3rd from the left.

Over the weekend I spent time recording an interview of sorts with my Grandfather. It was more or less just a conversation, I guess, in which he explained his childhood in Nazi Germany and his experiences from the Second World War. While it is interesting enough in its own right, what really intrigued me was the amount of information that I recorded that nobody from my family had heard before.

For me, it really put into perspective how lucky my Grandfather is to be alive and in one piece, and to have had a relatively happy and fortunate life in Australia, if you could call it that. He’s certainly been through a lot. It’s obvious where the traits in his character come from. Resilience, determination, loyalty, care and love. I guess those kinds of experiences shape your character, for better or worse. In this case, it’s a positive shaping.

I did not realise the extremity of the situation that he was in. I had heard many stories before, and read accounts and reflections penned by his hand. But listening to the words straight out of his mouth made it sound so much more horrific and personal.

It is astonishing how clear his memory and recollection of these events is. For someone who is in his 80’s he’s exceptionally sharp. Again, I guess when the events in your life are so powerful, it imbeds vivid images in your mind. Staying active too, helps.

To make top off the afternoon session of recording, he received a phone call from a German friend. A fitting end, I guess, to a day of story telling, and reflection of the past.

As of late, the history of my family and their past has become something that I value highly. I guess as people age it becomes more of a pressing issue, to find some way to preserve the great stories and tales and maintain memory and record that in a way immortalises the story. It is best not to forget some things, like where you come from. What shaped you. What made you It helps you understand someone, and makes it simple to feel empathetic towards them.

I think learning a little about others beginnings is something that helps you put your own life in perspective, whether you realise how much easier you have it, how much harder they had it, how much good someone has done, how great their character is. Perhaps there would be less conflict in the world if everyone understood and respected where everybody else comes from, and what their story is.