Both sides of my family escaped from then Czechoslovakia. Both sides would now say they were Slovaks. One side escaped in a car trunk. Other side subsistence farmed in upstate NY late in the depression. Yes your wife’s family story resonates with me
My mom told a story of being housed in a catholic monastery in Manhattan post Ellis Island. She was told that in America they hand out candy bars to new citizens. That happened to her while in Manhattan. No one could say anything bad about America to my mom.
Most of us come from immigrant families, mine from Russia, my wife's from Italy. They came here and survived because they were resilient, tough, tireless, and brave. Far more than me, I know. Wonderful column.
My Mom was strafed and wounded by an American P-38 and survived the B29 firebombing raids of Tokyo which killed over 100,000 civilians in a single night.
She married my Dad, a US Navy Combat Vet and moved to this country not speaking English. She cleaned houses for a living and worked like crazy to make ends meet. Luckily, my parents stayed together and I grew up in a happy household. I am very proud to hear about your Mother in Law and your wife. My Mom and Dad passed along a great work ethic to me and my family.Both of my kids are Uber successful at the ages of 25 and 27 and I attribute this to my Mom and Dad and the lessons my wife and I were able to show them .
John, another incredibly touching personal story. Not only the circumstances but the spirit and will and mother/daughter love to prevail. Bless them, and your words say that you feel blessed as well. With admiration all around, an affectionate thank you.
What a fantastic column. As a child I immigrated with my family when I was four. We didn't flee persecution but came in pursuit of the American dream. Life was a struggle growing up in the 70s and 80s as a minority in East County.
What a great way to honor your mother in law and your beautiful wife by sharing their story. Thank you for shining a light on the struggles immigrants face chasing the dream.
I love that you saw the motel sign as a source of nostalgia and they just saw it as a reminder of the struggle they endured.
Great column John. Brought tears. Both of my parents have passed away, but the memories of them are precious. So glad that you recognize the importance of family.
I read basically everything you write. This story was beautifully described & your writing at its best. The love for your wife, her mother & their journey comes across as more than mere words. Thank you for the story.
Both sides of my family escaped from then Czechoslovakia. Both sides would now say they were Slovaks. One side escaped in a car trunk. Other side subsistence farmed in upstate NY late in the depression. Yes your wife’s family story resonates with me
My mom told a story of being housed in a catholic monastery in Manhattan post Ellis Island. She was told that in America they hand out candy bars to new citizens. That happened to her while in Manhattan. No one could say anything bad about America to my mom.
Love this comment. Thank you for sharing it.
Most of us come from immigrant families, mine from Russia, my wife's from Italy. They came here and survived because they were resilient, tough, tireless, and brave. Far more than me, I know. Wonderful column.
Thanks for this
Great story - thanks for sharing.
Thanks for being here.
That was a great story.! I can totally relate!
My Mom was strafed and wounded by an American P-38 and survived the B29 firebombing raids of Tokyo which killed over 100,000 civilians in a single night.
She married my Dad, a US Navy Combat Vet and moved to this country not speaking English. She cleaned houses for a living and worked like crazy to make ends meet. Luckily, my parents stayed together and I grew up in a happy household. I am very proud to hear about your Mother in Law and your wife. My Mom and Dad passed along a great work ethic to me and my family.Both of my kids are Uber successful at the ages of 25 and 27 and I attribute this to my Mom and Dad and the lessons my wife and I were able to show them .
That is amazing
Thanks, John, for sharing this sweet story. I'm a big fan of yours and have been since you first started at the O.
Thanks Shelley. I appreciate that you are here for this. It means the world. I'm blown away by the volume of readers who are reading. Humbling.
John, another incredibly touching personal story. Not only the circumstances but the spirit and will and mother/daughter love to prevail. Bless them, and your words say that you feel blessed as well. With admiration all around, an affectionate thank you.
Thanks Charles. I do feel blessed. You got it right.
What a fantastic column. As a child I immigrated with my family when I was four. We didn't flee persecution but came in pursuit of the American dream. Life was a struggle growing up in the 70s and 80s as a minority in East County.
What a great way to honor your mother in law and your beautiful wife by sharing their story. Thank you for shining a light on the struggles immigrants face chasing the dream.
I love that you saw the motel sign as a source of nostalgia and they just saw it as a reminder of the struggle they endured.
So true. Thank you.
Just a wonderful story about family love.
Thank you.
Beautiful
Thanks Ken
I always enjoy your sports columns but now I'm reduced to tears reading this, mother in law column. Again thanks.
Had tears in my eyes as I wrote it …
That came through. Thank you for being vulnerable.
My grandparents came from Norway (Olaf & Minnie) and settled in Minnesota then in the 50's
moved to Oregon. A few years ago we went back to Minn for a reunion and made a stop in
Pearly where Minnie was from. The only thing there was a Cenex store and some silos.
We ate lunch there sitting between the fertilizer and the feed. Next to us were 5 old farmers
talking about how bad things were in the 40s...that was a great lunch.
Epic
The essence of love, respect, determination, responsibility, strength, and patriotism is what makes this read a true gem
Good on ya John
GO DAWGS
Thank you.
Always nice to read a non sports story from you. Truly inspirational
I need to mix it up sometimes
OK...this one brought tears to my eyes. Thank you (not for the tears but for the post!) Beautiful.
Thank you Donna
Great column John. Brought tears. Both of my parents have passed away, but the memories of them are precious. So glad that you recognize the importance of family.
Really appreciate this
I read basically everything you write. This story was beautifully described & your writing at its best. The love for your wife, her mother & their journey comes across as more than mere words. Thank you for the story.
Appreciate this David.