A Word of Thanks

A few nights ago, I witnessed firsthand the power of my family’s story when I presented a new slide show to the appreciative readers at Lake Oswego Country Club. The audience was rapt as photos depicted my parents’ harrowing escape over the Atlantic and my grandmother’s nail-biting 11-week journey from Berlin across Asia and over the Pacific all the way to Chile. Many commented how much they learned as unfolding history was woven into our personal story.

Presenting to an attentive audience at Lake Oswego Country Club

And now…I have a fabulous 50+ slide show presentation that I am happy to bring to your organization or book group! Below are a few examples of the slides.

My maternal grandfather, Wilhelm Stern, served as a baker in The Great War. My mother remembered those difficult war years when food was scarce.

In 1931 and 1932, my parents were very much in love and felt relatively safe in neutral Belgium.

My parents were forced to leave my paternal grandparents on their own in Vichy France as they raced against the clock to renew their Dominican Republic passport.

To all of you who have offered their encouragement and showed me kindness this past year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks. It has been a momentous year in so many ways. In December 2023, a grandson was born into our clan. The publication of my book, IN THE WAKE OF MADNESS: MY FAMILY'S ESCAPE FROM THE NAZIS, awaited his birth so that Isaac could join his sister, Minetta, and cousin, Salix, in the dedication. As national and global events unfold, the story of my family feels more important than ever, and I hope that many can draw inspiration and strength from it. I look forward to engaging with more readers in 2025.

Special thanks to my stalwart friend, Andrea Tongue, who encouraged me to create this slide presentation and hosted me at the Country Club. Her willingness to translate many family letters from German to English was invaluable.