95-year-old Jack Schuller, a retired Dutch Navy captain, had a lot of life experience, adventure, and wisdom to share.
My innate curiosity about all things, people, and cultures, landed me on the living room floor of Jack’s house, seated at his feet, chatting for over an hour. Prior to this day, Jack was a stranger to me. But fates brought us together and a magical conversation ensued.
This spry Dutchman, a near-centenarian, speaks on his recollections of the years during World War II; his capture and imprisonment in an Indonesia camp; his father’s Dutch military service, contracting tuberculosis, and long convalescence in a Bangkok hospital; the mass emigration of Dutch people after WWII; Dutch culture; and his personal legacy.
Jack’s eyes sparkled especially bright when he spoke of his previous command of a Navy frigate.
When he pulled his officer’s tunic complete with bars and stripes out of his closet to show it off to me, his new friend, cherished memories of times past saw a huge grin of pride dominate his features.
It was impossible for Jack and me to be somber during our conversation. We both sensed the special synergy that was created by risking a conversation and risking to trust a complete stranger. We smiled, we laughed, and Jack reminisced. His 95-year-old memory did not fail him once. Jack shared compelling stories from decades past with fondness and passion.
When you watch this video, you will experience the alchemy that was created when two strangers decided to trust each other. We could not have been any more different, Jack and I. We were two people from different worlds, generations, nations, languages, cultures, races, and genders, and yet we came to learn that we enjoyed each other’s company, respected one another, and both had something of value to impart.
I think Jack’s voice mattered more than mine in this moment since he had so many decades of wisdom to share. He had certainly earned the right to have his voice heard.
I will always fondly reminisce on this day and my good fortune in meeting Captain Jack Schuller, (ret’d). I am grateful that I was able to memorialize a small part of the incredible life journey of such a wise, kind, resilient, and accomplished man.
I hope you enjoy meeting Jack as much as I did. Take a listen, hear his voice, be transported back in time. I was blessed to have heard so much of Jack’s voice and to have experienced so much of his generosity.
Jack, your voice matters. Thank you for sharing it with me and with us. May you continue to be richly blessed.
5 сен 2024
