the most
fascinating historical figures of our time, from Franz Fafka to Gustav Mahler,
Leonard Bernstein and Golda Meir.
Despite her
imprisonment in Theresienstadt and the murders of her mother, husband and
friends by the Nazis, and much later the premature death of her son, Alice has
been victorious in her ability to live a life without bitterness, and credits
music as the key to her survival. (Her story) is a testament to the bonds of
friendship, the power of music and the importance of leading a life of material
simplicity, intellectual curiosity, and never-ending optimism."
How do you
condense an extraordinary life in a post like this? Thank God there is a way
because her resilient will has opened up many doors that circumstances had
conspired to shut it tight for her. In Alice's own words, here are 9 statements
that blew my haze-clouded night away.
"1)
Every day is a miracle.
2) Gratitude is essential for happiness.
3)
Understanding of others can lead to peace.
4) I am never tired because my mind
is active.
5) I am richer than the world's richest people because I am a
musician.
6) We do not need things. Friends are precious.
7) The more I read,
think, and speak with people, the more I realize just how happy I am.
8) My
optimism has helped me through my darkest days. It helps me now.
9) Generosity
above all."
I guess it
is not the haze outside of me that makes me feel under the weather. But the
haze inside. Cheerz.
ps: H.O.P.E is
"Harnessing Optimism in Persevering Effort".
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