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Author Finds Healing in Exploring German Roots

Family stories fill Barbara Steingas' book.

In 2004, inspired by the movie, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," Barbara Steingas of High Bridge set out on a journey–to tell the story of her German family and roots, reaching back into the 17th century.

In September, Steingas' book, "Germans Are Funny Too: Stories of My Cuckoo Kraut Family," was released. On Thursday night, Dec. 9, she appeared at the Long Valley Pub and Brewery for a book signing.

Steingas' family members ranged from champions of social freedom to German aristocracy. In one chapter, she tells the story of wealthy ancestors who lost everything during the 30 Year War in the 1600s. When their palatial home was occupied by enemy soldiers, her great, great, great etc. grandmother had to cook for the soldiers. Her sense of humor allowed her to exercise a silent rebellion.

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Steingas said, "She decided to concoct a soup and she threw in some cockroaches to spice it up. Apparently the soldiers said the soup was delicious and commented on the crunchy ingredients."

Steingas' grandmother, Emma Schafer, affectionately called Omi, passed away at the age of 94 in 2002. Steingas recalls that her grandmother had the "best deep belly laugh" and was highly intelligent. She was headed for college when she met Steingas' grandfather and married and had seven children instead.

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The first chapter of the book is devoted to Steingas' grandfather, Philipp Schafer, whom she called Opa.

"My grandfather was an opera singer," Steingas said. "Contrary to the way Germans are often thought of–as being associated with the Nazis–my grandfather was actually imprisoned for speaking out against the Nazi party." She said it was his gift for music that she believes ultimately saved his life.  

In writing the book, Steingas said she carved out time almost every day to reach back into her own memory and the memories of her family. Supporting Steingas' journey was her husband, Bob, who died suddenly, at the age of 42, of a heart attack in 2008.

While she didn't write very much over the course of the year after he died, remembering something that he said gave her strength to continue: "What you live through, gives you better stories to tell."

And with his words urging her on, she continued, determined to tell the stories of her family. "The process of pulling these stories together in a book, I believe has had a healing effect on me and my family. It has brought us closer," said Steingas.

She added, "It has become so easy to focus on the negativity and dysfunction in our families and the world. Instead, I wanted to remember the positive experiences I shared with them."

In the epilogue of her book, Steingas said, "I also learned to stop blaming my family for my misfortunes and rather moved toward living the proverb, 'Life is too short to be unhappy and bitter, and too long not to be happy and have fun.'"

The book is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as directly from the author by e-mailing: bsteingas@embarqmail.com. For large orders, contact the publisher: Gone Fishin' Enterprises at: mannyfishing@msn.com.

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