NIAGARA, Wis. — I recently completed an important book; I will always remember it as the “best, awful” book I have ever read. Titled “The Nine,” it was written by Gwen Strauss and tells the story of nine women who had all worked for the French Resistance during World War II. They were all ultimately captured by the Nazis and spent grueling months in Ravensbruck concentration camp. The author’s great-aunt was the leader of the group, and through her writing, we learn of the horrors of camp life and how the nine women managed to escape during their “death march” as the war was coming to an end.

The author introduces us to each woman and weaves their individual stories throughout the account of the group’s shared experience within the camp. Through their eyes, we learn of the atrocities of camp life. The use of the word “life” is a real stretch for they barely existed. They endured endless daily roll calls, brutal weather, filthy conditions, lice that spread typhus, punishing work detail, and demeaning and dangerous treatment by the guards. I have never read a book that brought me to tears so many times. The cruelty meted out from one human to another was incomprehensible.

Yet, the book was remarkable as it also told the story of resilience. The women pulled together with others around them in a mutual struggle to survive. It was a battle over their physical environment as much as it was a mental and emotional battle as well. They physically cared for each other as best they could, helping each other to stand and walk in order to avoid being sent to the infirmary — a place from which few ever returned. They invented past times that helped them to concentrate less on their present circumstances. One that I found especially incredible was the verbal sharing of recipes. Given their diet of potato peel soup I would have thought that the mention of real food would only have exacerbated their hunger pains. On the contrary! As they listened to the recipes recited step by step, they could both imagine and taste each ingredient as though they were actually eating it. It momentarily allowed them to forget their hunger.

As the Allies were liberating the camps, the Nazis got busy evacuating them so there would not be evidence of their brutality. It was during one of these “death marches” — so named because lacking a plan for relocation, prisoners were routinely murdered along the way to nowhere and buried in mass graves — the nine women managed to escape and make their way to the front line where the Americans transported them in refugee trains to now-liberated Paris. As they made their way along the harrowing route to the front line, they relied upon each other’s individual strengths to get through some incredibly dangerous circumstances.

One of the most interesting, yet saddest, things I learned was how the survivors of this horrendous experience never talked about it once they returned to normal life. They married and had children and held jobs. Yet their lives, as well as the lives of their children, would be forever tainted by their experience in the camps. Termed “intergenerational trauma,” it is passed along to children when parents have never explained their past to them. Children grow up never understanding their parents’ emotional trauma and blaming themselves for their parents’ behavior and overriding sadness. In a child’s mind, his or her parents’ behavior must be due to “something I have done.”

This phenomenon was recently addressed in a Monday Morning Memo when Roy H. Williams was discussing the shadows of our lives. He used Peter Pan as an illustration of this shadow phenomenon. When Peter Pan first meets Wendy, she sews his shadow back on for him. This had to be done because in order to fly, Peter could not have a shadow that binds him to the ground; he could not have memories of his mother or memories of the past. But, as author Victoria Rego writes, “In a moment of darkness, laying in my bed I suddenly I remember Peter accepting his shadow before Wendy was able to sew it back on. It hit me in that moment that this is what we do with trauma. We tuck it away for safe keeping until we are either ready or forced to deal with it. This is how shadow work begins. When we do shadow work, we are learning to become aware of beliefs, ideas, triggers that we have been avoiding; parts of ourselves that we tuck away, so they do not ’cause trouble.’ Acknowledging these aspects of ourselves allows us to heal and find balance within ourselves.”

It is important for us as humans to not only come to terms with our past, either difficult events that happened to us as children or mistakes we made along the way to adulthood, but to share that past with people who matter to us in our lives. We are shaped by the events of our past and by our efforts to overcome difficulties so it is very necessary for us to allow others to understand our journey. It certainly allows our spouse and children to better understand us. And, once shared, our story becomes less daunting to us. It allows us to be our true selves, and it shows us that we are lovable despite our past. It also unburdens our loved ones from trying to figure us out. Finally, it allows us to fully love who we are instead of who we are pretending to be. As my husband told me decades ago, “You cannot love others until you first love yourself.”

If this acceptance of shadow is healthy for an individual, what might it do for our nation? How might we improve our country if we fully embraced the shadows of our collective history? In order to become healthy as individuals and as a country, we need to examine the whole picture. The Holocaust happened — mankind did that. Slavery built our country — we allowed the slave trade to exist and to thrive. Instead of living in denial, outlawing books, and trying to “adjust” school curriculums so certain history remains in the shadows, lets bring it all to light. Let’s admit it, own our mistakes and take responsibility for them. Then, and only then, can we begin again and heal our collective wounds. Then and only then can be rebuild damaged relationships and become the nation we were meant to be.

Letting go of our shadows — individual or collective — is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage and no small leap of faith. But to not come to grips with our past, we deny ourselves the fullness of our present and the promise of our future. And we owe ourselves, and our country, the whole story.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal, however, they are all looking forward to a great get together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; hot cocoa and cookies, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass video, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; wildlife film, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; scavenger hunt, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:45 a.m.; storytelling, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible, study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Valentine Ball dress selection, 9 a.m..; room visits, 1 p.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; men’s club, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/room visits, 9 a.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Note: Valentine Ball dress and clothing selection in the skyway throughout the week.

ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are five days each week. Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; coffee and short stories, 10:15 a.m.; whammo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; “You Be the Judge;” 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:15 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and music, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:30 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

(formerly Golden Living Center)

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; crosswords, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Ladder ball, 10:30 a.m.; coffee social, 2 p.m.

Monday: Movie, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; “Family Feud,” 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Manicures, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; individual pizzas, 2 p.m.; mind joggers, 3:30 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Decorating cookies, 10:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass (multipurpose room), 2:30 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; reminiscing, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, broccoli and carrot coins.

Wednesday: Sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn and lettuce salad.

Thursday: Poor man’s lobster, oven browned potatoes, peas and coleslaw.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli, mixed vegetables and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, mixed vegetables and garlic bread.

Thursday: Sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, gravy and carrots.

Friday: Barbecue pork sandwich, potato wedges and baked beans.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken tetrazzini with green peppers and noodles, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

Wednesday: Bratwurst, baked beans, tater tots, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

Home delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Philly casserole, cauliflower and spiced peaches.

Tuesday: Ham and potato soup, corn bread and side salad.

Wednesday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, hash browns and spiced applesauce.

Thursday: Sloppy Joe, baked beans, macaroni and cheese.

Friday: Tuna salad sandwich, pea salad and chips.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots.

Tuesday: French toast bake, sausage and hard-boiled egg.

Wednesday: Jambalaya, corn and breadsticks.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers — see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey sandwich, broccoli cheese soup, baby carrots and fruit.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice entrée, vegetable and fruit.

Wednesday: Boiled dinner with ham, carrots, cabbage, rutabagas and potatoes and birthday cake.

Thursday: Glazed pork chops, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit and ice cream.

Friday: Sub sandwich with lettuce and tomato, oven fries, baked beans and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Now open – information coming soon.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. — salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Country fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Beef stew, coleslaw and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Turkey wrap, chips and cottage cheese.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy and carrots.

All meals served with milk or juice and a serving of fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

Now open for dine-in eating — dinner is served at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those age 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Chicken dumpling soup, grilled chicken sandwich, sliced peaches and pudding.

Tuesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, dinner roll and fruit torte.

Wednesday: Kielbasa, German potatoes, carrots, salad and frosted brownie.

Thursday: Super Bowl party – Boneless honey barbecue wings, nacho chips and cheese, mini pigs in a blanket, and Packers dessert.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

Head cook: Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham, cheesy potatoes and glazed carrots.

Tuesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, red potatoes and broccoli.

Wednesday: Stuffed green peppers, stewed tomatoes and baked potato.

Thursday: Cod, scalloped potatoes, green beans — birthdays and bingo.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Ravioli with meat sauce, broccoli and fruit.

Wednesday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, asparagus and fruit.

Thursday: Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce, noodles, California blend vegetables and fruit.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.