A Brave Woman from Gottenheim, an American family heritage story for children (c2003) by Maryann Scheufele

Dear Cyberspace Readership.

I am pleased to announce that I have published an American family heritage story, A Brave Woman from Gottenheim.

click here:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anza-Books/62284893282?ref=Maryann to see the story book.

My life’s work as a writer has taken a long time to publish this story which comes from the Black Forest of Germany, a most enchanting place. As we flew into the region of the Black Forest I was looking out of the airplane window and had the experience of a lifetime as almost suddenly everything within my sight became black and white.  The Black Forest against the deep and encompassing whiteness of the clean white December snow was breathtaking.  I was emotionally moved within the visual experience which seemingly was taking us back in time just as if I was suddenly looking at familiar photographs reprinted as black and white causing an effect of nostalgia. The Black Forest of Germany in the wintertime would open the world of mystery in our past family story and we were about to enter into it.  There was no turning back.  As I looked all around from the sky view there was nothing but black and white to see. That’s why the countryside there is known as The Black Forest.  Upon landing and picking up our car rental we were not long thereafter driving the mountainside curved roadways cut deep within the forest to find the village of Gottenheim.  The trees within Black Forest were covered with thick layers of snow decorating the generously thick longest most luscious pine needles I have ever seen – and black of course. And those pine trees were very very tall but not skinny at all, just standing there strong and proud with gently bending branches that molded to hold the weight of the freshly fallen upon the previously fallen snow that was resting quietly already there on the pine needle covered branches.  Even with all of that white snow, the blackness of the pine needles was clearly visible along the edges of the branches because it looked as though those pine trees were so big, so huge, so enormously graceful, that no amount of snow would or could ever cover the branches completely.  We could hardly drive the windy country road which was cut between the mountains for looking out the windows at the beauty of the Black Forest and acknowledging our presence within it’s glorious structure was beholding as we only managed to glance at the road now and again enough to make the turns. Oh it was peacefully snowing a snowfall as endless snowflakes floated amidst the outstretched branches.  The snowflakes were huge and distinct as well. Everything looked so pretty and so beautiful and so peaceful, my eyes could hardly take it all in.  I only knew that I wanted to remember what I was seeing and experiencing forever. I am glad that I am writing about the visual experience of approaching and being within the Black Forest of Germany because I am only now reminded of how much the experienced moved me.

The journey to find family ancestry information in Germany began to unfold in Gottenheim.  Simone at the residence of the Pastor at St, Steven’s Church was gracious and helpful as he showed us many of our family’s records.  The town Historian in the village of Gottenheim was also helpful and showed us many more records about our family.  The mystery of our family was simply beautiful and logical to follow.  We were given a wonderful perspective of the time period from which our loved ones were drawn to leave the village.  We were now able to embrace the place from which they came in our hearts and minds, giving us an understanding that had been yearned for.  From there the lovely people of the village of Gottenheim advised us to search in Freiberg for more records.  We took their advise and found our way precisely to where they had led us.  When we were welcomed through the absolutely gigantic in height hand carved wooden double thick doors to the place that would unlock the mystery of ages of missing family heritage, I knew that we were passing into a physical place that survived a world wide war. Within the deep foundation of that centuries old structure or perhaps below the realization was made that we could never now turn back from knowing the truth because we then felt an immediate life changing realization swell like a sudden warmth within our hearts. Thank you very much wonderful people of that place of no return well within the womb of Freiberg, and locked under the magnificent guard of the Black Forest of Germany. Why does it take so long to

write a story? Because my life’s work takes time. Why does it take so long to publish a story?  Because the world has to receive it.

A Brave Woman from Gottenheim is a contribution to children’s literature.  The story is long but easy to read and is filled with delightful artwork. I hope that you enjoy seeing our American family heritage story.  Shalom.

Have fun reading,

Maryann

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