Friends, I am not sure where this writing belongs in my prospective book, but these are some of the questions that seem relevant in the departure of 2023 and the coming of 2024.
What a strange memorial a 4 inch stone in a sidewalk with a long gone name. I never heard of this but it’s an odd memorial to be stepped on by passersby’s. You have uncovered some amazing things in the writing of this journal and thank you for sharing. I hope the new year brings us hope and peace in a very dark time.
I always pause and think when your newsletters come in. I reread sections. I don't want to believe people are capable of these things that happened, even though I've known about them since I was a little girl. Reading these snapshots brings an entirely new important, and very valuable perspective. It feels necessary to leave my email inbox and come here to see there are comments just to make sure others are bearing witness, too.
Your writing matters and I open each new piece eagerly. When we tell the truth it helps in setting things right. I appreciate hearing the story behind the stolperstein. I share your frustration that the words don’t reflect your aunt’s lived experience and that some community is in charge of how she is reflected there. I am sitting in the winter sun at the moment and am grateful for the light and for your thoughts in this rather dark time.
As always, I am astounded by how much you have been able to discover about your family. I would put this section in either the forward or the afterword of the book. If you stick with the Stumbling Blocks title, then my vote would be for the forward. The remarks about how much your aunt supposedly loved Christmas strike me as about as bone-headed as claiming that American slaves learned valuable skills. I look forward to reading your posts and often re-read them several times to make sure I am understanding the full extent of each story. You are a brilliant writer and you are treating your subjects with tremendous compassion. Best wishes to you and your family for a happy new year.
What a strange memorial a 4 inch stone in a sidewalk with a long gone name. I never heard of this but it’s an odd memorial to be stepped on by passersby’s. You have uncovered some amazing things in the writing of this journal and thank you for sharing. I hope the new year brings us hope and peace in a very dark time.
I always pause and think when your newsletters come in. I reread sections. I don't want to believe people are capable of these things that happened, even though I've known about them since I was a little girl. Reading these snapshots brings an entirely new important, and very valuable perspective. It feels necessary to leave my email inbox and come here to see there are comments just to make sure others are bearing witness, too.
Thank you Jenn for this moving chapter and this important project. I'm touched each time I read a new post. Love, David O.
Beautifully stated Jennifer. A peaceful end of year to you and the family as well. Thank you for sharing your stories. Judy K
Your writing matters and I open each new piece eagerly. When we tell the truth it helps in setting things right. I appreciate hearing the story behind the stolperstein. I share your frustration that the words don’t reflect your aunt’s lived experience and that some community is in charge of how she is reflected there. I am sitting in the winter sun at the moment and am grateful for the light and for your thoughts in this rather dark time.
As always, I am astounded by how much you have been able to discover about your family. I would put this section in either the forward or the afterword of the book. If you stick with the Stumbling Blocks title, then my vote would be for the forward. The remarks about how much your aunt supposedly loved Christmas strike me as about as bone-headed as claiming that American slaves learned valuable skills. I look forward to reading your posts and often re-read them several times to make sure I am understanding the full extent of each story. You are a brilliant writer and you are treating your subjects with tremendous compassion. Best wishes to you and your family for a happy new year.
Stoleperstein - your book title.