It was a quiet day at home today. My dad wasn’t feeling very well, so he slept much of the time. My mom got bored pretty quickly and wanted to find a project. Years ago, she started a photo album/scrapbook that tells the story of her family. She has a page set aside for her father’s biography, but she hasn’t been able to decide exactly what or how much information should be included. She worked on it for a while, then I started putting into my computer. As she went over her father’s journey to America, I thought I better look some things up to make sure I was accurate. I came across a website from Ellis Island where you can find passenger lists from those who immigrated and came through the Island. I put in my grandfather’s name and sure enough, there he was. There was a lot of information that we were able to verify and some that raised questions. My mom couldn’t believe that it took only a few minutes to find out so much. She went back into the notes she had and elaborated on her father’s story. It warmed my heart to see and listen to my mom remember her dad and some of the meaningful events of her past. As we talked about those earlier times, I tried to put myself in the culture of the day. It was, of course, quite different than it is now. For instance, he came from Germany and did not know any English when he arrived. He had the equivalent of a 3rd grade education. He worked for a baker for a few years, then opened his own bakery which sustained he and his family throughout life. I enjoyed getting to know my grandfather a little bit more and have a new respect for who he was.

I Found God today learning more about the sacrifice my grandfather made and the perseverance and courage he showed.