Born in Poland, taken by the Nazis at age 15 as a prisoner of war, she was clearly a special woman, as she faced atrocities we can only imagine. She witnessed death, felt unimaginable sadness and never saw her family again.
And then my grandfather died.
She raised four children.
Despite her time in camp, she survived.
My grandmother was one of the lucky ones.
She endured.
She survived and she met my grandfather, a man I never met but one she loved dearly and off they went. First they lived in England, and then eventually the wedded couple boarded a ship which took them to Montreal.
They became new Canadians.
Immigrants who were welcomed to our country.
Settled in Fort Erie.
Welcomed four kids.
And then my grandfather died.
Once again, my Babcia endured.
She raised four children.
Learned english.
Worked.
Made most of her children's clothing.
She endured.
Her legacy rests on my ring finger.
Her wedding band became mine.
A modest yellow gold band, a reminder to keep things simple.
She is my anchor.
My focal point during life's storms.
Rising with the tide.
Rolling with the waves.
Enduring each storm.
Anchored in love.
Faith in God.
Hope during trials.
Love at the root of all decisions.
Today, on International Women's Day, I encourage you to honour the generations of amazing women who paved the way for your very life today. Aunts, grandmothers, sisters and mothers.
Women who endured, so that we may do so as well.
#IWD
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