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Georgie St Clair's avatar

Watched on catch-up here in the UK — I absolutely adore listening to you read, so yes, please do more (I like to sketch as I listen, so I appreciate the audio format). I actually got goosebumps (and a little tearful) when I realised you were telling a story about your grandparents. What an incredible journey.

This essay really resonated with me, especially at a time when I’ve been feeling quite low about the state of the world — the rise of division, the sense of heaviness that sometimes makes me question the point of creating or sharing art at all. But as you reminded me, even in adversity, people still fall in love, laugh, go to school, make art, dance, and importantly, somehow find a way through.

My paternal family fled the Russian pogroms in the early 1900s, and my maternal grandparents, of Irish descent, lived for a time in Lahore, where my grandfather was born. I often think about them all and how, because of them, I’m here today: a proud mum of 3, with a loving husband and family, safe, well-fed, with the sun shining through my studio window as I write.

Life really is OK. It will be OK. And it is quite beautiful.

Thank you, Danny :)

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Varenikje's avatar

How can I be sure to not miss your live? Oh, apparently I figured it out!

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Jc's avatar

Thank you Danny for your live-essay about your grand parents. I needed to hear this!!!

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Barbara Delano's avatar

Danny, thank you so much for this week’s newsletter. I downloaded the Kindle version of your mother’s memoir and can’t wait to read it. Your essay prompted many thoughts and feelings in me. Perhaps what resonated the most was your grandparents’ constant drive to move forward, to help others, to create a beautiful family and community in the face of adversity that could have been overwhelming. Their faith in the sanctity of our existence humbles and inspires me. Thank you so much again for sharing.

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Deb Marvin's avatar

Thank you for sharing this remarkable history with us. If you get a chance, there is a children's book "Through Eva's Eyes" about a dear family friend, Eva Unterman, a holocaust survivor and also an artist, written and illustrated by her granddaughter, Phoebe Unterman. Consider writing and illustrating a book Danny to share your remarkable history! Looking forward to reading your mother's book. All best and Shabbat Shalom! Deb Marvin Austin Texas

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Monica Ray's avatar

Absolutely beautiful ! I love listening to you in general, so to have this is the icing on the cake ! Your voice is amazing and to say I enjoyed this is an understatement! Bravo ! Keep 'em coming !

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Karin Ovari's avatar

It was a delight to listen to your reading (even though I had read your essay). I am off to purchase your mum's book.

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Peg's avatar

I much prefer the video to the emails! Lately I have beem skipping the emails to my shame...

so bring on the substack! I love listening to your very unique and heartfelt storytelling.

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victor bubba's avatar

I do prefer to read your essays, but having said that I did enjoy this ❤️

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PamC's avatar

I read this essay yesterday..somehow the story came more to life when you narrated…what a story…much like many who suffered through WW2 and survived.

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GEORGE DALTON's avatar

As usual, Danny, this is great. I'm not sure which one I prefer - live video or written. This is the first live video I have watched. I've been getting your written essays for some time now and have enjoyed them. I have a file on my laptop where I keep the ones that strike me the most—I had to offload a bunch of them the other day as I was running out of room. :) Anyway, I am now set to both watch and read, so I'm good to go.

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Roberta Westbrooks's avatar

Thank you for sharing this awesome story of survival. We appreciate all the good things our ancestors before us did for our survival.

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Jane Hart's avatar

Thank you Danny! We do need to be reminded that we can do this !

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Maggiep's avatar

Thank you Danny! This was wonderful to listen to. We are all survors arent we? I am grateful

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Trish Woods's avatar

Thank you for sharing and reading your essays. It is so nice to have a visit with you. I appreciate seeing you and hearing you read. 🤗

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Wendy Ball's avatar

Thank you for having the courage to try yet another way of sharing…and what an amazing story. It is timely. I’m grateful for your sharing.

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