In the process of improving my German, I regularly read Deutsch Perfekt, whereupon I came across an article about a Carpenter who saved many lives. That inspired me to pen about it.
It was Yom Kippur(Jews’ Holiest day) on 9th October 2019. A 27-year-old man loaded with an arsenal of homemade weapons that includes machine guns, a shotgun, a pistol, and hand grenades was fixated on killing many people assembled inside a Synagogue in Saale(Sachsen-Anhalt). He tried opening the door and even fired three shots at it but the door remained closed.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/09/two-people-killed-in-shooting-in-german-city-of-halle
The door was the last line of defense for 60 to 70 people who were assembled at the Synagogue that day. This tough door was built by Thomas Thiele who lives in the same neighborhood. He is no spider-man, superman, or batman, rather a real-life hero - a carpenter. Though the public refers to the door as the wonder door, Thomas neither sees it as a wonder door nor considers himself a hero. However, he is definitely proud of his workmanship and expressed thankfulness to his friend(a member of the Synagogue) who recommended him to build the door. The door was built for a historic monument made from fine oak wood with Mortise and tenon joints. He was very positive that the door would withstand 80 to 100 years if handled with care. Yes! Indeed he is no hero but an adept at carpentry.
I remembered a verse from the Tamil Sangam poem (Natrinai) which I dedicate to Mr.Thiele,
“அழிவிலர் முயலும் ஆர்வ மாக்கள்
வழிபடு தெய்வம் கண் கண்டாஅங்கு”
“Curious people who do their job to perfection perceive God in their work.”
I appreciate Mr.Thiele for his dedication, craftsmanship, and discipline. I suppose not only he perceives God in his job but also inspires all curious minds to work towards excellence.
