I had never thought about becoming a German citizen until my kids wanted the option of working in Europe if they should choose to. As Jews my grandparents were forced to sell their prosperous Chocolate business in Berlin and escaped the genocide. In today’s @fthtsi I write about returning to Berlin and finding my history and forgiveness in a country that I had been brought up to shun. We had nothing German in our home as children. Other than the picture of my grandparents all these images have just been found in the research for this piece. The factory, the Nazi confiscation document, the new SS owner of the factory in his Hugo Boss leather coat in front of one of my grandfathers Chocolate lorry’s. It was an emotional and fascinating piece to write. Thank you @jellison22@mariashollenbarger@rashakahil@fthtsi@barbora.lundgren and special thanks to my amazing researcher Yana Slavova.
This weekend in @fthtsi arts issue I got to hang out at home with the extraordinary Dame Judi Dench. At 90 years old she is funny and full of stories and mischief but don’t take my word for it, I asked a group of people who know and love her to share their stories about their wonderful friend. What a legend! 📷 @jodyrogac shawl Denis Colomb @moukimoulondon H&M @emmadaymakeupartist
Such a beautiful goodbye to Maggie Smith today. It was warm and funny and full of love and brilliant eulogy’s , with the best hymns bringing belted out by all. It was poignant but not sad because hers was a life so richly lived. I knew her because of Robert’s decades of working with her but I adored her. Molly was traumatised when she first met her as she knew her as the terrifying housekeeper Mrs Medlock in The Secret Garden! Maggie was as funny and sharp as it gets. One of the greats. ❤️🕊️❤️
A few months ago I was sobbing on the shoulder of @jellison22 whilst sitting outside a cafe. I had no idea how I was going to get through the experience of Robert’s impending chemotherapy and the impact it would have on me and his kids. I was terrified. I told her that the irony was that Bob was involved in fundraising for @maggiescentres and yet I had never been. Jo immediately suggested I get my arse to one and write about my experience for @fthtsi . Not only did she set me on the path to an experience that changed my life and saved my sanity - a bit!- but she also gave me the opportunity to write about it which in itself was part of the therapy I needed. I will forever be grateful to Jo for her suggestion that morning. I hope anyone who is going through this kind of shitty experience realises from reading this that there is amazing support out there for patients but equally for their families and friends to be found at @maggiescentres . This is a tough experience but I have been carried. Thank you @lauraelee_maggies #Troy Chase @marciablakenham@fthtsi 📷 @cathykasterine and of course @jellison22 ❤️❤️❤️
Three German citizens. It’s been a long journey, not just for us. Thinking a lot about my wonderful grandparents Kurt and Anita Lewandowski whose lives were uprooted and who found refuge here and my heart goes out to all those today who are still having to flee their homes and their countries. 🕊️☮️
