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Jim Mras's avatar

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.

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John Canzano's avatar

Love this comment. Thank you for sharing it.

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Steven A Smith's avatar

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.

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John Canzano's avatar

Thanks for this

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Kyle Draper's avatar

Great story - thanks for sharing.

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John Canzano's avatar

Thanks for being here.

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Ed Hill's avatar

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 .

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John Canzano's avatar

That is amazing

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Shelley Lewelling's avatar

Thanks, John, for sharing this sweet story. I'm a big fan of yours and have been since you first started at the O.

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John Canzano's avatar

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.

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Charles A Roseberry's avatar

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.

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John Canzano's avatar

Thanks Charles. I do feel blessed. You got it right.

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John Kim's avatar

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.

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John Canzano's avatar

So true. Thank you.

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David Van  Klinken's avatar

Just a wonderful story about family love.

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John Canzano's avatar

Thank you.

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Lillian Bladine's avatar

Beautiful

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John Canzano's avatar

Thanks Ken

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Gay Mckinlay's avatar

I always enjoy your sports columns but now I'm reduced to tears reading this, mother in law column. Again thanks.

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John Canzano's avatar

Had tears in my eyes as I wrote it …

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Terry Tillman's avatar

That came through. Thank you for being vulnerable.

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Rick Olson's avatar

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.

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John Canzano's avatar

Epic

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David Gulickson's avatar

The essence of love, respect, determination, responsibility, strength, and patriotism is what makes this read a true gem

Good on ya John

GO DAWGS

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John Canzano's avatar

Thank you.

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Jim rice.'s avatar

Always nice to read a non sports story from you. Truly inspirational

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John Canzano's avatar

I need to mix it up sometimes

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Donna  Mason's avatar

OK...this one brought tears to my eyes. Thank you (not for the tears but for the post!) Beautiful.

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John Canzano's avatar

Thank you Donna

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Mark Wayne Sheppard's avatar

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.

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John Canzano's avatar

Really appreciate this

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David M's avatar

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.

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John Canzano's avatar

Appreciate this David.

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