Mies Gies

In The city of Amsterdam in 1942, Miep Gies (1909-2010) was an office assistant to a gentleman named Otto Frank. During this time Miep Gies led the ordinary life of a young woman during World War II. She was a reliable secretary, enjoyed many social activities, and was well loved by her friends, family, and foster family. One afternoon, Miep Gies, by answering an immediate yes to a question put forth to her by Otto Frank, began the rise of the legend that is Anne Frank. The following essay will give the example of how an ordinary life can give rise to a legend.
The question asked of Miep Gies would change her life. Otto Frank asked Miep Gies if she would help to hide his Jewish family from the invading Nazis. For the next two years, from July 1942, through August 1944 Miep Gies brought food which she obtained with a portion of her own ration coupons as well as forged ration coupons, supplies, and news of the outside world to the Frank family, and four other individuals who were also in hiding for his or her life, on a daily basis; knowing full well the consequences she would face if she were caught. During this time of hiding, Anne, the 13 year old daughter of Otto Frank kept a diary that was given to her on her thirteenth birthday by her parents. When the original diary was filled, Miep Gies brought Anne empty account books in which to continue her daily writings.
The Frank family, along with the four other individuals, was arrested by the Gestapo in August of 1944. After the arrest of the Frank family and the other hiders Miep Gies tried to bribe SS officers to release the prisoners to no avail. Miep Gies, again risked her own freedom by returning to the hiding place; there she found Anne’s diary. Miep gathered the torn and ripped pages and with the feeling that young girl’s secrets should remain secret, Miep put the diary away. When Otto Frank, the only surviving member of his family returned to Amsterdam, Miep Gies gave Anne’s diary to her him.