I recently met with Eline Hoekstra Dresden among the things she gave me along with her book "Wishing Upon A Star, A Tale of the Holocaust and Hope" was a bookmark that I will quote:
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During my years of public speaking, I have been asked repeatedly, "how did you live through the Holocaust?" I usually answer "I don't really know." However, the following list provides examples of things that worked for me (along with luck).

Tools for Survival

• Be alert, not paranoid
• Be optimistic, but realistic
• Find strength in faith (whichever)
• Recognize hidden danger
• Do not ever show weakness
• Listen to "gut" feelings
• Use humor daily
• Draw on inner strength
• Take care of your health
• Stay productive
• Don't let your guard down
• Face danger with courage
• Share your fears with others
• do not ever give up hope
• Before going to sleep, Imagine better times.

*Keep these tools in good repair*
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She is a wonderful woman to speak to and I hope to host her at our shabbat table soon. Eline has applied her skills and humor over her lifetime both in the US and Israel and has passed the age of 80 while keeping the vigor of a much younger person. She has had the nachas of five children, over 30 grand children, and now has 5 great-grandchildren.
Of the survivors of the Shoah that I have met, these skills, especially humor and hope is what keeps these people alive.


Travel Ham Radio

I have moved my whole radio kit to a standard briefcase. Inside you will find my Icom 706 HF and 2 meter transceiver, MFJ-902 10-80 meter tiny antenna tuner, MFJ-4125 25 watt 110/220v to 13v power supply, code key, and a SGC ADSP2 digital signal processing speaker. I will be making a 2 meter wire dipole and HF wire loop antennas to complete my total portability radio system. I still have room for my 2 meter handheld radio and several accessories. I think velcro will make the install more stable and less likely to bend/crush wires in transit.
  ¶ 11:54 PM