The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister (34 page)

Horowitz’s last concert •
Nonna refers to Horowitz’s last concert in Russia. His final concert took place in Hamburg, Germany, in 1987.

Acknowledgments

When we decided to publish the story of Nonna Lisowskaja Bannister, we didn’t realize how our lives—and the way we see the world—would be changed. To know this incredible woman through handwritten notes and photos from her darkest days and then see her survive, meet a remarkable man, marry, and have children can only be possible through her faith in God. We will never forget.

I would particularly like to thank my husband, Dr. Matt Tomlin, who has offered encouragement, support, and love throughout this journey. Special thanks go to my son, Kevin Tomlin, and his wife, Peggy; my daughter, Cindy Tomlin Coulston and her husband, Jimmy; and our six grandchildren.

We feel fortunate in knowing Morris Abernathy, photographer of Union University, Jackson, Tennessee, who offered professional guidance in reproducing the many photos and documents. Special recognition goes to Kathy Bannister, Nonna’s daughter-in-law, who helped organize and scan these fragile artifacts.

Thanks to our agent, Greg Johnson, for believing in this book and for offering advice as we pursued this project. We are grateful to Tyndale and the editorial team for their professional advice and willingness to publish this text.

A final thanks to Henry Bannister, who trusted me to know this untold story of his beloved wife, and to his son, John. And to my wonderful friend and coauthor, Denise George, who has made working on this book a joyful experience.

Carolyn R. Tomlin

October 2008

My gratitude goes to all those people whose work, friendship, prayer, and support make a book possible, including my agent, Greg Johnson; Tyndale’s wonderful staff; my husband, Dr. Timothy George; my son, Christian George; my daughter, Alyce George; my daughter-in-law, Rebecca Pounds George; and the faculty and staff of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama. My special gratitude goes to Henry Bannister and his lovely family for allowing me the unique opportunity of getting to know Nonna through her diaries and photos. And to my good friend and coauthor, Carolyn Tomlin, who invited me into this remarkable project, my greatest thanks!

Denise George

October 2008

About the Editors

Denise George
is the author of twenty-four books. She teaches “The Writing Minister” at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. She is married to Dr. Timothy George. They have two adult children, Christian and Alyce, and one daughter-in-law, Rebecca. They reside in Birmingham, Alabama. You may contact Denise via her Web site, www.authordenisegeorge.com or at her e-mail address, [email protected]

Carolyn Tomlin
, M.Ed., is a frequent speaker on teaching others to write and publish. She is the author of eight books, writes monthly columns for several magazines and newspapers, and has published more than three thousand articles. Carolyn and her husband, Dr. Matt Tomlin, have two adult children, Cindy and Kevin, and six grandchildren. They reside in Jackson, Tennessee. You may contact Carolyn at her Web site, www.carolyntomlin.com, or via e-mail at [email protected]