The Apple Does Not Fall Far From The Tree

Submitted by Steven Hess (United States), Aug 11, 2018 at 11:16

Dear Daniel,

I will drop the "Dear Doctor" this time because I just read your father's obituary and your commentary. It moved me beyond formality. Of course, I had no idea your father had died. News, other than the the previous night's shootings does not travel to Rochester. So very belated condolences on an extraordinary life. Among other things it gives confirmation that the apple does not fall far from the tree.

I guess, I have mentioned to you that my family spent a year-and-a-half in Bergen Belsen. At eighty, I am forgetful at times...a lot of the time. We were among the 5% of Jews deported from Holland who survived and one of the few families to survive intact. My sister and I are among the handful of twins to have made it. It is one reason I am such and admirer and supporter of your work

When we came to America on January 1, 1947, my parents got my sister and I on deck at the break of a freezing dawn to see the Statue of Liberty. They were crying. I only knew it was special. Last month my twin and I met in NY for a family gathering she had planned. Part of it was a Manhattan cruise where Marion ("Zus") and I, "Stefan," relived the moment over 7 decades ago.

I loved the comment of the "non-practicing, Orthodox Jew". When I was young, living in Queens, the saying was, there were four important Jewish Holidays: Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and September 15th--the day the new Cadillacs came out. My childhood remembrance was of my father kicking me under the table at the Seder, when it came to "the wicked son". It has kept me "non-practicing" ever since.

Daniel, your father's shoes that you are walking in are a perfect fit, and comfortably broken in.

With admiration and respect,

Steve

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