Pity Party and Promises

I'm having one of those pity party days.  A party all by myself, and in my own mind. Those days when you look at your "to do" list, and the expected temperatures for the weekend and wish you were heading out on vacation instead.  Those days when everywhere you look you see dust bunnies collecting in the corners, carpets that need cleaning, cupboards that need organizing.  I know I shouldn't complain. 

OK, I'm done now!  Since there was only one guest at the party, no food or music, it didn't last long, and here's the main reason why.

I'm reading this incredible book;  Rena's Promise: Two Sisters in Auschwitz.  The title is more than obvious of the subject matter.  I'm only about 1/3 of the way through and I'm already affected by the story.  As I go about my day, I find myself reflecting on Rena's and Danka's story.  When I eat, I imagine how hungry they must have been everyday (they spent over 3 years at Auschwitz).  When I go to bed, I imagine what it must have been like to sleep on wooden shelves sometimes 8-12 girls on each shelf, with no blanket during the cold winter months.  When I shower, I think of how lucky I am to have access to things like shampoo, running water, and not having to deal with lice.  When I am having a bad hair day, I imagine Rena getting her hair shaved off every three weeks. While I put on my shoes, and clothes I can only imagine the pain and anguish they felt every minute of every day, and how lonely they must have been without their family. When I hear stories about the wonderful health care bill, and a panel's potential ability to determine your individual care, I envision the SS pointing either to the left (to die) or to the right (you get to live another day).

While many people will never read such a story,  assuming it's only sad, and maybe my dialog above doesn't tempt you to read something like this, but it helps keep me grounded.  It's about your mental attitude.  No more pity parties!  I even appreciate the silly dust bunnies, messy cupboards, and carpets that need cleaning.  My life has been blessed.  What a gift Rena has given us.  Maybe that was her purpose from God, to share her story so we never forget, and appreciate life more.