An Afternoon With Dr. Edie Eger

I was sitting on a bench waiting for Dove library to open one Sunday afternoon, and I got to talking to the lady sitting next to me.  She asked if I was there for the "event."  I said I didn't know about any event, so she went on to tell me.  Dr. Edie Eger, therapist, speaker and author was there to speak about her remarkable life.  She was an Auschwitz survivor.   Through fate or whatever you believe, she and her older sister were liberated by the 71st infantry in May, 1945.  Her story was riveting.

I came home from her 90 minute talk absolutely drained.  Stories about meeting Elie Wiesel at Auschwitz, dancing for her life for Josef Mengele, and later being introduced to the writings of Victor Frankel, who became her mentor, were just some of what she shared with us.  Her life is focused on love, kindness and helping others.  That is the way she survived life in the concentration camp, and that is how she lives her life.  She says she has spent decades forgiving herself for surviving, when so many others died.

Another takeaway from her talk was this:  learn to love yourself.  You are the only person you will know for your entire life.  Others, like parents, spouses, siblings  and children, will be with you for part of your life, but not all of it.  Don't rely on a husband or boyfriend to make you happy.  Make yourself happy.

Edie Eger recently turned 90.  She is funny, witty and engaging.  You can see her on TED Talks.  You can also read her new memoir, The Choice.  I haven't read it yet, but it should be great.  She has so much to share, from her horrific childhood, to academic and financial success in the U.S., to suggestions for living a full life.  She is truly an inspiration.