Last night, Brady and I had the opportunity to watch the new BBC Masterpiece, "The Diary of Anne Frank." It was one of those movies that moves you in such a way that you will never forget. I feel a bit embarrassed to say that before last night I didn’t really know Anne’s story, I only knew the gist of her account. I never had or took the opportunity to read The Diary of Anne Frank, now I wish I had. I will never again take for granted the life I lead or even the basic amenities that I now know are blessings.
I cannot imagine living my growing teen years in such fear and confinement, like Anne. I cannot imagine having to hide and not have the opportunity to enjoy life outside with friends and family. Or even have the privacy a growing teenager desires and needs. Even though Anne did in fact live this life for years she was able to stay optimistic and find opportunities to grow in the secret annex.
Having not read the diary itself I did not know the ending of Anne’s story. There was such hope that she, her family, and the others staying with them would be freed from their captivity. It came as a horrifying shock to me that the security police found them in their hiding place and took them away. It was in that shocking moment that I felt as if I were there myself. Hearing the footsteps and conversations below, wondering if this was freedom or a worst fear coming to realization. To then have family and friends ripped from a safe haven to be taken to concentration camps to die. To feel such hope and to be so close to freedom and then to have that security yanked from beneath once sturdy feet.
As my eyes filled with emotion, I began to have a grateful prayer in my heart. As I looked at my daughter sleeping soundly realizing she is safe. Knowing that I will never have to watch cruel men take her, or my son from my arms to die. As I stood up walking around my safe haven I began to feel a sense of guilt. Here I have a humble abode, a safe environment, and not a real threat to our family. Was I really aware of my many blessings, as simple as they may seem: To be able to walk around freely not wondering if my footsteps will give me away; to be able to have my privacy and amenities when needed; to be able to breath fresh air in the open outdoors; to be able to walk around with no targets on my back; and to be able to live a life of freedom. I will forever be grateful to Anne for writing in her diary and for writing with such enthusiasm and emotion. She was able to find humor in many situations many would not and she stood up for herself in times of growth. It was an honor to take part in this adaptation that will help keep Anne’s story alive.
Anne Frank
12 June 1929 - March 1945
3 comments:
Her story is wonderful and moving. There is a special exhibit called "Anne Frank - A History for Today" going on right now at the SLC Public Library, Lower Level from 4/13-5/11. I am going to try and get up there to see it. It is free. You might enjoy seeing it if you get the opportunity. There is a quote from her diary that I always remember: "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." If she can say that then I ought to be more understanding of people's shortcomings.
This really was a great film. I was discussing it with one of my teachers yesterday, and he mentioned the exhibit up in SLC. I hope I get a chance to go still within the next few days before it closes.
Mom went to the exhibit and took the girls. Cora has since read The Diary of Anne Frank and they both have LOTS of questions about the holocaust. I should probably study up before I continue to answer them.
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