When I first got Lupus, my father used to always tell me about the city of Berlin. Its rise to power, its inevitable fall and the place it has become today.
But it wasn’t until much later that I understood its historical significance and the relevance behind him telling me about it.
As far as the history of Berlin went – as we all know – after the death of Paul von Hindenburg, by August 1934 Adolf Hitler rose as the unrefuted leader of Germany. As for Berlin? It emerged as the undefeated Nazi Capital.
Though barbaric in his reign, it was from this powerful city, that Hitler brought a lot of prosperity to his country. Not only did he end the economic instability caused by the Great Depression, but by the 1940’s he had conquered most of Europe.
Back in the day, no one had ever imagined, a city that was so victorious, would one day culminate into ruins.
And just like that, towards the end of WWII, with the combined bombings of the RAF, the USAAF, the French Air Force and the Red Air Force with British bombers dropping over 45,517 tons of bombs and the Americans, 23,000 tons – suffice to say, by 1945, Berlin was completely destroyed.
Sometimes when I think about my illness and everything I have endured, I remind myself about the internal wreckage Berlin had faced – the genocide, the destruction – till it became unrecognizable to its own people.
And that is when I truly see it: That there’s a beauty even behind breaking down and that is, it gives you a chance to rebuild yourself.
Today not only has Berlin restored itself, but it also stands as one of the most advanced cities in the world.
And me? Whether it’s making references to historic cities, or the mist – I’m reminded that everyday I live, I am undoubtedly rebuilding myself.
Here are some images of Berlin, what it looked like at the end of the WWII, and how it has rebuilt itself.
THE REICHSTAG (Before & After)
Before
After
THE KAISER WILHELM MEMORIAL CHURCH (Before & After)
Before
After
Picture Credits: Google Free to Use
To see more of Berlin’s restoration visit The Daily Mail.
So informative
Thanks 🙂
Excellent.well written….keep on writing…
Dr.Sunny Mathew. Dad’s friend
Thank you so much for reading it!
Beautifully written and very thought provoking article. Your positively shines through Rhea.
Thanks 🙂
Beautifully illustrated through words that after a breakdown one rises from the ashes like a phoenix. It reflects the positive energy of your mind..
Thank you so much 🙂
Appreciate your positive attitude….. Very nicely written…. Keep writing
Thanks for reading it 🙂
Beautiful and inspiring.
Thank you!
Very positive approach to all you must have endured. Strength to you. Beautiful written article.
Thank you so much for reading it!
Beautifully written with such a positive attitude!! Keep it up! Dear rhea👍😍
Thank you so much! 🙂
Loved the blog and your thinking process. Be positive always
Thank you!
Rhea,
It is true that behind every breakdown there is a chance to resurrect ones life and I also believe that there is always great victory that is waiting after every setback or defeat. May God bless you with good health and happiness forever.
Very thought provoking writing.
Thank you so much, I really love this line ‘behind every breakdown there is a chance to resurrect ones life’. It reflects everything that I meant to say in this blog.
Beautifully written and such a nice thought 🙂
Thanks so much! 🙂
Gaurang must be a proud father of a brave girl. My daughter Is suffering from Cancer. She fought it once. Is fighting again.
Thank you and god bless your daughter. You have our prayers 🙂
Beautifully written Rhea .Keep up the positive attitude.
Thank you so much 🙂
Enjoyed it Rhea- Wish it was longer. Wanted to know more about your own journey too.
Amin
Thank you for reading it. To know more about my journey, stay tuned for more blog posts 🙂
Love how you’ve given that ” no matter what happens I see everyday like I am rebuilding my self ” Vibe! pretty awesome and pretty strong, just like you my warrior 😘 ❤️
Hahaha! Thanks so much babe! For reading it and commenting!
Inspiring. Loved the analogy. Informative. #learningfromyourblogs
Thanks so much! Love the hashtag 🙂
Good writing style . You are strong spirited and blessed with inspirational parents. May you shine in all your efforts in Life and God bless.
Thank you so much for reading!
Nice comparison! Positivity shines!!
Thanks!
If someone decide that he will not give up no one can stop him from resurrection
Keep up this positive spirit Rhea.
This is something that I have been telling you always and finally this comes from you through this post!
Yes, thanks for your motivation!
SO PROUD <3
Thank you for your support :*
Truly inspiring Rhea
Keep writing
Thank you so much!
Profound !
Your optimism in practice may put the preachers to shame.
Keep it up dear
Haha thanks!