Random Thoughts

I found out this week that my grandmother, Mimi, went to live on the Island of Jersey in the English Channel for a spell when she was 16 years old. She had graduated from secondary school, and her father, who must have been a very progressive kind of guy, sent her there to learn to speak English more fluently. She also spoke three other languages: French (obviously), Spanish, and Catalan. He also sent her to as many additional schools as she could attend---stenography school, etc.---to give her the best education possible.

I find that remarkable. It was 1906. France. He was a cork maker for the champagne industry. His wife, my great-grandmother, ran a tavern out of their house. Yet he was open-minded enough to send his girls (my great aunt as well) to as many schools as they could attend so that they would have a better chance at life than he and my great grandma did.

Then in 1912, they upped and moved to America. June 12 they landed in New York City. My great uncle was already here. When my grandma arrived, at the ripe old age of 20, she was well-educated enough in English and secretarial skills that she was able to get a good job in an office. A few years later, she met my grandpa, and that was that. But for a little while anyway, she was an independent woman, living and working in the busiest city in America at the turn of the century...what a heady time that must have been for her!

I am thankful for Grandpa Joe's liberal attitude towards his daughters' educations. It translated well through the years. My dad was raised to be open-minded toward women, and in turn, raised us that way. Even though I am a stay-at-home mom now, it has been MY choice to do so. It was never, ever suggested to me that there was anything I could not do if I set my mind to it. I think Mimi, because of her father, must have felt the same way.

Papi, je vous remercie de tout mon coeur.