Dear Madame Pregulman,

It occurs to me that sometimes you must wonder about the who, the where, the how and the why. I will attempt to explain each one. First however, thank you for your support so graciously given and gratefully accepted.

I am Rachel. I was born in Krakow, Poland in 1930. Quite obviously, this was NOT my decision to make. Had it been, rest assured I would have chosen a different time and place. I know live in Pennsylvania, in what must be a corner of paradise. I have lived in many countries and cities, but it seems that the last part of my life will be spent in a serene, safe and beautiful area. Weather wise, it too is meaningful to someone who has frozen in climates that were not meant for people who were unclothed and starved.

I am an American citizen, and have spent fourty six years of my life in New York. In 1992 my husband and I emigrated to Canada for expedient reasons, where we also, became citizens. In 2013 we returned to the Unites States in order to be near our daughter and her family. Especially so, because my husband had never been well after the first heart attack and remained a cardiac patient.

I have never been well since the Holocaust. I do not remember a day in my life without enduring unbelievable pain. Usually resulting in a surgical procedure. My Medical C.V. reads like a book. Yes, the Holocaust has left me a something to remember. This, plus the scars on my body. Sometimes, when I awake in the morning, in pain, I wonder to myself whether this is the way for the Almighty, to remind me that I am survivor. I lived when Millions died. WHY? I do not accept “Bashert”. I would be happy not to have been accorded “KAVOD” but this too, once again, was not my choice.

Thank you, et al at “KAVOD” for the noble work you do.

Sincerely,