The
Fragile Miracle of Martin Gray (1979) / view
images from this book
"Don't quit! . . . Get on with it!"
— Martin Gray
* * *
From the book jacket text:
Martin Gray fought as a child street guerrilla against the Nazi invaders
of Warsaw. Every member of his family, except for a grandmother and an uncle
who were living safely in New York, died in the ghetto, or in gas chambers
of Treblinka — from which he escaped. Emigrating to America after
the war, he married a luminous Dutch girl, then moved to an ancient farmhouse
in southern France to raise another family, while also hoping to save his
failing vision. He had lost one eye in hand-to-hand combat with a German
soldier. Four children arrived, three delivered without a doctor . . . "I
wanted to feel their lives in those first moments of existence."
One Saturday afternoon, a forest fire fed by raging winds swept around the
Grays' hilltop. Dina Gray and her four children perished while attempting
to flee. Martin again survived.
This is a timeless story of courage and tenacity, of a man who would never
quit — who is the greatest optimist, after suffering the most grievous
personal losses, of anyone I have ever known. Martin is now remarried, the
father of two baby daughters. This little book is my gift to that indomitable
man and his infant family, who are starting life anew on their hilltop.
Perhaps, too, this book will become a source of inspiration for those who
feel that they have been more deeply wounded by fate, perhaps even more
neglected by their God, than anyone they know.
— D.D.D.
