Heroes aren't always lauded

repercussions of decisions made in the past

A kitchen table discussion.
Remembrance day weekend, 1994.

"They think she is a hero," she said,
with venom unbecoming
the polite housewife
I thought her to be.

"She is," her daughter said simply.
"A medal won't bring back the dead,"
her mother spat,
with a shake of her perfectly coiffed head.

And all over the world,
people sat down to meals
that would not have been served,
save for one Dutch woman's courage.

Author's Note

A college friend of mine invited me for dinner at her home. The conversation turned to the elderly grandmother, whose entire family was wiped out for harbouring Jewish people in WWII. They saved hundreds, which in turn would translate into thousands of people alive today. She was awarded several medals from the Dutch, Canadian, and Israeli governments before she died. I was in awe of her. Her daughter, my friend's mother, on the other hand, was bitter, and felt the family should have just turned a blind eye to the Jewish people's plight. It was an odd moment for me.

Reviews

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Thank you for sharing that odd moment in poetic form… that certainly took a lot of courage, people like that make me proud to be an American.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you. I appreciate it. She was a Dutch(Danish) Canadian. I say Dutch because that is how she identified herself to me.

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

You are very welcome. Dutch Canadian, now that is quite the combination :)

[icelandicblue]

Anyone who reads Number the Stars know the incredible feat that the Danish people accomplished during WWII. I can understand a child's angst over a mother lost too. The world is bigger than any one of us and I am in awe of this one woman's courage. What would the world be if everyone turned a blind eye? It must have been a very odd moment for you.

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, it was. I am so inspired by this woman's story, and still, was so taken aback by her daughter's anger.

[NoelHC]

"It was the right thing to do." How many would have the courage of their convictions today? A moving vignette, and very thought provoking.

[Lyn Anderson]

I can only pray I would have that courage. I told my kids the story today. My daughter said "like laying down your life for family." I said, "No, sacrificing yourself and your entire family for strangers, because it was RIGHT."

[willweb]

How would they say it now? Awkward!!! That is sad that people have to be that way, so hateful or maybe jealous. Was the food good at least?

Good poem KLGoode. It is funny how life hands us these moments only to become poetic down the road somewhere.

[Lyn Anderson]

Well, yes, it is sad. She unfortunately was so selfish she could only think of her immediate family, grandfather, cousins etc. That is not what her mother nor any of the others in her family felt.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

that would be an uncomfortable moment...and i too feel she should be lauded for her courage and giving spirit.

and by the by...i like the way you set the table for Veteran's Day with this piece...you really had us there with you.

[Lyn Anderson]

Whenever I think of this tiny frail woman and all her family gave, I am moved to the point of tears. The only thing she said, "It was the right thing to do."

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and that is a Hero for sure.