It sounds there are a lot of things going on to cause you some mixed emotions. It was interesting to read about, because these are experiences that I have never had or thought about. I hope you find some peace and more feelings of belonging soon. 🫂
I grew up in England though I was born in Ohio, and now I live near Ohio…I can relate. It’s this feeling of ambiguous pain alongside good memories. Thank you for sharing! 💕
I know exactly what you mean about being part of two worlds, yet part of neither at the same time. Places we remember are never the same as how we remember them - they grow and change too. These photographs of Poland, snapshots, make it look so beautiful there.
And yes. Even family can be strangers. Don't I know it! But I'm glad that you all found some things in common too, such as a joke to laugh at. 🫂
Very interesting letter, Darya. Especially the words about being “someone in between the two worlds.” And I’m glad to hear about your reunion with your family members. My parents were Polish immigrants and I was born and raised in the US. Only one of my grandmothers came to the US, the rest lived and are buried in Poland. To me Eastern Europe seems like a place that I never knew but I do wonder about the lives of my grandparents and other ancestors. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
Having visited three of my childhood homes in two communities, finding none of the three houses standing, with two of the three neighborhoods completely gone (except for a lone fire hydrant). And there were none of the people who previously lived there.
Thank you for sharing, Bill! And thank you for your support. It’s very sad when the places we grew up either disappear or become unreachable. At least they continue to live in our memories.
It sounds there are a lot of things going on to cause you some mixed emotions. It was interesting to read about, because these are experiences that I have never had or thought about. I hope you find some peace and more feelings of belonging soon. 🫂
Thank you, Tracy! ❤️
I grew up in England though I was born in Ohio, and now I live near Ohio…I can relate. It’s this feeling of ambiguous pain alongside good memories. Thank you for sharing! 💕
Thank you for sharing, Melody! Indeed, it’s hard to describe this feeling, yet it’s very real and affects many people.
I know exactly what you mean about being part of two worlds, yet part of neither at the same time. Places we remember are never the same as how we remember them - they grow and change too. These photographs of Poland, snapshots, make it look so beautiful there.
And yes. Even family can be strangers. Don't I know it! But I'm glad that you all found some things in common too, such as a joke to laugh at. 🫂
Thank you, Laurel!
Very interesting letter, Darya. Especially the words about being “someone in between the two worlds.” And I’m glad to hear about your reunion with your family members. My parents were Polish immigrants and I was born and raised in the US. Only one of my grandmothers came to the US, the rest lived and are buried in Poland. To me Eastern Europe seems like a place that I never knew but I do wonder about the lives of my grandparents and other ancestors. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
Thank you for sharing, Paul, and for your support! I hope you can visit Poland one day and reconnect with your heritage ❤️
“… someone between two worlds …” 😢
I am imagining how that feels.
Having visited three of my childhood homes in two communities, finding none of the three houses standing, with two of the three neighborhoods completely gone (except for a lone fire hydrant). And there were none of the people who previously lived there.
On another note, rest assured:
you are without a doubt American enough,
at least in my book.
Thank you for sharing, Bill! And thank you for your support. It’s very sad when the places we grew up either disappear or become unreachable. At least they continue to live in our memories.