Miriam Kurtzig Freedman
author lawyer daughter
A timely and intriguing memoir about Thea, my mother.
Illustrated
Interview: “A memoir of extraordinary courage.”
Book clubs: suggested starters for discussion.
“I knew and admired Thea and this manuscript is a page turner. I hope you get a chance to read it.”
But why? People asked me. Why tell her story? Was she famous? A ground-breaker? No.
Most of us aren’t. And yet, it’s precisely because she was an ordinary woman who, it turns out, lived an extraordinary 20th- century life—that I set about to tell her story of resilience and love. She lived through challenging times that are relevant to us today. I found her story fascinating and inspiring. I hope that you will too!
About
When my mother died, she left lots of boxes in the attic. What’s in them?A scribbled note in her handwriting. News clippings yellowed with age and marked up with more notes. A diary filled with stories, reflections, and drawings. Another notebook. Another diary. Photos—some folded and crinkled-black & whites and in color. More notes. Oh! So many stories.
The contents of those boxes became the sources for her engaging and timely memoir – the 20th-century saga of twists and turns, highs and lows, that was my mother’s life.
Doesn’t everyone have treasure-filled boxes in attics, closets, or basements? Probably. Often they remain unopened, awaiting the perfect day to open them.
My perfect day came during the Covid lockdown. With time on my hands, I finally retrieved them, one by one, and pored through my mother’s inner life – her stories, intuitions, wishes, dreams. They also revealed her secret desire—to have her story told! That became my mission.
This book is historical, personal, and
fulfills a dream
Thea Dauphine Alice Simons Kurtzig Arons lived through some of the world’s darkest times: pre-World War II Europe, Palestine, the newly established State of Israel, and, then, 20th century America.
Raised in Holland in a comfortable, well-established family in the early 1900s, she moves to Palestine only to lose all contact with her family back in war-torn Holland.
After her beloved husband’s untimely death, Thea moves back to Holland with her two young children—I am one of them—to await the visas needed to immigrate to the US.
After almost two years of waiting, Thea and her children set sail from Rotterdam, Holland to New York harbor, past the Statue of Liberty. When they arrive at the century’s midpoint, America’s streets “are paved with gold” and the “Greatest Generation” lives and leads. Through Thea’s experiences as an immigrant, history springs to life. With her strength, determination, and courage to get what she wants, and “carry on” as her guiding motto, Thea works hard to live her dreams and thrive.
I wrote her story with great affection for my mother and with honesty about some of her shortcomings. Her story reveals the hopes, tragedies, and joys of a life well-lived. It is a compelling tale of maintaining optimism even at the highest cost.
And her secret desire? To have others know her story.Mission accomplished.
The Author and Co-Author
Miriam Kurtzig Freedman
I love family history and bringing its stories to life. This is my first memoir, following many books and writings in the fields of law and education—books, articles, and op-eds.
I am an educator, lawyer, author, speaker/ thought-leader, and uniquely for this memoir, Thea’s daughter. I hold a BA from Barnard College, an MA from SUNY Stony Brook, and a JD from New York University.
When not working, I enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, singing, crafting with found objects, cooking tasty soups, and hanging out at my favorite café. I live in the San Francisco Bay area with my husband of 58 years.
As Seen In:
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The Atlantic - online
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Wall Street Journal
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Education Week
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Education Next
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University of Chicago Law Review - online
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Journal of Law and Education
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Hoover Digest
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AASA School Administrator
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As Seen In: 〰️ The Atlantic - online 〰️ Wall Street Journal 〰️ Education Week 〰️ Education Next 〰️ University of Chicago Law Review - online 〰️ Journal of Law and Education 〰️ Hoover Digest 〰️ AASA School Administrator 〰️
As collaborator and coauthor of biographical works, award-winning author Susan Wolfe excels at helping busy people harness their signature stories. Susan holds a degree in Communication from Stanford University and completed a prestigious Wexner Heritage Foundation Fellowship in thought, history, and culture. Susan makes her home in Palo Alto, CA. Please visit www.susanwolfestoryguide.com.
“Why I devoted my time to writing my mother’s memoir and how it changed me.”
Writing this book about my mother’s life story unexpectedly helped me cherish my own life story.
I understand better how my family handled life’s challenges, tragedies, and dislocations. I’ve been able to reflect on how my father’s early death affected Thea, my mother, my little brother, and me; how coming to America opened amazing opportunities for us that I treasure; and how my mother endured losing her beloved son, my brother.
Through it all, I learned to appreciate the gift of Thea’s positive approach to life.
Flexibility/resilience/grit. Because life doesn’t always work out as one might wish, it’s up to me to go with what I’ve got. My strong and flexible mother counselled, “If you don’t have what you love, love what you have.” Yup!
Success and happiness. I learned that happiness often becomes a choice to make. It comes down to how I handle the good, bad, ugly. It’s often hard. Mother taught by example—her ever-buoyant approach to life.
And success? I’m still exploring it in new ways…
This project reinforced my belief that each life is truly unique and that everyone of us has a story to tell. Writing about my education on three continents helped to give me that perspective. My brother and I grew up in similar circumstances even as our lives turned out differently—in ways I explored more deeply. I was also struck by the progression of the many ways of parenting, of being married, and of work and career through the generations.
In short, taking this precious time to explore my mother’s life helped me gain understanding, appreciation, and gratitude for mine. Writing this book about my mother’s life story has been a labor of love.
I also hope that I’ve inspired you to take time to explore those boxes from your attic.
Enjoy the Book!
Hear Miriam Speak!
Call me! I’m available to speak about this extraordinary 20th century saga and to encourage others to explore the boxes hidden in their attics.
Groups that might enjoy this history and exploration include:
Book clubs,
History buffs,
Dutch groups,
Writing groups,
Women’s clubs,
Senior centers,
Jewish centers or organizations,
High school/college history classes
The best way to reach me is through my email: Miriamkfreedman@gmail.com.
I’ve spoken throughout the US.
Is your group next?
Read Miriam’s Influential Education and Law Books
IEP and Section 504 Team Meetings… and the Law*
(Corwin, a SAGE Company, 2020)
Grading, Reporting, Graduating…and the Law* (Corwin, a SAGE Company, 2020)
Special Education 2.0* —Breaking Taboos to Build a NEW Education Law (School Law Pro, 2017)
Legalese—The Words Lawyers Use and What They Mean (Dell Publishing Company, 1990)
A Sourcebook for Substitutes… and Other Teachers (with Teri Perl) (Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1974)