Courage

Today is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Why is that significant to me? Oh, let me see, I'll tell you a story.

My mother was raised in Germany, in what later became East Germany. She survived the war, Hitler and then Communist Russia. She decided in 1951 at the age of 19 she was going to try and escape to West Germany. She wanted a better life, more opportunity, and to send some money home to her family. My grandmother had 5 children and lost a husband to war. There was nothing left for them. My brave mother wanted to make it better.

Imagine being 19, escaping with nothing, risk being shot or imprisoned for the rest of your life. The Wall was not yet in place. My mother knew a boy that had helped others get out. She decided to try it. There may be no return for her. Never to see her family again. I doubt I would have the guts.

They waited until dusk. When the guards were changing shifts, they ran. Across the highway and into the woods. It was a long, frightening walk to West Berlin. They made it.

Mom got a job in West Berlin. She worked her butt off and was able to survive. Send money home to her family. My dad was an American soldier stationed in Germany. You can guess the rest.

Momma became an American citizen as soon as possible, she learned English on her own. (my dad spoke pretty fluent German when they met) She was only able to go home 3 times after all these years. All her family still lives in what was "East" Germany.

Imagine living in a city like Berlin, a wall is put up and you cant cross it, even if your family lives on the other side. What courage she had. Building walls between humans? I really dont think so.

There is a lot more to her story. I wont try and tell it all here and now but I will share more as time goes by.