18.10.22
It’s the Jewish holiday, Simchat Torah, and it’s mum’s birthday. Even though she says she was born in 1924, the Lodz Ghetto records and the Holocaust Survivors and Victims Database state that she was born in 1923. Which makes her 99 years old today.
Mum’s in good spirits unlike previous days when she looked like she was ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door.’ She’s had a rough few weeks - falling over and breaking her hip and femur, and on top of that bad gastro has knocked her out till now.
I’m sure her top mood is due to an undiagnosed urinary tract infection. Every few minutes she attempts to get up and walk despite my repeated explanation that her bones need time to heal after her recent surgery.
Looking on the bright side, today she is cheery, alert and alive. It’s reason to celebrate and sing together!
Sto lat, sto lat.
Niech żyje, żyje nam.
Sto lat, sto lat,
Niech żyje, żyje nam,
Jeszcze raz, jeszcze raz,
Niech żyje, żyje nam,
Niech żyje nam!
100 years, 100 years,
May they live!
100 years, 100 years,
May they live!
Once again, once again,
May they live!
May they live!
An excerpt from Marysia’s book, My Mother’s Ring:
“For many years I believed I was born in 1924. A few years ago, a friend checked the records from the Łódź Ghetto that showed my correct date of birth is 20 October 1923. The Holocaust Survivors and Victims Database also shows that I was born on 20.10.1923. At this stage of my life, a year older or younger does not matter anymore. My birthday was around the time of Simchat Torah, the Jewish festival that celebrates the beginning of the reading of the Torah. I remember my parents throwing a birthday party each year, and family from all parts of Poland arrived in horse-drawn carriages. The table was full of delicacies, including grapes, because it was autumn. I sat under the table with my cousin Renya, and, between giggles, we cheekily reached up to pinch a grape or a chocolate.”
Happy birthday dearest Marysia
To Life! L'Chaiim
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