National Adult Literacy Database

January 26, 2004

This week, we have a story written by Kathy Ehrenfeld, from Montreal, Quebec. Kathy is 75 years old, was born in Hungary, and is a Holocaust survivor. Following the war, she moved to Israel where she lived for many years before emigrating first to the US and then to Canada in 1961. Kathy has been working with her tutor, Maureen McCollum, since 1997.

Echoes of the Past Follow Me

by Kathy Ehrenfeld

Some memories protect and keep us warm. Unfortunately, this is not always true in my case. Over the years I've followed the rhythm of life more or less dictated by national events and the people around me. However, I still consider myself lucky to be able to enjoy each of the seasons offering their own beauty. In springtime the carpets of wild flowers in the fields while the mountains remain covered in snow, unwilling to give up their warm blank which put them to sleep over the winter.

My favourite thing is to watch the vegetation grow, and also to look at the peaceful rivers and lakes and to wonder why people cannot live in harmony like nature. The river memerizes me with its movement of water which puts me in a different mood; almost like talking to me in a very gentle voice.

I appreciate all this life but would not mind a visit to the jungle for a little while so that I can take a break from the real world.

The history of immigrants shows them to have a different outlook on life. For other people who do not have the same experience, this outlook can be confusing, but nature remains the same.

The song of the sea gives me something to relate to. It is a haven of peace.

[This story was taken with permission, from RECLAIM NEWS, November 2003.]