If I hadn't read the news today, I probably wouldn't know who Irena Sendlerowa was.  I mean, when I turn on the TV, I might hear something about Britney or Paris and who the next American Idol might be, but it's quite possible the name of this wonderful woman would be missed. 

Born in Poland to a Catholic family, she was taught to give to others regardless of their race or religion.  Her father died from Typhus, a disease he was treating when other physicians turned away the sick & the poor.

You can read her story using one of the links below.  Although she was tortured, she never gave up any information to the Nazis, even before her scheduled execution.  Her broken body, limbs crushed from beatings, was dumped on the side of a road after the Polish underground, called Zegota, bribed a Nazi officer to save her life. Yesterday was Mother's Day and I was thinking - what greater gift would any mother want than to have her children saved?

Irena died today at the age of 98.  I don't know how many of the estimated 2,500 children she rescued are still alive, but I'm sure they had children and grandchildren, so she saved generations.  As her soul effortlessly passed through those Pearly Gates, I bet it was a joyful Mother's Day in Heaven!  Here is a picture of this heroic woman..such a kind smile.  Rest in peace gentle lady.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7395767.stm

http://www.irenasendler.org/