I know this sounds clichéd, but Ruchie and I found buried treasure in the back of a closet. Treasure, in the form of Bubby’s tan leather travel bag filled with post-war papers.
For good reason, there seems to be a certain memory gap around WWII. I can only imagine that the climate was so horrific and speaking the memories was too traumatic. I guess Bubby put away the papers, without realizing that someday they would be threads linking to our history. I’m glad they’ve surfaced.
When I opened the time capsule, this is what I found:
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Bubby and Zayda's Ketubah
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- Bubby & Zayda’s Ketubah
- Naturalizations certificates for Bubby and Mommy
- U.S. Declaration papers
- Mommy’s immigration card
- Bubby & Zayda’s individual testimonies for war reparations, including doctor’s notes.
Though I was so happy to find, scan, and record them, the papers have left me with many gaps and unanswered questions – trying to piece back history.
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Bubby's Naturalization Certificate
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Mommy's Naturalization Certificate
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I suppose this falls into the category of, “You’ll never know what you’ll find cleaning up.” Until we
had to go through all of the closets, we did not. And, if all the work was just for this, I’m glad we did.
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| Mommy – 2 years old |
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| Zayda's Declaration of Intention |
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| Bubby's Declaration of Intention |
:-)
ReplyDeleteDena, what a beautiful way to remember your mom and bring thoughts of her into the everyday. I hope your kids are reading this...
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you were able to find the bag. It had important pieces of information linking us to our past. Thank you for the hard work you are doing, this blog is an incredible idea. I can't wait for the next post!
ReplyDeleteYour timing in sending this precious series of documents is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about Eva the week before Pesach because I was remembering that last year at that time you were sitting shiva. Then I got a message from plaxo that it was Eva's birthday. Seeing the
pictures of your Bubbi and Zaida and little Eva was a treat. Eva's ever smiling face was a reminder of the joy your mother took in seeing people she cared about. Eva had a knack for taking her family and
friends into her heart and really caring about their happiness and welfare. I treasure the photos I have with her standing next to me at one simcha or another. Photos is all we have left to remind us that
this is the way we looked.
At your uncle Sachya's wedding I was pregnant with Chaim and i found out that your Mom was pregnant with you. Happy happy times. When they came to America Tanta Mila told me that she taught your mother to go around to people holding a pushka and encouraging them to give tzedaka. I can picture little Eva with the blond curls and the winning smile saying in yiddish – whoever doesn't give pushka gelt doesn't get into "the world to come".
As for your dear mother, she surely has a place of honor in the Olam Ha'emet because she was an OHAV yisroel- ohav et Habriyot. She gave respect and caring to those who she came in contact. She had a shem tov.It's people like her that made the world a better place.
Sorry for this stream of consciousness but I have so many wonderful memories after all these years of friendship. I thank G-d that we had the opportunity to talk with your mother at Matthew's engagement party. Hashem gave me and Devora quality time to talk to laugh to exchange stories. That was a gift.
With hugs and love to you,Aviva
Thank you Aviva for the wonderful memories. This warms my heart. Love, Dena
DeleteI had a chance to read this blog and see some of the pictures of Mom when she was young. Wow, she looked the same as when she was a child! Either way i really loved the blog and i am so appreciative that you shared it
ReplyDeleteDena - this blog is absolutely fantastic. Truly a creative way of sharing your Mom's memory with others!
ReplyDeleteI was very surprised with emotions to read your document. I too am a relative to your grandparents. Your grand father was my uncle. My father Moshe Domb was your grand father brother. I am Steven and another Pesachya. You can reach me at sdomb75243@aol.com. Regards Steven
ReplyDelete