The author, Georgia Hunter, did meticulous research on this book that is based on her grandfather's family. Even though this is a book of historical fiction her careful research really brings to life the struggles of the Kurc family during World War II. The story, which was largely left untold until Georgia discovers the stories during a family reunion, is one of struggles, hardship, love and the endurance of the human spirit.
Book Summary
The book begins in 1939 as the Kurc family gathers for the Passover in their home in Radom, Poland. There are three generations gathered, and they are only missing Addy who is working in France.
At first the issues of the world seem remote, and they struggle to lead normal lives even as the threat of war looms. The dinner conversation consists of talks of babies and romance and everyday life.
The peace that they knew will soon be destroyed and the family will be forced to come to grips with the reality of the coming war. The family will be sent to the far ends of the world and be divided so that the main struggle and conversations will be their desire to stay alive and someday all be together again.
The author does a wonderful job of making you feel a part of each of the family members struggles and wanting to read on to find out how they will survive. There are members of the Kurc family sent to labor camps in Siberia and ghettos in their hometown when their beautiful home is taken from them. Other family members pose as Gentiles to survive, and one is able to escape the continent and travels to Brazil.
With the title of the book leading us to believe they all survive, I was always wondering how each one would survive the terrible struggles they endured.
This book was based on the actual lives of the authors ancestors which made it even more compelling. I highly recommend this New York Times bestselling book. It is a true testament to the human spirit that can survive and thrive.
Miniseries made from Book
The book has been made into a miniseries. It premiered on Hulu in 2024. It stars Joey Kirs and Logan Lerman.
Book on Amazon
The book is available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audio book. We were the Lucky Ones
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Somewhere in this New Year I thought 2026 was going to be a little different. Why? Well, for starters my mind was telling me I should be making a plan for a New Year's Resolution, but my body was telling me a whole different story.
I've been told for ages that aging is not for sissies and while I was younger, I would laugh and think that's a crazy thing to say. But now that I am in that "older" category, I'm beginning to understand what everyone was talking about!!
We get glimpses of what will happen when and if we are/were lucky enough to look after our aging parents. We learn to help them do those little tasks that they find difficult. What we don't see is that one day (God willing) it will be us who are in need of that help.
Thank goodness there are so many "tools" out there, that benefit us as we are aging. Let's look at just a couple of these tools.
My first most important tool, is a really good pair of walking shoes. Shoes that fit nice, are easy to put on and take off, and give my feet the support they need. After all just because we are getting older doesn't mean that we should just sit down and not move. As a matter of fact, walking is the best exercise you can get for all ages, but especially as you are aging. So for me, those walking shoes are the " Skechers Slip In shoes". They are great shoes and I have one pair for walking and another pair for more dressy occasions. I have given up wearing dresses for the ease and comfort of trousers, so there is no need for me to wear high heels at any time. anymore. A small price to pay for comfort! But just for added convenience, they are so light on your feet that I know you will love them.
The Second tool that I would highly recommend for anyone who loves walking, but has just a little fear of falling, would be my Walking Poles. I have written about these poles before, but I must mention them again. These poles are wonderful for giving you that extra little bit of help with balance. While we are aging our sense of balance and our vision seem to deteriorate. These walking poles are amazing for help with easing that small difficulty. Once you start using them, you will find that you just don't want to go out without them. If you want to read more check out my "older" story here! Formally called Nordic Walking Poles, they are a must have in our home and our life.
My third tool for today is a Grabber, Reacher Tool! Just last year, I took a tumble and broke my shoulder. Yes, I did do that. It wasn't fun and the aftereffects were not a whole bunch of fun either. But the good news is that my shoulder still works. So I'm thankful for that. But the bad news is that my reach isn't what it used to be. So I find that many times I need just that little bit of extra help to get things into and out of the cupboard. Enter my new friend in the kitchen, the Grabber/Reacher tool! So no more excuses for leaving things on the counter for someone else to put away, grab the tool and put it to use.
All of these tools are good for younger people as well, they aren't made just for seniors. But if you have a senior in your life and they don't have some of these tools, they would make a great gift!
I have decided that the most important thing for me in 2026 is to be gentle with myself. Realize that aging is a gift that many don't get! It will take me a little longer to do the things that I used to do with ease. But, I'm still here to do them. Even if I do them a little slower and with some added help.
Aging is a process and each day a new challenge can and possibly will arise, so be ready and make it easier on yourself by using the tools that are out there!
Every day is a gift and we need and should be gentle with ourselves as we open our eyes to all kinds of new possibilities!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
As some of you may know my husband was diagnosed severe sight impaired
blind a while ago. We are still learning together how best to manage this
huge life change and how to maintain his independence and dignity.
Since then we have looked into and been guided towards tools and gadgets
that may be helpful.
When we think about what is helpful for people who are severe sight
impaired or partially sighted we often think of the big things like
specialist softwear or high tech gadgets, guide dogs and canes. It can all
actually be quite overwhelming.
However there is a very simple inexpensive tool that is actually very
useful and helpful and can make a huge difference in someone’s
independence.
In this article we will be using the terms sight impaired, blind, low vision, partially sighted and sight loss as these are the current acceptable terms in my country for people with sight loss. This may change over time and be different in different countries. No offence is intended by any of these terms.
What Are Bumpons Or Bump Dots?
An odd name i thought at first, but Bumpons as they are known in UK or Bump
dots in US and also called tactile markers, are brightly coloured, raised
rubber, plastic or silicone small sticky pads. They are commonly used by
people who are blind, partially sighted or have low vision and many senior people find them
useful too.
They are available in different sizes, colours, shapes and textures and
they’re designed to be felt easily with the tip of your finger. You can
normally buy them in sheets and they are very inexpensive and
versatile.
Despite being bright colours they are discrete and seem to become
background furniture very quickly. Most visitors to our home do not even
notice them, but they make a world of difference to my husband.
The Benefits Of Bumpons Or Bump Dots
There is no training required and using them becomes natural and intuitive very quickly. There is thankfully no technology to learn or be trained in and no short or long courses to go on which is a big bonus.
We can buy Bump dots in different colours, shapes and textures for unique purposes which again helps to differentiate objects, settings etc
They do not appear to so far at least have damaged objects or technology or in our experience upvc or appliances. I wouldn't stick them to wallpaper, photos or fragile surfaces though. We are careful when removing them from appliances and doors but so far have not experienced any damage.
How Do Bump Dots Or Bumpons Help A Person With Sight Loss?
They are easily stuck on to most surfaces, we simply peel off the sheet and
stick on, you don't need glue or anything else.
Once firmly in place Bump dots act as a cue to a person who can feel for it with their fingertip.
We can stick them onto most objects and they are very helpful to identify
settings, buttons or positions on appliances and other things.
These bumpons help my husband to navigate our home more safely and do more
things for himself that he would otherwise need to ask me to do. At first
they seem strange but we quickly learned and gained confidence.
Bump dots rely on tactile memory. This is the ability to recognise shapes and
textures by touch. When a person experiences sight loss, whether it is
gradual or sudden, touch often becomes a very important way of navigating
the world. Bump dots make this process a little easier.
Once we set up the bumpons we kept them the same type of bumpon in the same
place, so that my husband could learn and remember them.
I have to admit when we were faced with this sheet or orange round bumpons,
our first ones, we were a little unsure where to put them! However once you
start its hard to stop.
Bear in mind to be flexible, some surfaces may not take a bump dot as easily and some may drop off some surfaces, so it is in our experience a bit of trial and error, but not too much and we quickly found what worked for us. Make sure the surface is clean and dry first.
Also be very careful if your household has small children or pets. These are very small dots of material and could be easily swallowed so just apply a common sense attitude and keep out of reach.
So here is a list of just a few
examples.
Marking the front and back doors keyhole. This was actually the first
thing we did. This is crucial in the event of a fire, but also very useful
for everyday. To be honest this is useful for both of us in the event
smoke or fire obscures the vision of where the keyhole is and could be
lifesaving if the keys are not in the door at the time.
Identifying the front door key on a keyring- also very important as a
safety and security measure and saves the annoyance, embarrassment
or panic if you cannot find the correct key for the door. Also I am finding it very useful in the dark.
Marking key buttons on a remote control. This while not a safety feature,
can make life a little easier and more independent.
Marking the on/off button on a microwave. We have found digital
microwaves to be tricky to manage with his sight loss but a bumpon the on /off
switch is at least useful.
Identifying the common temperature settings on an oven dial. My husband
loves to cook, so we are still learning tips how to make this a continued
safe and enjoyable life skill and hobby. We adopt the attitude not
that he can't do it , but how can he do it safely. We are avoiding
all digital cookers as they are not user friendly for him.
Locating the power button on the blender. Our blender is new to
both of us so we chose one that would be simpler for sight loss and it is
working very well.
Identifying the boiler heat and water settings. We stick a bumpon on the
dial to the temperature we use most for the heating and the water. We currently do change this in winter ad summer but we are thinking of getting a
different size bump on to differentiate between winter and summer
settings.
Highlighting the preferred cycle on a washing machine, as we have two we
use a lot i put one bumpon for the delicate cycle and two bumpons for the
easy care cycle. However, ours is not the easiest machine for my husband as it is mainly digital, so we have found this more difficult to
manage. We are learning as we go and when we come to change machines will
bear his sight loss needs in mind.
Labelling shampoo and conditioner bottles, ours look so similar in the
bottles we have one for shampoo and two for conditioners. I have noticed
they can drop off from time to time if they get too wet on our bottles, or
pulled off accidentally, but are easily replaced and this removes the
frustration of accidentally washing with conditioner!
If you are sighted and trying to assist always be directed and led by the person who has low vision or sight loss.
A sighted person may place the dots, or a person with low vision may place the dots, whichever suits your situation.
Think where the bumpons would be most
useful. It really is best not to assume. A walk though of the home is very
useful or if that is too overwhelming one room at a time or just one
appliance at a time.
Find the place where you naturally place your finger to find controls or watch where the person with sight loss naturally places their finger to
find the control or keyhole or whatever and place the dot there, not where you think
it ought to be placed.
Try it out a few times to check it actually is in the
correct place and useful in that position.
If there is some vision or can see colours, choose
bright colours dots to contrast with the surface they are to be placed on
for example red or orange dots on a white background appliance do show up
really well for some people.
If you buy Bump dots with different shapes or different levels of raised
parts they are useful to differentiate between opposite functions for
example on a remote control.
With a mobile phone it can be useful to place a dot on the
emergency call button if there is a manual/tactile one. Likewise with a landline if it has
buttons to place a bump dot on the 9 button for emergency 999 calls if in UK or the 9 and 1 buttons for 911 calls if in US, or which ever countries code you use for emergency calls.
Always keep an extra sheet of bump dots in the house as inevitably they
will wear out in time and will need to be replaced immediately once the
person has got used to them, in order to retain independence.
If you travel it is useful to take a sheet with you to use temporarily
while in a hotel for example on the remote or the door. Just check with
the manager if its ok to place them and carefully remove before you
leave.
So for a little dot these bumpons or bump dots do a very important job and are
actually more empowering and independence giving than I first thought. When my husband first became blind we were introduced
to a lot of high tech, very expensive items, much of which are still in
the wish list. However, in fact these little bumpons have probably been one of the most useful
items of everything we got for sight loss in our home. If you are dealing
with sight loss or know some one who is, they may be well worth
considering.
Reviewing Understanding Bumpons or Bump Dots for People With Sight Loss By
Raintree Annie
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I'm pretty sure it was around 2005 when I wrote The Garden Lesson. I can't pin down the exact year, but I know what my life looked like then, and it was "omg, holy bananas." <---I feel another song lyric coming on!
I was deep in the thick of it.
I have four kids; my youngest was about five at that time, arriving as "God's gift," we call him, when I was in my 40th year.
My life wasn't just full, it was loud, fast, and relentless.
Every day felt like a sprint from morning until I collapsed into bed at night, already thinking about everything waiting for me the next day.
That season of life was stressful. There's no softer word for it.
I was juggling a big family, constant responsibilities, and the quiet pressure of finances that never quite stretched far enough. That's when I decided to include the common phrase "more month than money" in this piece. It wasn't poetic; it was literal. Very real.
I felt like I was always calculating, always trying to make things work, always telling myself to stay upbeat for my kids, even when my own nerves were frayed. I wanted to be steady. I tried to master my disposition, even when inside I felt pulled in a hundred directions.
The line "there are children to nurture, family to call, with my disposition mastered and sunny" is so real!
I remember feeling I had to put on a "good face" so my parents, my in-laws, and my friends wouldn't worry about me. So when I read that line today, I'm like, "yeah, that was so true back then." My parents worried anyway, but I just didn't want to add to it.
Carrying the World in My Heart, It's Just Who I Am
I've always been someone who carries the bigger picture in my heart, sometimes to my own emotional detriment. I still struggle with this. I've written some poignant pieces about suffering children and have yet to put them to music, because they're that real and bordering on blunt.
Children, especially, undo me. Children everywhere. Children who fall asleep without comfort, without security, without enough food or love. Even now, as I type this, I want to cry. I just can't with suffering children, I just can't! I want to hold all of them and tell them it will be ok, I've got you. I wish I could, I truly wish I could hold them all.
But here's a belief that gives me some emotional peace through all the suffering: those who suffer the most teach us the most. They are the teachers.
Back then, I had to regularly talk myself down from it, because the weight of knowing how much suffering exists can flatten you if you let it. And yet, it never left my mind, even when my own life felt like it was barely holding together.
That's where the song became more than a list of chores or responsibilities. It turned into a to-do list of the soul.
Yes, I was managing laundry, meals, schedules, and small moments of creativity squeezed in where I could, but I was also carrying worry, empathy, and a constant sense of wishing I could do more.
Humanity can be exhausting; however, I do believe most people are good. I even have lyrics for that sentiment, written long ago.
Since the 1980s, helping children has been my way of answering that ache without letting it consume me.
I'm learning, even at this age, that it's never about fixing everything; it's about doing what we can—one small act at a time.
The Garden Is Our Teacher - It Was The Ultimate Metaphor as Well For These Lyrics
What The Garden Lesson really reflects is that tension. The struggle of wanting to help the world while also needing to keep your own household afloat.
The challenge of caring deeply while still paying bills, raising children, and trying not to lose yourself in the process. I worried about everyone and everything, including my own family's future, and I carried it all as if it were my responsibility to fix, or at least acknowledge.
I know better today. At 65 years old, when I'm typing this, I understand to my core that we can't fix people, and we certainly can't "fix" everything. We can make a difference by being a good example - that's what I believe.
In the end, the song gently reminds me to settle down. To breathe. To remember that I am not my to-do list, not the worries I carry, not even the good intentions that sometimes exhaust me.
What grounds me are the small, real things. A flower growing where you didn't expect it. A smile exchanged without effort. A moment of connection. The quiet love we plant every day without realizing it. That, more than anything I ever checked off a list, is what defines who we are.
I hope you can feel the intended emotions in these lyrics. <3
I even made a little product for part of these lyrics, many, many years ago - the picture is our front yard.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Cooking a perfect, juicy rib-eye roast at home is surprisingly simple. Rib
Eye roast (also known as boneless prime rib) is hard to beat for a delicious
meal. For the last several years, this has become our New Year's Eve
tradition. This year, I tried a different method, and it was perfect.
After cooking prime rib several times, I can confidently say the following
method is the most rewarding.
Ingredients:
4-6 lb boneless rib-eye roast (ours was 7 lbs.)
olive oil, 2 tablespoons
sea salt, 2 tablespoons
coarse black pepper 2 tablespoons
2 sticks of butter, softened
4 cloves of garlic, minced
Fresh Rosemary, chopped (2 tablespoons or more)
2 more tablespoons of black pepper
Instructions:
Bring the meat to room temperature, remove the roast from the refrigerator 2 hours
before cooking. This helps it to cook evenly.
I coated the roast with garlic-infused olive oil and then seasoned it
with salt and black pepper.
I mixed the softened butter with minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and
rosemary, then spread it over the roast before placing it in the
oven.
I preheated the oven to 500 degrees and placed the roast in the oven for
15 minutes. This develops a flavorful crust.
After 15 minutes, I lowered the temperature to 325 degrees and cooked the
roast until the internal temperature was 130 degrees.
Removed it from the oven, covered with tin foil to let it rest for 30
minutes before slicing.
For planning, you can figure about 15-20 minutes per lb. after the
initial sear.
Rare: 120-125 internal temp.
Medium-rare: 130-135
Medium: 140-145
As you know, rib-eye roast is an expensive cut of meat, so be prepared to pay
a higher price. For me, it was worth every penny.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
