My mother and her brother desperately wanted a fresh new start, away from the brutal memories of the war. So they began their journey to the south of Germany. Their cousins had connections for work in Stuttgart.
There they were, four spunky teengers, full of hope and a drive for adventure. With the war far behind, it seemed there were many new things to discover in the world.
They quickly came up with a plan to travel to Canada. Each day they counted their money. One day they bought their plane tickets for the big trip.
My mother was thrilled to leave Germany. She desperately wanted a new life. In Canada she married her brothers best friend and they had three kids, my half brothers and sister. They lived at 41st East Street on the Hamilton Mountain.
During the 60s love was everywhere. While hippies were exploring their love, my uncle Johann wanted to return to his girlfriend in Germany. Mom was determined not to return to Germany, so she set out to find a job.
At the local coffee shop; Mr. Tim Horton was charmed by her shy smile and immediately gave her a job. He took a chance on this woman with a thick German accent and the customers quickly fell in love with "Gitta".
The regular customers taught her english, a little more every day. Even with three small children and a very unsettled marriage, she was able to stay focused on her goal to remain in Canada.
The children taught her english from their school books and in turn, she read the daily comics with them. We adopted her accent, and we spoke very little German. We perfectly understood our mothers unique blend of German, Russian and English.
Gittas language barrier became frustrating but it was great fun to watch her persevere because was passionate about making a point. This stubborness has been carried down through generations and now I see it in my young son.
She taught us kids dedication; to follow something through - to make a point - to achieve a goal. To conquer limits and fears - to achieve something beyond our greatest imagination. And when everything is lost, or taken away, rebuild a foundation. Or build a new dream.
When mom's family lost their property and possessions during the war, she learned to trust God. When their foundation crumbled, they perservered, determined to make a life for themselves.
Throughout her life, mom had to rebuild her foundation a number of times. After all, trauma and misfortune are just a part of life. She was always passionate to help people, no matter what their status. She taught me; with God nothing is impossible.
One day, I when my life fell apart, I found something my mother taught me. Perseverance. She taught me every cloud has a silver lining. And every day is a new beginning.
In the midst of chaos and the dark night of soul; in the eye of the storm, there is the peace of God. When everything falls apart and I am left grasping at reality - it is in those weak moments I feel the Grace of God.
When the foundation crumbles - stand strong. In the midst of it all listen to God. "My Grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness..." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
