My Lithuanian Holocaust Survivor Grandmother—

BEFORE: Hot water burbled in samovars. You strolled cobblestone streets, clicking your heels. DURING: You sipped grass soup. Dug the ditch for your murdered mother. AFTER: You slaved stitching stockings in sweatshops. My alcoholic grandfather cracked open your skull with a cast-iron skillet. You danced at Roseland Ballroom, smelling of bleach and herring, wearing tangerine-colored wigs. You played Ken so I could be Barbie. Fed me Golden Delicious. Sang lullabies to my sons. You screamed in the hospital, “Mara, the SS are coming. Hide!” I kissed your forehead. Vowed I’d be okay. You closed your eyes.

Dr. Tamara MC is a child marriage, cult, and trafficking survivor/advocate.  She is revising her debut memoir, CHILD BRIDE, about her child marriage at 12, for which she seeks representation. Her work has appeared in Salon, Ms. Magazine, The Independent, Parents, Food52, Motherly, and more. Follow her on Twitter @TamaraMCPhD or Instagram @tamara_mc_phd.

Photo Credit: Paul Kelly

15 Responses to “My Lithuanian Holocaust Survivor Grandmother—”

  1. Logan says:

    I love this story because it’s very deep down and meaningful. kind of makes me shed a tear.

    Thank you so much for the outstanding story, great work.

  2. RLSchine@aol.com says:

    Beautiful. Beautiful and brutal.

  3. rich gravelin says:

    Wow, such a powerful story; thank you for sharing it.

  4. Krista Schumacher says:

    Stunning indeed. This is beautiful and heartbreaking and brimming with feeling. Thank you for sharing.

  5. Alle Hall says:

    Stunning. Made my heart cloth.

  6. Carol Moler says:

    Remarkable woman, remarkable story, remarkable writer. ♥️♥️

  7. Carrie Kartman says:

    Wow, well done!

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