Hi Max,
Not sure if you remember me. I am Izzy and Evelyn Shuster’s daughter. Molly sent me your Winnipeg story. It is a great story. It seems as we get less young that who we are and where we came from holds a far greater importance than it ever did before in our lives. By the time we are old enough to appreciate the history, those
able to share it with us are gone. I would encourage you to continue your story, as I know you had a very interesting career and now find yourself living in Ireland – which is all very interesting at the Winnipeg Jewish Review.
I had the unfortunate task of cleaning out my parents’ house of over 55 years, on Daffodil, and found tons and tons of unlabeled photographs. I wish I had someone to tell me who these folks were. My Dad (89) is still with us but he says he can’t remember many of them. If I come across any of your family I will scan them and forward them to you and your sisters. Thus far, none. I am in Arizona for the winter and won’t get back to my mining until May. Sadly the children of my son’s generation neither know nor care about their history – YET. So, by you recording yours, you leave a legacy that will catch their attention at some time in the future. It saddens me that we as humans have not evolved to the point that we can be welcoming and open to people of all religions and beliefs. The Jews have been fighting for their right to exist since the beginning of time. Perhaps this is our destiny.
I have enjoyed reading some of your poems that Molly has sent and understand that you have recently published a new book. Mazel Tov. Creativity runs deep in the Roytenbergs.
I have the next great novel sitting in my briefcase and on my computer, but somehow life gets in the way of living the best laid plans to sit and write each day are often usurped by far more entertaining activities that land on my doorstep. We have a very blessed life here in the desert and are constantly welcoming visitors and enjoying entertainment based activities. Also, while I am still able and agile enough to enjoy hiking, shopping, sightseeing, etc. I am garnering every moment that I can.
I hope that you are able to net others with your story to add to your collection of Winnipeg stories. Winnipeg was a great incubator for many successful individuals on the world stage and locally as well. I am sure you have considered it, but just in case, perhaps you could write a letter to the editor of the Winnipeg Jewish Review to encourage other story tellers to come forward. Most people feel that they do not have the ability to write, but if they could at least "tell" their story, it would be a beginning.
Good luck! I look forward to the next installment!!.
Very best wishes to you and all those you love for a happy, healthy New Year.
Much love
s~ (Izzy and Evelyn Shuster’s daughter)