The Numbers on My Parents’ Arms

In June, 1991, sitting in his hospital room contemplating cardiac bypass surgery, my father said, “Vus ich hot adorch geleibt!” (What I have lived through!). I wasn’t sure at the time if he meant his recent heart attack, but over time, especially after researching his journey, it became clear to me.I thought I knew my dad’s plight, only to realize some of his most horrible experiences were never brought to my attention. The adage of the first casualty of war as the truth hung in the balance with loss and trauma deserves its own sanctity.Helen Friedman and Sam Bagel walked through the shadows of death, lost their entire nuclear families, and like the phoenix bird re-emerges from its own ashes, they, too, resurrected themselves to start a family and be happy and thankful people. Read more