The Power of Words: A Lesson from Grandma, a Zoo Visit, and a Holocaust Survivor

What can freckles, wrinkles, and a few careless words teach us about Jewish parenting, emotional resilience, and the power of kindness? A story from a day at the zoo reveals timeless truths.

A Day at the Zoo with Grandma

Grandma Sophie and her grandson Toby spent a day at the zoo. What could be better for parents than their child spending time with a loving grandparent? And what could be better for a grandparent than quality time spent with a beloved grandchild enjoying an outing? Everything seemed perfect.

At the zoo, aside from the normal attractions, an artist had been hired to paint children’s faces with leopard markings. A long line formed at the booth, and Grandma Sophie and Toby waited patiently for his turn.

Suddenly, while Grandma seemed distracted, a boy standing in line in front of them sneered, “You have so many freckles, there’s no room left to paint your face!” His friends erupted in laughter. Toby’s face crumpled and he shrank with embarrassment.

But somehow, grandmothers always hear everything — even when they appear distracted.

The Beauty of Freckles — and Wrinkles

Without even looking at his face, Grandma Sophie heard the insult loud and clear. More than that, she sensed the shift in Toby’s mood just from the way his small hand tensed in hers.

She bent down and whispered into his ear, “I love your freckles. You know, when I was your age, I prayed every day to have freckles. And guess what? Hashem answered my prayers — by giving me you.”

She chuckled, smoothing his cheek gently. “Freckles are beautiful, Toby.”

“Really?” he asked, wide-eyed.

“Of course,” she smiled. “Is there anything more charming than freckles?”

Toby thought for a moment, looked at her lovingly, and replied, “Yes. Wrinkles.”

What Do We Choose to See?

There is beauty in everything — but not everyone sees it.

We all look at the same garden, but some see flowers while others see weeds. People go crazy over “stunning views” and will even pay good money to travel to “beauty spots” without realizing that beauty is all around us, 24/7. 

The truth is, among all the wonders of creation, perhaps the most astonishing is this: human beings can overlook the wonder and focus instead on the flaws.

Too many people have the talent of painting everything dark instead of brightening themselves. Instead of cultivating roses, they make those around them feel like thorns.

But here’s something to think about: It’s better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you’re not. Better to be a rose mistaken for a thorn than a thorn disguised as a rose.

A Holocaust Survivor’s Vow

And while we’re on the topic of the power of words, listen to the wisdom of someone who truly understood that power — and learned it the hard way.

Naomi was a Holocaust survivor. She was just 15 when she arrived at Auschwitz with her eight-year-old brother. Their parents had already been murdered.

As they were being dragged out of the train, she noticed that her brother wasn’t wearing his shoes. Shoes are essential for survival in the harsh European winter. Naomi didn’t know that life would be so very different from then on. Overwhelmed by the situation, terrified and confused, she snapped at him: “Why are you so stupid? Why can’t you take care of your things?”

It was the last thing she ever said to him. Naomi was sent to the right; her little brother was pushed to the left. He did not survive Auschwitz.

She carried that guilt her entire life. But she made herself a promise: “I will never again say something that couldn’t be the last thing I ever say.”

One Word Can Change a Life

What if we lived by that maxim? What if we took that lesson to heart without needing such a terrible incident to prompt us to mend our ways?

Words are seeds. They can grow into roses or thorns. They can linger for decades — or heal in an instant.

Let us take a lesson from Grandma Sophie, and from Naomi and her brother. Choose words that build, comfort, uplift. You never know when a single phrase will be remembered forever.