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      A week ago, I met my brother Matthias for the first time on zoom. It is 11 am my time, 8 pm his time in Germany. Having not seen him and my sister in 3 years, I am tickled, a bit giddy. Since the pandemic, we’ve been having phone conversations more often, about every two months. To see him on the screen felt surprisingly close, as if no time had lapsed since 2019. We both laugh with delight. There he is, present, curious, open to listen, share, and ponder the world, the war, history and culture in Germany, Europe and America. 

Proudly I show him the re-issue of Bob’s Black Lives, White Lives that I had worked on so hard, lay-out and all. Knowing he has been working on his own book – his first – I ask and he surprises me with the digital cover. Date of release will be July 1, 2022. Proudly I am sharing here. 


Questions, still in Need to be Asked 

Conversations with Parents and Grandparents – Stories of Resilience written by Life  

 

Matthias just retired from 20 years of teaching at a college for social work and special education pedagogy, guiding students to become social workers and therapists in the field of disability. Still doing supervision and consulting, he finally though has had the time for writing his book. His students are from many cultural backgrounds, and he guided them through the process of engaging in intergenerational conversations with parents and grandparents, asking how the elders overcame hardship, learning how to listen with open mind and heart to the stories, and harvesting lessons of resilience. As an inspiration for hope and strength in difficult times. Just Beautiful. 

Big Congratulations, Matthias!  

Can’t wait for you to send a copy to me, so I can read… 

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