Madoff Victims: Meet Some Who Don't Fit That Word

We call them Madoff victims. But after you learn more about some of these people, victim is the last word you might use to describe them. They are some of the most inspirational people you will ever meet. After you read about them, ask yourself if you have this kind of forgiveness.

Madoff Victims: Meet the Millers

Meet Rick and Ellen Miller. Mr. Miller said that he personally has lost $10 million and his extended family has lost $40 million. According to Mr. Miller, "As far as the rest of the family goes, we are hardworking and diligent survivors. This will become an experience that life teaches you that we will benefit from. And we will grow stronger for it." These aren't the words of a victim. These are the words of a hero, someone we can look up to for the values in his life.

The Miller's were interviewed while eating at Nino Selimaj's upscale New York restaurant. Mr. Selimaj offered free meals to Madoff victims at Nino's 208, which is close to Madoff's offices. Mr. Selimaj lost all his money on the stock market several years ago so he knows what loss is. He offered the meals in the hopes of putting a smile on their faces. He is another winner that could have chosen to be a victim.

Madoff Victims: Meet the Thiermann's

Meet Ian Thiermann and his wife from Ben Loman, California. They lost their entire life savings of $750K to Mr. Madoff. Mr. Thiermann is 90 years old and has returned to work for 30 hours per week at $12 per hour. The grocery store where he was a customer for years created a greeter position just for him. According to the store manager, Ron Clements, Mr. Thiermann has inspired the customers. They all feel they can step up to the plate to face what is happening to them after speaking with Mr. Thiermann.

Mr. Thiermann said he is not going to dwell on Madoff. "I have a job to do and I am not going to feel sorry for myself." He still has house payments and his wife's medical bills to pay. His wife is quoted as saying she feels sorry for Madoff. She says Madoff has to live with what he did. These are not the words of victims. These are people who accept life and go on. No hatred, grudges or revenge are found here.

Madoff Victims: Winners that are an Inspiration to All of Us

They may be called Madoff victims but they are not victims. How many of us facing circumstances like these, would be as forgiving as these people? It's not only Madoff they could be holding a grudge against, they could also be mad at the world or God or any number of things to blame. These people a great inspiration to all of us. Their approach to life will help them gain much of what they lost. At a time like this when the economy is changing so rapidly, we can all learn from these winners.

Bernie Madoff is convicted of the largest securities fraud ever committed by a single person. His Ponzi Scheme fabricated gains of almost $65 billion. His clients have been dubbed Madoff's victims. On March 12, 2009, Madoff pled guilty to an 11-count criminal complaint, admitting to defrauding thousands of investors. Many of Madoff's victims were acquainted with him through country clubs and social networks in Long Island and Palm Beach. There were charities, benefactors and showbiz names such as Pedro Almodóvar, Steven Spielberg and Kevin Bacon.

Click here to read more of my articles.

Sources:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/madoff-swindled-you-dinners-on-nino/
http://www.videosurf.com/video/90-year-old-madoff-victim-back-at-work-60666682