Life Saving Boots

            As Joanne’s highly talented fingers floated across the keys of a baby grand in the corner of my first studio on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, I tried in vain to keep the ten to twelve students in line, feet turned out and working on their new ballet exercises in front of the mirror   I noticed one of the parents speaking in low tones to Joanne and at the same time, saw her big gray eyes becoming as huge as saucers! My curiosity could stand it no longer.

            After class, we both listened with fascination to this amazing woman who had spent four years in various concentration camps in Germany.  Yes, her name was Gerda Klein, the mother of one of my lovely students.  The unbelievable story of the horrors of her life under Nazi regime will long live in my memory as a reminder of man’s inhumanity to man, and of the courageous human beings, whose lives will always be remembered as heroic victims enduring torture, degradation, massacre and horrific atrocities under the rule of a madman. 

            Gerda told us many stories of her early treatment at home, the family’s gradual harassment, and the day her father, with great foresight, told her to “wear a pair of boots” before she was taken away.  She admitted later, it saved her life on the forced “death march.”   After four years, reduced to a near-skeleton and with completely gray hair – rescue by the Americans!  A  poignant love story followed; she married the young lieutenant who led her to freedom.  Her life since, has become an inspiration for others. 

            Later, Gerda’s book “All but My Life”, found  a place in our home library and was probably read by many of my children.  It has since disappeared but I hope to replace it someday, for I truly cherish the memory of this personal encounter with this survivor of outstanding courage.

            Gerda will receive the Medal of Freedom from the elder President Bush and President Obama early next year. I would give anything to be a “fly on the wall” at that ceremony and later ask Gerda Klein if she remembered that teen-age ballet teacher and her lovely pianist from years ago. I think she would.