Men Working column
I am reminded during this holiday season, there are many reasons we should be grateful for everything we enjoy in this wonderful country and in our homelands. Recently, I was at the Spa in San Juan Cosala languishing in the jacuzzi. There were three gentlemen who started to talk. We became friendly in a very short time.
One of the men was born in the U.S. of immigrant parents, while the other two were natives of Poland, who spent most of their lives in Chicago. Frank is retired now and lives in Clearwater, Florida. Bogdan and Richard, who are good friends continue to live in Illinois.
It seems the latter two were born into families in Poland prior to World War II. When Hitler entered and conquered that country, they were in a group in the Russian rather than the German zone. Sent to Siberia and used for labor in a prisoner of war camp, they still express a fondness for the Russian people. They were able to sneak out of the camp at night to the village and knock on doors, asking the peasants for food. Many opened their hearts, giving food and the warmth of their fires. Siberia is not a very pleasant place, but for over 2 years, these children endured the hardship and managed to survive. Finally, they were herded up, put into trains and shipped off to Iran.
Bogdan related that while on the train his mother got off at a little village hoping to get some food. Somehow the train left without her, leaving him in a terrible state of trauma. By a miracle at the next stop they were reunited and were able to continue on together. Eventually, the Iranian government solicited places for these Polish people to gain refuge. Two countries offered to take them in. One was Mexico, the other South Africa. It was Bogdan and Richard's choice to start a new life in Mexico.
They were sent to Leon, where the Mexican government graciously built them a housing compound, allowing the parents to work and continue raising their children in safety and a democracy they had never before known. The children learned Spanish and lived happily. Nonetheless, it was their dream for years to become citizens of the U.S. and because they had family already living in Chicago, Bogdan's and Richard's families settled in that city becoming US citizens and productive adults.
As I listened to their account, I looked at the faces of Bogdan and Richard and saw a reflection of their experiences. It made me realize I do not express enough gratefulness for what I have been given in my life. My parents were also Polish immigrants, coming to the US in the early 1900's. However, compared to what those men went through, I was born with a silver spoon.
Today, during this festive season, I am thankful for people like Bogdan, Richard, and their buddy Frank, who make me aware how lucky we are here in Mexico. We are among the most fortunate of people in the world. On that note, A happy, healthy holiday to all of you.
