Lunch with a Holocaust Survivor

On Saturday, Dr. Ekstrom and I had the pleasure of dining once again with Professor George Schwab in New York City. Professor Schwab, a Latvian Holocaust survivor and author of Odyssey of a Child Survivor: From Latvia Through the Camps to the United States (we strongly encourage anyone with a love of history to read this book, available on Amazon), is one of the most pleasant, kind, and thoughtful human beings we know. His love for chocolate adds a sweet touch to his remarkable personality.

George D. Schwab, born on November 25, 1931, in Liepāja, Latvia, is a distinguished American political scientist, editor, and academic. A survivor of the Holocaust, his early life was marked by immense hardship in a series of concentration camps in Latvia and Germany. He immigrated to the United States, where he pursued higher education, earning a B.A. from the City College of New York and both an M.A. and Ph.D. from Columbia University.

Professor Schwab began his illustrious teaching career at Columbia in 1959. He later joined The City College of New York and the Graduate Center, CUNY, where he served in various capacities until his retirement in 2000. As a co-founder of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy in 1974, Schwab significantly impacted American foreign policy discussions. His leadership as president of the committee from 1993 to 2015 was pivotal, including efforts to bring together the IRA, Unionists, and the UK to end violence in Ireland.
Schwab’s contributions extend beyond academia. He has lectured globally and participated in international conferences, sharing his insights on foreign policy and the Open-Society Bloc. In recognition of his work, the George D. Schwab Foreign Policy Briefings were established in 2001.

Our lunch was filled with enriching conversations about his career and his enduring legacy. It is always a privilege to spend time with such an inspiring and kind-hearted individual.

Drs. George Schwab & Deborah Ekstrom, deep in thought.

This must have been our week of meeting remarkable older individuals. The week prior to our enlightening day with Professor Schwab in New York, we had the pleasure of visiting Dr. Bunkis’ 98-year-old mother in Ontario, Canada. Mama Bunkis impressed us with her sharp mind, independence, and active lifestyle. She manages her household, cooks, bakes, and looks wonderful for her age. She attributes her youthful appearance to two facelifts, the last one 30 years ago. Her experience highlights the long-term benefits of facial rejuvenation.

Facial rejuvenation, including facelifts, offers numerous enduring benefits. First and foremost, it helps maintain a youthful appearance. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and gravity takes its toll, leading to sagging and wrinkles. A facelift can significantly reduce these signs of aging, providing a refreshed and more youthful look. This lasting improvement in appearance can boost self-esteem and confidence, as evidenced by Mama Bunkis.

Moreover, the psychological benefits are substantial. Looking younger can enhance one’s overall outlook on life, leading to improved mental well-being. Feeling good about one’s appearance can reduce anxiety and depression, fostering a positive mindset and better quality of life.
Facial rejuvenation also offers long-term maintenance of facial structure. By tightening underlying muscles and removing excess skin, facelifts provide a more defined facial contour, which can be preserved over decades with proper care. This structural improvement contributes to a balanced and harmonious appearance.

Additionally, the advancements in facial rejuvenation techniques have made the procedures safer and more effective, with natural-looking results and minimal downtime. Patients like Mama Bunkis, who underwent surgery decades ago, continue to enjoy the benefits without significant issues – always looking 15 or 20 years younger than they actually are.

In conclusion, the long-term benefits of facial rejuvenation extend beyond aesthetics. They encompass enhanced self-esteem, psychological well-being, and prolonged maintenance of facial structure. As Mama Bunkis’ experience illustrates, these benefits can significantly improve one’s outlook on life and overall happiness, even decades after the procedure.

Mama Bunkis and Dr. Ekstrom on a winerly excursion.

Mama Bunkis at 98 and Dr. Bunkis during Trenton Ontario visit.

For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
Or for MA location, call 508-755-4825 or visit www.salisburyps.com