AND FINALLY

A blessing that moved me to tears

IT GAVE me huge pleasure that so many of you responded to last week’s ‘And Finally’ — the story of Dietrich Hanff, the German Jewish refugee who came to England in 1939 and subsequently endured the loss of his entire family in concentration camps.

As I was writing, I pictured Dieti with his wonderful foster parents, my friends Robin and Heather Tanner, in the beautiful little cottage they lived in until their deaths.

I don’t mind telling you that I shed some tears — and more came when I read an email from one of Dieti’s pupils, remembering him with love, respect and gratitude. And more still when I read the beautiful blessing on the whole Hanff family, sent by a Jewish reader deeply moved by the story.

You sent stories of war and of illness, together with frustration at modern ‘weedy wimps’ (my phrase!) and gratitude for that crucial sense of perspective given by my ‘story of courage and tragedy’.

It all confirmed my conviction that most people want to be uplifted, instead of being continuously ground down by negativity. I too feel that way — which is (incidentally) why I prefer novels that catapult you into the lives of others.

Talking of being uplifted, I’d love you to see my weekly videos on the Mail’s new all-singing, all-dancing digital platform; your favourite newspaper with a whole range of glorious goodies added on — such as radio, TV, discussions, how-to videos etc. I know one subscriber who still buys a print newspaper but is hooked on these extras, too!

My Tuesday contribution to the health section aims to make you smile, think and (hopefully) feel a bit better.

My husband and I make the films, so I’m welcoming you into my home and hopefully will continue after lockdown. Check out my page at mailplus.co.uk/tv/feel-wellwith-bel to see how this week’s film takes us indirectly back to that story of courage. ÷