Forward
Births. Deaths. Love. Loss. Illness. Recovery. It seems all of human experience is found in this book. As a first-time author, Marja Henderson shines. Her authentic voice delights as she explains the foibles of youth. It draws indignation as she reveals betrayal. It pulls us forward into her family, and before you know it, you feel as though you are one of them. The van Liths and Bruggemans become a part of our own personal stories, and I, for one, have been honored to accept them into my life. I feel as though Mienus and Suze are my friends now, waiting for me to pass over to the other side before we continue our conversation.
There are so many stories about the Holocaust that it sometimes seems as though there can’t be any left to tell. And yet Marja has found a way to introduce the continuing story of our shared humanity in a new way.
Like millions of others, Marja’s parents suffered during World War II. Their faith in God stands out as a beacon of light through sorrow and uncertainty. A commitment to stay true to the faith drove them toward a better life and gave them strength to endure. A willingness to submit to God’s will above their own allowed them to withstand the buffetings of evil and decay.
Marja’s perspective as a second generation survivor picks up where many historians leave off. Driven by curiosity and compelled by the Holy Spirit, she spent many years gathering details from her parents before they passed away. These details complement historical facts as she provides a rich backdrop for the story of a family. Her family. But in a way, she tells the story of all families.
When I first met Marja, I thought that she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever met. Her eyes sparkle with a youthful energy, and yet somehow also an ageless wisdom that sees through you. As we discussed her intentions for this book, she consistently expressed a sense of sacredness. She knew that the book was driven by a higher cause, a heavenly cause.
Her dedication to this work has inspired me to document my own family immigration story. I watched her parents meet, marry, have children, and venture into their future. Then I watched as she did the same. I discovered patterns that echo my own experiences, and those of my ancestors. Marja manages to display universal truths through her writing in an almost effortless way. This was an enormous sacrifice for her, taking up years of her life. It has been a privilege to join with her in making sure the story of her parents and family is honored the way it deserves.
Long shall you live, my friend!
Heidi Scott, editor
Spokane Biography Writer
There are so many stories about the Holocaust that it sometimes seems as though there can’t be any left to tell. And yet Marja has found a way to introduce the continuing story of our shared humanity in a new way.
Like millions of others, Marja’s parents suffered during World War II. Their faith in God stands out as a beacon of light through sorrow and uncertainty. A commitment to stay true to the faith drove them toward a better life and gave them strength to endure. A willingness to submit to God’s will above their own allowed them to withstand the buffetings of evil and decay.
Marja’s perspective as a second generation survivor picks up where many historians leave off. Driven by curiosity and compelled by the Holy Spirit, she spent many years gathering details from her parents before they passed away. These details complement historical facts as she provides a rich backdrop for the story of a family. Her family. But in a way, she tells the story of all families.
When I first met Marja, I thought that she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever met. Her eyes sparkle with a youthful energy, and yet somehow also an ageless wisdom that sees through you. As we discussed her intentions for this book, she consistently expressed a sense of sacredness. She knew that the book was driven by a higher cause, a heavenly cause.
Her dedication to this work has inspired me to document my own family immigration story. I watched her parents meet, marry, have children, and venture into their future. Then I watched as she did the same. I discovered patterns that echo my own experiences, and those of my ancestors. Marja manages to display universal truths through her writing in an almost effortless way. This was an enormous sacrifice for her, taking up years of her life. It has been a privilege to join with her in making sure the story of her parents and family is honored the way it deserves.
Long shall you live, my friend!
Heidi Scott, editor
Spokane Biography Writer