Family History and Traditions

My family history is diverse and can be very confusing. My moms side came from Munich, Germany during World War 2. My great grandmother and my great grandfather fled Germany and decided to come to the United States for a new beginning. When they arrived in the USA they were spat on, called Nazi’s, and treated differently. Facing these challenges my great grandfather decided to learn fluent English, and eventually find work to become part of a great nation. During the 40’s and 50’s my great grandfather was a milkman in San Francisco, California while my great grandmother worked in the textile mills. For 15 years they lived in Cali before they decided to move up to Lewiston, Maine. My great gram ended up finding a job in the Bates Shoe Mill where she worked until the mill closed in 2001. My great grandfather ended up working in excavation and construction until he retired in 1990 when he was 73. I was 9 years old when my great gramps passed away and I have him to thank because he taught me everything there is to know from women to a proper handshake. I feel that I have a strong work ethic and the confidence to step out of my comfort zone to take on challenges because of him.

My dads side is a different story. My father never knew his father because he was a drunk and was never really around. But my grandmother on the other hand is one of the most helpful, happy, and outgoing people you’ll ever meet. My dads dad ended up passing away recently but I never met him.. My gram was born in New Auburn, ME and attended Edward Little until she dropped out in the 7th grade because she had to help support her family. She’s always been one of the most hard working people I know and for that I have all the respect in the world for her. She’s told me to trust that there’s always sunshine after the rain.

I feel that being on both sides of wealthy and lower middle has allowed me to put things into my own perspective and be thankful for everything. It’s common that kids become spoiled and end up treating others like crap but I’ve been on both sides. I believe that everyone should be able to feel it because it’s important to understand that not everyone is as grateful as everyone else. My family history is very complicated.

My family also has a list of traditions that can be weird to families who don’t follow or believe in the same things we do. For holidays we all gather at my great aunts house and have a lavish feast while enjoying the company of family. We have family game nights on friday nights and always go to 3 red sox games a summer. I feel that the little things my family does is what keeps us super close. We all are able to feel comfortable enough to talk to each other as a family. If anyone has a problem we usually sit down and talk it out as a family so we can find a solution. Strong communication is a very important factor to any relationship, family or not. Being able to speak to someone about anything good or bad is a healthy social skill that can reduce stress.

Family is a very important thing to me because they are the people who support you unconditionally, no matter what. Growing up I realized that it’s important to spend as much as you can with your family because they might not be around as long as you think. I have a pretty big family and I don’t always get to let the ones I don’t talk to much know that I care and love them just as much as my other family.

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