I wrote this book to share the incredible, brave, and difficult life of my beloved mother. Her unwavering devotion, intuition, practical skills, and tireless efforts kept our family alive and safe through years of struggle, danger, and desperate circumstances as we went from a simple, happy life in Russia's Ukraine to hiding from Nazis, exile, prisoners in forced labor camps, and finally, through more hardship to our permanent new home in America. Through it all, Mama always put her family first, and she was, and is, my hero.
In this work, I have recorded memories from my childhood and later years that I hope will speak to the hearts of many, especially the younger generations of my family.
I have titled this book, As I Remember because time has a way of changing memories. Some incidents have faded from my mind, while others retain their clarity and have grown in power and importance in my life.
I was just seven years old when I left my homeland forever, so much of what is included in these pages came from that perspective. Much that happened beyond my awareness and understanding and perhaps that is for the best. I was unable to understand the complexities of war, even when bombs exploded all around us as Mother and my sister hid in a dark, small place underground to avoid capture. My father was gone. It was just us. Mother was strong, resourceful, and kept us safe through all of our many relocations.
What my brave mother endured must have been incredible-hunger, fear, hard labor, sickness, and more. But she put on a brave face and did the best she could no matter what. We were always her first priority.
Over the years my mother and stepfather shared details and memories with me, as well as their adult perspectives about what happened to them, and I have included many of these into my story. But mother was not one to regret or mope about the past, so neither will I.
She was practical and determined, even driven, to make the present and the future better for those she loved. Like a good general, Mother combined strategic thinking with intuition to keep our family moving forward, even against all odds, peril, deprivation, and sacrifice.
My nephew, Robert, encouraged me to share this family history in a book. Throughout, he has supported, guided, and helped me in countless ways to bring this work to print.
This project has enlightened me in many ways and helped me understand life in a deeper and more profound way.
