D W Hoffman

Threads: The fabric of family lives pulled apart by war D W Hoffman

Threads never begin as a unified tapestry. They are seemingly randomly drawn together, yet purposefully and artfully woven by the unseen hand into a masterpiece providing beauty and comfort. As with this family, lives were woven into a fine fabric, destined to remain a precious work, going about their days as they had for many years. Then, from the finished fabric, the threads were pulled apart by circumstance not of their choosing, later to be reunited by the Master's hand. Gradually, threads were again twisted into fine cords, cords then applied to the loom, now woven into much different designs, sometimes a tapestry, a work of art, sometimes a utility, a blanket or robe. Regardless, the end product only faintly resembled the original cloth. So it is with the people in this story. They were formed and lived in the waning life style of Central Europe growing out of the late 19th century, drawn through the agonies and experiences of two world conflicts, and emerged into the prosperity of the mid-20th century. Many did not make the full journey, though their influence is felt long after they were gone. Those who did survive and those who came after them are very different people (Threads) than those who began: Or are they?