Life Changing

There are some moments in time that as they are occurring, you know you are being changed forever. This has happened many times for me. But recently and as it applies to this post, it took places as I was talking to two survivors of the Holocaust.

The first was Ina Polak. The post I originally wrote about my conversation with her can be read here. The minute I heard her voice on the phone, I knew history was being written in my heart, and I would not be the same after talking with her.

The second was Eva Kor. The post about meeting her can be found here. That was a moment in time that seemed surreal. I couldn't believe I was standing before this woman whom I had read so much about. And then for two hours I had the chance to talk with and listen to her share her story and incredible insight. Changed forever? Total understatement.

She comes to mind almost every day. Seriously. I think about her perspective. Her level of forgiveness and her appreciation of life. I am in humble awe of it and her. And I truly do strive to be more like her, in so many ways.

And so today when I got the email from Eva, in honor of D-Day, I felt that I should state my appreciation of a woman who changed what will be written in the 'history books' of my life. Because I met her, because of her influence, I am changed for the good. Thank you Eva for continuing to share your story and your indomitable spirit with the world. You are an inspiration to all you come in contact with...

Eva Mozes Kor

As a little history to this, let me back up by saying that this whole endeavor started with NetFlix. Yeah, you read that correctly, NetFlix. For the last year or so, I've had a love affair with NetFlix and it's documentary selection. About four months or so ago, I watched a documentary entitled "Forgiving Dr. Mengele." I was so moved by it. Thoughts of it entered my mind almost every day.

The story was about a woman named Eva Mozes Kor, who is a survivor of the Holocaust. She and her twin sister Miriam were victims of Dr. Mengele's cruel experiments on twins. Her story of suffering and loss is incomprehensible. But it is her story of forgiveness that is as unimaginable.

This woman who has every right to live a life full of anger, hate, and bitterness toward the world and all those who wronged and tortured her, lives a life full of the opposite. She went on to offer a declaration of forgiveness to those who did unspeakable things to her during the Holocaust. And she now lives her life spreading a message of the need to forgive one another. She states that forgiving is the best gift a victim can give themselves, as it frees them. They are no longer tied to the one who hurt them.

If you get the chance, check out her documentary "Forgiving Dr. Mengele." She also has two books out; I recommend "Echoes From Auschwitz." You can also read more about her story of survival, her mission of forgiveness and much more by going to her website... http://www.candlesholocaustmuseum.org/

So long story short, I saw the documentary and was so moved by it and just had the most overwhelming impression that I needed to get in contact with this woman. So I did. She agreed to meet with me at the museum she runs in Terre Haute, Indiana. And before I knew it, tickets were booked and my mom, brother and I were heading out to Indy for the experience of a lifetime...

Here are some pictures from my travels...

I was taking pictures of everything as I wanted to document every detail of the journey. So here you've got the freeway exit sign for Terre Haute...

Here is the actual building...The CANDLES Holocaust Museum

We sat with Eva and she talked with us for more than two and a half hours. I was captivated by everything she said. She is full of such determination, and humor, and insight. Something she said to me during our discussion that I thought was worthy of sharing was, "I believe that the world wants to know that there are a lot of terrible things that happen, but that you as a victim, as a bystander, as a human being, you have a choice...you can take the power to rule your own life and make your life what you want it to be, that is an important thing. And [the knowledge of us having that choice and that power] is desperately needed."

My brother, my mom, and I with one of the most incredible human beings I've ever encountered...Eva Mozes Kor

My mom and I with Walter...A German Jew who was able to flee the country before the war began. He is the sweetest man.

This was the scene as we were leaving Terre Haute and heading back to Indianapolis...it summed up perfectly the way that I felt...so very enlightened.

What?! A Sonic in Terre Haute?! What a perfect ending to a perfect day...

 ~~~

"There were about 1 million people who went through Auschwitz and some how survived. And that to me is important. Isn't there a lesson? That even all the misery and all the cruelty could not completely defeat all the people's human spirit. And that is important to know. I can show you endless numbers of people who have survived unbelievable things--there are times when they look back and they ask themselves 'How on earth did I do that?' We are a lot stronger than we think that we are." -Eva Mozes Kor

~~~

A Phone Call To Remember

Last night I got a phone call that I will never forget. My cell phone rang at quarter to 8, and I didn't recognize the out of state number that was coming in. I answered. On the other end was a voice I immediately recognized due to a documentary I had seen. It was Ina Polak. A Holocaust survivor. I was humbled beyond words and speechless. I couldn't believe that this sweet woman was taking time out of her busy schedule to call simple, unimportant me. I told her of my disbelief, and she simply and sweetly responded, "I told you I would call you, and I always keep my promises!"

As I mentioned before, I knew this voice due to a very moving documentary I had seen called "Steal A Pencil For Me." It was initially a book compiled by the daughter of Jack and Ina Polak, in which she had gathered and translated letters that Jack and Ina exchanged during the Holocaust as they were in a relocation and concentration camp. It tenderly tells of their love story as they experienced incomprehensible pain and suffering.

Our conversation was fairly short and somewhat simple. Nothing overly profound was discussed. But at one point I became choked up with emotion, as I told her how much I admired her and how honored I was to be talking with her. I knew that I was speaking to one of the greatest souls I have ever encountered. After all she has been through, she remains positive and happy. Having experienced all she has, she would have every right to be angry and bitter at everyone and everything. But she is not. She is full of love and light, wisdom and humor. I believe I have many lessons to learn from this incredible woman...

I encourage every single one of you to watch it or to read the book. You can view it on NetFlix (that is where I came across it), or you can purchase it (it is SO worth buying) on Amazon or through Barnes and Noble.

Here is the link to the website