Starlet

the world is so much better when you’re thinking of others, not just yourself. A perfect mix of the two. You need to take care of yuorself, but help others too.

Good luck. :)

yeah! I did it!

I wrote to him…AND HE WROTE BACK TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My letter:

22 September 2005

Dear Elie Wiesel,

Of all the people in contemporary history, you certainly stand out as one of the most memorable and by far one of the most courageous of people. You survived so much more than any of us could imagine; well, at least I certainly couldn’t imagine witnessing what you’ve witnessed and responding as courageously as you have.

So far, I’ve only read Night but I know you’ve written around 40 books altogether, and though I’ve only read Night once, I figured it out right then and there: you are incredibly brave. You have immeasurable courage, and you are worthy of so much admiration because you’re a regular person that has overcome extraordinary things and then you did the impossible, and flourished despite it.

In all honesty, and in the most accurate words, I adore you. I think you are such an inspiration to everyone. You have so many valuable things to say, and I just got such an impression of you from Night that I knew I must write you, and declare my admiration. I can hardly wait to learn more about you so I can find more things to look up to, more comforts in you undeniable strength, and gain more wisdom through your words. You mean an incredible deal to me, and I’d be quite grateful if you replied, even if it was short, but anything would be wonderful. I hope that all is well and that you and your family and friends are good health and good spirits.

The thing that started it all was not just reading Night, but when I printed out a picture of people being liberated from Auschwitz, and showed it to my teacher, she pointed you out and I could hardly believe it! As soon as I saw the look on your face, I was immediately in awe of you, because as I saw it, I recalled a passage near the end of Night where you describe seeing yourself for the first time since you’d left your home, describing how ghastly and cadaverous you looked. However, looking at that picture, I didn’t see what you saw—instead, I saw someone that was so brave, and had this one brilliant glint of life in his eyes, despite everything those eyes had seen, the glint remained. It was beautiful. It showed the triumph of the human spirit, and your immense courage. I wish you all the luck in the world, and hope that you are proud of yourself, each and every day, for doing what you’ve done, and most of all, for being who you are: so compassionate, so charitable, so sensitive and yet bold, you are so many things to so many people and you should never forget how valuable you truly are.

Wishing you well,

S C

HE WROTE BACK!!

His reply:
April 3rd, 2006

Dear Stephanie,

Please forgive the delay in responding, perhaps oweing to my constant travels. I so enjoy reading letters from young people. Thank you so much for your thoughtful letter.

I am moved by your kind words, but please know that my surivial was purely by chance. I did not do anything special. My struggle now has been to give meaning to my survial…

I believe one who hears a wittnes becomes a wittness in return. You can be an effective voice for memero, and I know you will be.

With every good wish—

Elie Wiesel

Amazing.