If she were alive, she'd be celebrating her 78th birthday today. Annelies Marie "Anne" Frank (born : 12 June 1929) died of typhus in Bergen-Belsen Concentration camp at age 15 in March 1945.
We were in Amsterdam last winter and the hiding place of Franks, now recognized by a sign that reads simply "Anne Frank Huis", was one of the places we could not stop ourselves from visiting though we were "officially" on honeymoon in Holland. Being there was like re-living the pages from her diary again. The secret attic, the bookcase that covered the door to it, her life in hiding all came alive and so did the questions. All through, I kept wondering what my life was like at 15. And all I could remember was a cocooned childhood, still nursing the first crush of teenage, petty jealousies amongst girlfriends, sibling rivalries.................Guess, so would have been hers, had the world let it be.
The pages of her diary are replete with such girlie delights:
and a wisdom that belies her age:
"It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet, I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever-approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again.....I must uphold my ideals, for perhaps the time will come when I shall be able to carry them out." - Anne Frank
Shot at Amsterdam
32 comments:
you visited the annexe? it must have been heartrending, whenever I see her lovely smile and remember the candour with which she wrote her diary and the zest for life that she revealed, i can't believe the end she met.at times like that its hard to believe that everything happens for the best. but she seemed to have stuck to that policy even in more horrific conditions so I guess thats the message she left us, always hope for the best and believe that it will happen, even if it doesn't.
A great tribute - she & her diary will live forever.
Beautiful photo of her.
Yes did. I did not want this post to be dark....I tried hard, really for her writings were far from dark.
So many lost lives, young and old alike. It's sad to think that if she lived, she'd be retired now, perhaps sitting in a cozy room somewhere, surrounded by grandchildren. I hope these stories are never forgotten so at least the memory of those who were murdered will always live on.
The senseless killing has never stopped. Maybe in Europe, but it continues just as badly elsewhere. Its only that most people have stopped caring.
:-((
I taught her diary to middle schoolers. Haven't read it for awhile, but it definitely is timeless. It's not a dark entry; we need to be reminded
One of the books that has stayed in my memory for oh so many years. It is a touching memorial to a delightful girl.
I would have loved seeing her house and life for real.
The story (sad) of this girl in the heart of everything we, large and young... thanks to have us it cos remembered it well, to ponder on these dramas does always well to the soul!
What a wonderful post. This world is fortunate to have her writings so that we can learn...
Thanks Moi.
A beautiful tribute to Anne Frank on her birthday. Her spirit was amazing and inspiring, despite the horrors she faced. I read her diary many, many years ago. You have inspired me to read it again.
A very compelling post today. I like it a lot and she would be grateful had she a chance in life. What a tragic consequence of wars and politics.
I have 1 baby raccoon today and a pile of poop!
Brookville Daily Photo
I read this book so long ago... Still, she left her mark, something to think about, what can we do to make this world a better place...
So many of us have a connection with her, thanks to the story shared by her. The human exchange is an amazingly powerful thing.
I didn't realize that this was her birthday. Thanks for the reminder.
I, too, visited the Secret Annexe when I was in Amsterdam and found it moving beyond words.
Two other diaries most people aren't familiar with (and which I haven't yet read):
Two other recently-published diaries most people aren't familiar with (and which I haven't yet read):
The Diary of Petr Ginz 1941-1942, written by a 14-year-old Jewish boy in Prague. Petr died in Auschwitz and his diary was just published.
The Diary of Rutka Laskier, a 14 year old girl who lived in Bedzin, Poland. She, too, died in Auschwitz and has been called the "Polish Anne Frank."
Indeed wisdom that belies her age. I have a copy of that book/her diary.
Beautiful tribute Moi. Thank you!
P.s
sorry i've took so long to answer your Question.. No he's better looking than me is and i like the quote you left about the apple not falling to far from the tree ;o]
My oldest daughter read and reread The Diary Of Anne Frank. She was totally drawn to her life.
I was also profoundly affected after visiting the Huis in Amsterdam, the same way I felt after my visit to Auschwitz.
"Lest we forget..."
Lovely tribute, Moi.
A strong post for this birthday. The Huis in Amsterdam is very moving, Never forget, and never that again...
I remember reading her diaries as a child...many years agobut they made such an impact on me...one I've never forgotten.
Touching post, beautiful picture! The book had a powerful effect when I read it in my teens… The Huis I visited twice; in the early seventies and after the 1999 extension; I must confess that I was much more impressed the first time, when it looked like a house; not so much on the second, with too many objects to be sold…
Wow, I haven't read her diary in forever. Makes me want to go pick it up.
This is a very good post Moi. We need to be reminded often. Thanks for doing that.
Wow - so cool to read about her - thanks for posting that!
Joel
Oh, I will never forget reading that book. In fact, I've read it several times.
Thanks for bringing the memories back again and what a delightful young girl she was.
My PAD and
Guelph Daily Photo
I always wanted to visit "Anne Frank's House" and when I did a few summers back the book and her drawing of the attic came to life
is that a pic you took ?
I also have very powerful memories of reading her diary. Reminds me that I could give it to read to my 14-year old daughter. Timeless and absolutely necessary.
Thanks for this post!
Sandeepa, yes the pics were taken at her huis...
She is an inspiration. One can feel the hope that she felt.
We all must work to promote peace so everyone has hope in this world.
Hmmm I life in the Netherlands and never went to Anne-Frank's house in A'dam....such a shame...(i saw the movie......)
It's amazing.
Her diary has touched many hearts over the years. I read it long ago and it made a huge impression on my young mind.
She was an amazing little girl...so wise for her years. What cruel times they were.
Wonderful photo.
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