In this memoir, Anita Bloom tells about the early years of her adult life. In 1943, she eagerly volunteered to be part of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps and hoped to fight the Nazis. During her training, she developed an infection, which led to paralysis from the waist down. When she learned about her prognosis, she thought, “No more legs for the tango, the rumba, the conga. Dead weights. I strangled my sobs. I was beyond dancing.”
She is forthright in dealing with her own issues when paralyzed such as:
- How to navigate the bathroom
- How to drive and become independent again
- How to have an intimate relationship
- How to fight the U.S. Government for veteran benefits
As a Jewish woman, she faced prejudice on many sides — from potential employers when looking for a job and in reverse from her own family. Her father sent her mom to tell Nita that if she continued dating the gentile boy that they would no longer see her.
Amid the seriousness of the topic, there are still light-hearted and happy occasions. My favorite is when she and several friends left the VA hospital to go for a joy ride. One person had to operate the gas and brake with his hands while she drove.
This book shows that life doesn’t always go as we plan. But what is amazing is how many people will help you … if you ask. And it shows the willpower of someone who has chosen to live her own life.
Anita Bloom Ornoff gives public presentations about overcoming adversity and about her memoir “Beyond Dancing.”
Her Web site can be seen at:
http://beyonddancing.tripod.com
** Updated 17 February 2008 **
The daughter of Anita Bloom Ornoff, Naomi Willey, advised of the following:
“My Dad has asked me to inform you of my mom’s passing. Anita died at home in peace on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. after suffering two heart attacks the week before. The funeral will be in Maryland at Judian Memorial Gardens on Monday, February 18, 2008. She leaves behind my dad — Hal; two daughters — Ellen Treem and Naomi Willey; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. We all will miss her a great deal.”
Sincerely,
Naomi Willey
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