An Uneven Life

Josef Kolish made his mark as a gifted musician who lived for his violin. He drew his life from it and died with it in his arms. Some said it also gave him a new life. Orphaned when a child in Budapest, his foster parents started him on a career that took him from the prestigious Liszt Academy to the concert stage as a violinist and a director of symphony orchestras in the U.S. and Europe. He was much like other men, wishing for a full and fulfilling life. He longed for a valiant and virtuous woman. He hoped for a contented and happy family. Many of his desires came to pass, but not without setbacks. His foster parents died when he was a young man. He performed at recitals and earned money to go to Paris and New York. After his first recital in Carnegie Hall, he met a young heiress. They fell in love, were married and had a daughter and granddaughter. His wife died of cancer. The children were killed in a car accident. Josef blamed himself for their deaths. In deep despair, he wandered aimlessly seeking solace. Though unable to come to terms with his loss, he found a home overlooking the Pacific Ocean and, at last, a loving woman.