Note: This is not your regularly-scheduled programming, but it’s just a personal essay that I wanted to publish. I recently had the chance to retrace my great-grandfather’s steps at Ellis Island. This was very emotional and personally meaningful to me. Almost embarrassingly, it only really hit me that I was actually on a “pilgrimage” of sorts as the tour boat was about halfway from Liberty Island to Ellis. And it hit me like a ton of bricks — no, a freight train, because I remained alternating between silently bawling and straining to collect myself pretty much until we got in line for the return ferry. I was lucky that my saint of a girlfriend was there to keep my 12-year-old sister occupied while I walked the halls and took in the gravity of where I was walking and standing. The inside of my mask was soaked with snot and tears.
Thanks for this great, thoughtful essay. Both my grandfathers immigrated to Canada in the early 20th century. Then my family (I was 7) immigrated to the U.S. in 1965.
I don't think about it often, but you made me remember. Thanks. Happy holidays!
Thanks for this great, thoughtful essay. Both my grandfathers immigrated to Canada in the early 20th century. Then my family (I was 7) immigrated to the U.S. in 1965.
I don't think about it often, but you made me remember. Thanks. Happy holidays!