15 Comments
User's avatar
Anne Silver Mondinot's avatar

Thank you for sharing this story. As you told it, I could see everything unfolding like scenes from a movie, especially when the “great escape” happened. How fortunate everyone was! Bravo for keeping this story alive and passing it on. As a civilization, we need to remember and honor stories like this one.

Expand full comment
Manuela Thames's avatar

I agree. Thank you, Anne!

We all have stories and many people have crazier stories, but sometimes I cannot believe what some of my family members experienced. It has give me so much more compassion and love for them.

I hope I will be brave to share more, but I am not sure. Maybe someday. It really is stuff that feels like a war movie at times, except my own father was in it.

Expand full comment
Lin Gregory's avatar

Thank you for sharing this Manuela - it is so important to share these stories, to keep the history of what happened to our families alive for future generations and to understand our own lives. It's hard to imagine the loss and turmoil families went through in turbulent times like WW2, and how it all affected them.

I realised too late the importance of getting our parents to tell us everything about their lives before they pass...I have found out so much about my father and mother which I would love to talk to them about but cant...maybe one day I'll post a little about that here.

Expand full comment
Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you for your comment. Means a lot…

I would love to read it if you share it in the future.

Expand full comment
wildflower's avatar

Thank you for sharing this part of your story and for sharing these beautiful images, Manuela!!

Expand full comment
Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you for reading!

Expand full comment
Marcel Borgstijn's avatar

Can't say it is a great story, but it definitely is a true story and an important one to share. Thanks for telling us. I think there is great potential in turning this story into a photographic project but it will be hard.

Expand full comment
Manuela Thames's avatar

It seems like that, considering everything happening in the US and around the world right now. Crazy stuff!

Expand full comment
Manuela Thames's avatar

Oh, ok. That is for sure. Not great. But you are right about that, too: it is important.

Expand full comment
Marcel Borgstijn's avatar

Too bad we have to keep reminding people. As if we haven't learned anything from history.

Expand full comment
Manuela Thames's avatar

Hey, I got my second “negative” comment on here. I guess, it is about time. :)

I always appreciate honesty though.

Expand full comment
Marcel Borgstijn's avatar

I wouldn't call it negative. It was more that your grandfather being held captive and the split of Germany isn't particularly a great thing.

Expand full comment
Manuela Thames's avatar

I think I really misunderstood what you were trying to say. Now I get it.

Expand full comment
Juliette's avatar

Manuela, thank you so much for sharing this story. I read through to the emotion of the "escape" and thought about how much of those feelings are in your own DNA, your own heart and mind. How can that energy not be passed on? And you are doing something with it, which is to express it artistically through your writing and those amazing creations, photographically! Wonderful work.

Expand full comment
Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you so much, Juliette!

Your comments always make me feel like you get me. :) I appreciate you.

Expand full comment