A good friend passed away recently, a friend I’d known for 50 years. Her name is Edith Eva Eger.

I first met Edie when I came to El Paso with the Army and worked as a psychologist. At that time, Edie was completing an internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center where I also worked. I knew nothing about her other than that she was a civilian living in El Paso but originally from Hungary. In time, I came to know more of her story.

Edie was born in Hungary and had an early joy-filled life. She became a ballerina. That life, however, was shattered by the Nazi invasion and occupation of Hungary. Edie was Jewish. She ended up in Auschwitz where, among many horrors, she encountered Mengele, the notorious Nazi Doctor of Death.

Edie barely survived but eventually made her way to the United States with her husband Bela, whom I knew as Al. She ended up in El Paso studying at the University of Texas El Paso. At one point, another student noticed her number tattoo and suggested she read a book titled Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. The book opened a door for healing. Edie communicated with Dr. Frankl, who encouraged her to pursue studies in psychology.

When I first met Edie, she did not talk much about her past but eventually embraced her career as a psychologist and saw that her own history was a powerful resource for helping others, especially those with PTSD. Edie became a true Wounded Healer.

Eventually when she was almost 90 she wrote her story, a remarkable book titled The Choice in which she shared her journey. She called me the day the review came out in the New York Times to make sure I had seen it. When she came to El Paso for a book signing, she asked me to sit with her for moral support. Her book became a best seller, placing even more demands on her time and talents.

Edie played a major role in my staying in El Paso. When I was preparing to leave the Army, she asked me what my plans were and if I’d thought about private practice. She then offered her office and a few referrals as an opportunity for me to see if I liked private practice. Two years ago, I retired from my practice of some 43 years.

After Edie moved to La Jolla she stayed in touch with me. I shared with her my own various publications as well as this blog. Until her health deteriorated, she always provided me with honest feedback.

I never asked Edie about her experiences but she did on occasion share them. Once she asked to meet with a fellow psychologist and me to discuss her difficulty with the oral part of the licensing exam. She shared that, when she entered the room for the exam, she became immobilized by a flashback of standing before Mengele. Nonetheless, she faced down her anxiety and became licensed.

To me, Edie was not so much a celebrity whom I happened to know. She wasn’t even someone I knew who had a remarkable story. She was and will always be first a foremost my friend.

I encourage you to read the book The Choice as well as her second book The Gift. I’ve attached a link to her remarkable interview with Oprah Winfrey. And take a moment to be thankful for remarkable people who’ve enriched your journey.