I remember how I felt seeing an exposed human heart for the first time. I was assisting my mentor with the coronary bypass surgery. After he split the breastbone, and incised the thick layer of the sack enveloping the heart, I saw a slowly contracting glob of muscle. No bigger than a human fist, spirally …
In 1953 March 6th happened on Friday. When I came to the class in the morning, I saw my third-grade teacher sitting at her desk, head buried in the hands, crying. We sensed a personal tragedy, and not knowing how to react, quietly took our seats. She then looked on us with the teary eyes. “Our …
In my gym, I meet the best people, and have the most interesting conversations, in the jacuzzi. It’s located in a corner of the large pool area and surrounded by a huge bay window extension. The sun is abundant, water seems tropical, and, if I would drink, I would only ask for little drinks with …
The life story of Dr. Jack Murano goes on. Fathers and Sons After years of estrangement, his daughter asked Jack to walk her down the aisle during her wedding with Nick. He sees it as an honor and a great chance for reconciliation with Kate. She sees it as an opportunity for her father, whose …
Imagine; Image yourself starting a new career after the retirement. From scratch. Tabula rasa. In a different country. Using the language you were not born into. With the help of technology developed after you made the decision to end your lifelong calling. There are many components to becoming a writer. The first prerequisite is to have …
A few weeks ago I was ready to push the button and publish “The Resurrections.” My biggest work so far. The front cover was done and I’ve sent the text for final proofreading. Then I saw an iconic photo of Mugu Rock by Eric Zumstein. Breathtaking. After reading my novel, the reader will appreciate how important to the …
Let’s imagine. Imagine yourself as a sixteen-year-old girl coming from a small village on the outskirts of Warsaw to the big metropolis. You overflow with hope for a bright future. You are ambitious and determined to make the best out of the young, budding life. The change in living conditions is enormous, but you can …
“Loss of Innocence,” new in my series of Polish War Stories Read More »
To all my friends, Over last year or so I’ve been working on my new book. “The Resurrections, Man and His Dog” is a story about a cardiac surgeon who doesn’t know how and when to retire. If you read my first book “Fathers and Sons” the present book is a sequel, with the protagonist …
Just imagine. Imagine yourself climbing a steep mountain. You start from the sea level and see this shiny structure on a hilltop. You could be in Italy and you see the castle. Let’s say, you are in San Marino, Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino. And you now face the fortress Guaita on top of Mount …
History gives us a sense of proportion: it’s an antidote to a lot of unfortunately human trends like self-importance and self-pity. David McCullough Historian and Pulitzer prize winner. But first, one has to know his history. Here is a typical story I hear so often. We meet and after the initial conversation, and the person sensing …
Learning from the past and about finding out my roots Read More »
The meetings with readers are a constant source of enlightenment and inspiration. Each book is a multilayered work. Besides obvious narrative, there are many better and not-so-well hidden thoughts and ideas. Just like in real life. The most uplifting comment I’ve heard from my reader was that each time she read the story, she found …
What happens in the OR after the patient goes to sleep Read More »
In a deep corner of the old drawer, he found browned shoebox with two rubber bands holding the top down. On its side, the box had a yellowed sticker with ‘BLACK AND WHITE’ written with a broad, dark pencil. The rubber bands seemed aged, partially cracked, but still holding this old box together. He looked …