It is the story of survival in the midst of madness. It is also the story of a young man who's spark of hope continued to glimmer while the
world, as he knew it, crumbled around him.
It is a story we have heard many times, but perhaps never truly pondered the ramifications. Woven in the threads of the experience are
life's lessons for the world, and each of us.
The mother and sister were separated from father and brother the day they were taken from their home. Somehow, father and son
managed to cling to each other, even through a period of "selections".
As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, Elie Wiesel was pained to see a close friend betray his father in order to ensure his
own survival. He made a vow to himself to never regress to this state. As the war was nearing it's end, the SS moved the entire camp
on a forced march to the final destination, Buchenwald.
Struggling through the snow in a bitter cold night, the young man could see his own bloody footprints with each step. Those who would
slow down, or fall would be shot on sight.
It was during this forced march that the young man's father began to stumble. He was barely able to speak audibly the words that he could
not go on. The young man suddenly found himself with the fleeting thought that his father was a hindrance, an obstacle to his own survival.
Thus, he came to the realization he may become that which he feared most, totally focused on 'self' to the exclusion of all he cherished. Father
and son did go on and were among the survivors.
The lessons for ensuing generations become clear, both for nations and individuals. As one who is also concerned with the transgender
community, it occurs that we can allow our own lives to become focused on 'self' to the exclusion of others. We speak of acceptance and
tolerance, but can allow our own innate prejudices to show anything but tolerance towards those who are not quite the same as we, or whom
we perceive as somehow detrimental to our personal goals.
It is a hurting world out there, including outside the 'community', and it needs all the nurturing any of us are able to give it. One of the absolutes
in life is that in encouraging others, we are encouraged. By offering genuine empathy to others, our lives become about much more than 'self'.
The story is also a lesson in hope. From the midst of madness, came good. Through his outreach, Elie Wiesel has left a legacy (thankfully in
his lifetime) that will continue to teach the lesson of history, but also the lesson of the spirit that is planted within each human heart to future
generations, if only we will listen.
Speaking in terms of the transgender community again, there is a myriad of support groups and outreach efforts today that were begun many
years ago by courageous people who had the courage to stand up for what they knew to be right. These efforts began in a time when it was
not safe to proclaim that it really is okay to be who a person is, no matter who a person is.
Thus, as with the story of Elie Wiesel, but on a smaller scale, from something difficult can result a legacy that is positive and uplifting, and
continues today. The simplest act can have a ripple effect on the future in ways we may never know.
In the larger context, the fundamental issue is not that of the transgender, or any other community. The issue is simply human dignity.
As with so many worthwhile efforts in life, we stand upon the shoulders of those who have gone before us.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were able to live our lives in such a way that our shoulders provide a sufficiently strong foundation upon which
others may some day stand?
Pamela Jones - August, 2006
"Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the center of the universe". Excerpt from Elie Wiesel Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech - 1986.