Tuesday, May 5, 2009

I remember Irene




Irena Sendler - who recently died at 98 years of age, was a 2008 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee


During WWII, Irena was given permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a plumbing/sewer specialist. She had an ulterior motive.

Being German, Irena knew what the Nazi plan was for Jews.

Irena smuggled out infants in the bottom of a tool box she carried in the back of her truck. She used a burlap sack for bigger children.

She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers wanted nothing to do with her dog. The barking covered noises of the infants and children.

Irena managed to smuggle out and save 2500 infants and children, before she was caught! The Nazi's broke both her legs and arms, and beat her severely.

Irena kept a record in a jar buried under a tree in her back yard of all the children she smuggled out.

After the war, she tried to locate all parents that may have survived to reunite families, but most had been gassed.

The children she could not reunite were placed with foster families or adopted.

Irena was nominated for the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize. She was not selected. Al Gore won for a slide show on Global Warming.

19 comments:

twinkle teaches said...

Irene had a beautiful smile and what a kind soul. A very touching blog post! :)
tina

Donna said...

OMG!!! Al Gore...what a JERK! Go to: gradegov.com
This is the best way to let them know what we think...I got this off of Fox News this morning...be patient with trying to get on...it's Busy!!hughugs

Anonymous said...

What a courageous and loving spirit this woman had. It is so good that she was nominated but not so good that she didn't win. Her smile is so radiant.

Blondie ~ Vintage Primitives said...

Thanks Ladies!
When I grow up I want a beatific gleam in my eye like Irene. I am certain that she heard, Well done, thou faithful servant.
And Donna, as far as Gore winning, just look at the globe we are living on and I rest my case. So glad that I am only visiting this planet.

Nicola said...

Thank you for this post - it was really touching and inspiring.
Nicola xx

a portland granny said...

I think there was a movie done on this lady on CBS a couple of weeks ago. If not her, then one doing the same kind of ministry. She had a wonderful ministry to those children.

Thanks for sharing her bio with us.

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

I remember that! Steamed me up then, steams me now.
But her prize is eternal, and she had a much greater impact on the "globe."

Cookie said...

what a true and devoted heart - Irene has many crowns now!

thank you for sharing about this giving and loving soul, blondie!

Debra said...

What a touching post-I had not heard of her...
It's true-she does have crowns now.
~Debra

Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

Stories like this proves there are angels among us. :> )
All the Nobel Peace Prizes in the world won't give Al Gore a free pass into Heaven. Let him keep his precious award, sweet Irena has somethin' so much more.
~Peanut

plain*worker*primitives said...

Well, maybe she didn't win here on earth but in heaven she is blessed with things we can't even begin to imagine!! I'd rather be blessed there than here :)
Thanks for posting this, Blondie Oh hey!!! I wanted to stop by and invite you over for my giveaway :)
Lots of love,
melissa

Snugglebug Blessings said...

Al Gore reminds me of a deer in the headlights. Nobodys home. The earthly reward is nothing compared to the crowns Irene was given in heaven and that is what counts. A lady we should all try to mimic and be like. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Mothers day!
Blessings,

Cathy

Cheryl said...

I love her. LOVE her. I remember reading about her a few years ago and IMHO she blew AL GORE away. We should all be so courageous.

twinkle teaches said...

Dropping by to say howdy. :)
tina

urban craft said...

This is a wonderful post and I could only aspire to be a women like Irena. I don't think that you wanted your comment board to turn into a political bashing though. Everyone can contribute to this world in all different ways. Your blog is a wonderful read. Thank you.

Sarah said...

I love this. Bravo, Irena, and RIP. Cheers, Mom, for passing the story along.
Your a true storyteller.

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

I watched the Hallmark special on her and was so moved by her spirit.
xoxo Nita

P.s great post

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

True rewards are stored and saved for us in Heaven, and I'm sure Irene got a bucket full when she got there. I, too, saw the movie a couple of weeks ago, and I wondered if I would have the courage to do what she did! I had an aunt in Europe that hid Jewish folk in her home while entertaining Nazi soldiers with tea and homemade cookies in her kitchen! All of these people are way more deserving than Al Gore. . . and most of them? We will never know their names! Thank God, there are still people who make a difference every day by doing the right thing!

Cora

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Tragic. What is the world coming to when Al Gore wins over this beautiful and compassionate and brave woman. Sigh. Well, we can be sure that she is getting her just rewards up in heaven right now! God Bless her!
Smiles, Karen