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- Nov 5, 2001
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I've been blessed in life to have several remarkable women in it. My Mother is my rock, but to understand her... you have to know of my maternal Grandmother. I called her Nana. She remains the only woman that I ever feared, and the woman I have most respected and admired in my life. Nana, her MIL (another amazing woman!), my young mother and her brother basically walked across WW-II war-time Europe... through the thick of the fighting to make it to ultimate safety in immediate post-war Germany. Nana was a pharmacist in Russia. She carried two suitcases with all their worldly possessions with them. One was filled with clothes and necessities to survive. The other was smartly filled with valuable medicines, bandages, etc. This was used as barter and as intended if necessary. On one occasion, she faced down a young German soldier, at gunpoint, who demanded all their belongings and the scrounged meal that she had made for the four of them. She, in no uncertain terms, informed him that he would not be taking those things, yet was welcome to join them in their meager meal.
Ultimately they ended up in a refuge camp in Germany immediately post war and made their way to the US in 1946. Ended up settling in Milwaukee Wisconsin where there was a fair number of Latvians and Russians. She was a single mother with two young children and her MIL to care for. And she survived and thrived. I cherished every moment I had growing up with her. In my college days, I spent a whole summer with her, working with a couple of Veterinarians who were instrumental in helping me get to where I am now.
Now, my Mother... she is every bit as tough and intelligent as HER mother. She is in her late 70's now, and still works in her now third career. She is smart, still a looker, and one who collects and cares for a succession of "strays" as we call them. "Strays" as in people who are in tough situations, and she helps them with their finances, taxes, and general things in life. She has always been a giver and never a taker. She is someone who can always be relied upon. Often a bit too stubborn to accept help, prefers to be self-reliant and help others instead. She is my rock.
Another woman in my life that is special is my MIL. She is the kindest woman I know, and she did a fine job with my wife... who has many of the same characteristics. They are both stubborn German women, so I don't win too many arguments. Both are hard workers and prefer to help others, often at the expense of themselves. I hope my daughters catch all of the positive characteristics of all these incredible women in their lives.... they have some fantastic role models.
Ultimately they ended up in a refuge camp in Germany immediately post war and made their way to the US in 1946. Ended up settling in Milwaukee Wisconsin where there was a fair number of Latvians and Russians. She was a single mother with two young children and her MIL to care for. And she survived and thrived. I cherished every moment I had growing up with her. In my college days, I spent a whole summer with her, working with a couple of Veterinarians who were instrumental in helping me get to where I am now.
Now, my Mother... she is every bit as tough and intelligent as HER mother. She is in her late 70's now, and still works in her now third career. She is smart, still a looker, and one who collects and cares for a succession of "strays" as we call them. "Strays" as in people who are in tough situations, and she helps them with their finances, taxes, and general things in life. She has always been a giver and never a taker. She is someone who can always be relied upon. Often a bit too stubborn to accept help, prefers to be self-reliant and help others instead. She is my rock.
Another woman in my life that is special is my MIL. She is the kindest woman I know, and she did a fine job with my wife... who has many of the same characteristics. They are both stubborn German women, so I don't win too many arguments. Both are hard workers and prefer to help others, often at the expense of themselves. I hope my daughters catch all of the positive characteristics of all these incredible women in their lives.... they have some fantastic role models.
. My Grandparents never had indoor plumbing... ever..until the day they died. Mom always made my brother and I the best meals you can imagine. She was strict with us. Taught us to respect others, believe in God, and to work hard. Those lessons have served me well. Here is a picture of her on her wedding day in 1947:
