Anya
Recognized Mortal
It's so comforting to wake up in the morning and realize that the sun is shining.
Posts: 129
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Post by Anya on Jan 13, 2010 12:20:29 GMT -5
I don't know how many of you know who this lady was, but if you have read Anne Frank's Diary, the name should be familiar to you; she is mentioned several times in the book. Miep Gies was one of the people who helped the Frank and van Pels families to hide in Amsterdam during WW2. And she was the one who saved Anne's diary after the hiders were betrayed and taken away. I read her story in the book she wrote, Anne Frank Remembered. Reading what she and the other helpers did every day to take care of the hiders was a really touching and deep experience; I can't help but admire how brave people can be in such a distressing situation. Gies said many times that she was not a hero; she simply did what was necessary at that time, and there were people who did even more. However, I hold deep respect for her and her memory. Today I read in the newspaper that she has now died, at the age of 100. I was quite stunned and sad to learn this, but I guess it was her time to leave. Here is the BBC article, and here, if you're interested, is a link to her official website. May she rest in peace.. |
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Post by Ken'ichi on Jan 13, 2010 17:32:04 GMT -5
As I read your post it all sounded familiar to me, then it struck me when I came across Anne Frank and looked it up on Wikipedia. Yes, I'm familiar with this story and I've read about it before and the story just saddened me at what Anne Frank went through, and I respected Miep Gies for her heart on helping the family for two years before they were discovered and taken away.
It's sad to hear she passed away, but it's touching to know that she's in a better place, and most possibly meeting Anne Frank once again after so many years.
Rest in peace, Miep Gies. While you don't consider yourself a hero, many people see you as one for your bravery and kind heart.
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Post by Blaise Zebrataur on Jan 13, 2010 17:39:18 GMT -5
I saw the movie and read the book when I was still going to school.So I remember the story of Ann Frank and all of that stuff.
Its very sad to hear that Miep Gies has passed away,but she lived her life to the fullest,to age 100.
R.I.P. Miep Gies,you will be missed in this world.
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Post by czarine on Jan 14, 2010 16:01:56 GMT -5
(I want to hear you guys pronounce Miep Gies now...) I'm so sorry for that woman.  At least she got to live a long life. I don't know if it was happy, but it sure was long. She went through a lot, and now her time to rest has finally come... I am surprised we didn't hear anything about this at school today, considering WWII and Anne Frank is a very touchy subject over here in the Netherlands. Anyway, R.I.P. Miep Gies. |
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Anya
Recognized Mortal
It's so comforting to wake up in the morning and realize that the sun is shining.
Posts: 129
|
Post by Anya on Jan 15, 2010 10:29:19 GMT -5
At least she got to live a long life. I don't know if it was happy, but it sure was long. I understand her life was happy before the war and the friendship with the Frank family seemed to be really giving for her. She even had her own beautiful love story with Jan Gies whom she married and lived with until his death. The war was really hard time and no doubt she was exhausted, not to mention the grief when her friends perished. But I'm sure she was able to be happy even after the war. In the official website's FAQ someone has asked her how she's doing and her reply is: " Well, it may be somewhat surprising that I, 99 years old, mentally and physically in good shape, still run my own 3-room apartment, often enjoying the company of my son Paul, his wife Lucy and their three kids. I feel a very blessed woman!" |
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Post by czarine on Jan 15, 2010 11:16:04 GMT -5
At least she got to live a long life. I don't know if it was happy, but it sure was long. I understand her life was happy before the war and the friendship with the Frank family seemed to be really giving for her. She even had her own beautiful love story with Jan Gies whom she married and lived with until his death. The war was really hard time and no doubt she was exhausted, not to mention the grief when her friends perished. But I'm sure she was able to be happy even after the war. In the official website's FAQ someone has asked her how she's doing and her reply is: " Well, it may be somewhat surprising that I, 99 years old, mentally and physically in good shape, still run my own 3-room apartment, often enjoying the company of my son Paul, his wife Lucy and their three kids. I feel a very blessed woman!" Ah, that's good to hear.  Thanks, Anya. |
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Anya
Recognized Mortal
It's so comforting to wake up in the morning and realize that the sun is shining.
Posts: 129
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Post by Anya on Jan 16, 2010 11:11:19 GMT -5
You're welcome, Czarine, I'm glad that was helpful. ^^
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At least she got to live a long life. I don't know if it was happy, but it sure was long. She went through a lot, and now her time to rest has finally come...
Thanks, Anya.