This past week a good friend celebrated the annual passing of his father. During the religious ritual he told this story.
His father and mother were both Holocaust survivors and most of their families died in the Nazi camps. His parents met at one of the camps and he was born in Europe. His father and mother came to America in the mid 40’s and had nothing. As immigrants, they worked hard to create a better and quality life for their children.
My friend described his Dad as a strong and confident person and his father was his role model. His Dad was religious, hard working and built a small business to support the family. His Dad taught him that “giving to charity” was a part of life and made him part of the community.
Later in senior life, this strong, gregarious and religious man suffered a stroke and was paralyzed for the last 8 years of his life. His wife also had health issues.
Upon his wife’s passing and while he knew he had little time left, his son asked him what was the “secret of life” after all you and the family has been through.
Without hesitation he said “Life that’s hard, can be made easy” and “Life that’s easy can be made hard”.
I was very moved by the story and “words of wisdom” from my friends Dad and am sharing for all.
With respect for the memory of a Holocaust survivor and the way he and his family lived their lives.
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