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Post by rdywenur on Feb 21, 2008 10:17:42 GMT -7
Here is a photo I came across only recently and over the course of possibly a year I finally discovered this to be my godfather. My mom had the photo and a few years ago my brother asked for all her photos and if I could look at them and try to figure out if I knew any information on any. He was scanning and creating a Family Album for us kids as a momento. Okay fast forward to about a few weeks ago I came across this photo in my drawer and upon closer examination reading the back, I kind of figured out this was sent to my mom for me as a keepsake from my godfather. Also on a website that I visit frequently (were I was born...a Polish DP Camp in Germany) there was a man who was looking for information as we all are of the past. When I turned the photo over and read the name..it sounded very familiar but why. Then looking in my email box I saw the same name as on the back of the photo. So I wrote to the man to ask if this was possibly connected to this person which he replied it was his father. So his dad was my godfather. Then telling my mom the story of what transpired recently with my email friend I asked her if she remembered more. First she hadn't then she started to remember a story of his family which I verified with my email friend which proved to be correct. So finally some true connection. So don't ever give up and keep this in mind. Also my mom is 86 yrs old now and does not remember (or wish to) but in each mind memory is there. It is just a matter of how to pry it out.
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Post by leslie on Feb 21, 2008 13:04:08 GMT -7
Chris (Rdy...) What a wonderful story and how magic coming across your godfather's son and to have that super photo. Thank you for sharing with us. Leslie
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Post by rdywenur on Feb 21, 2008 16:47:19 GMT -7
Thanks Leslie, I forgot to mention that the reason I started to communicate with this guy was because he had mentioned that he was born on the same day as I was and that he came to America about the same time as I did and on a boat, same as me. So I emailed him to find out what he knew of the boat and possibly we came over on the same ship. (we didn't) It was only later the connection. It's a good thing I don't delete all my emails.
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Post by lynnpapczynski on Jul 17, 2008 8:54:43 GMT -7
I almost gave up on the family tree, until some relatives were dieing and I realized that they are taking a part of their history with them. So I decided to start again. Looking for all of my Polish ancestors. Then I said, well let's start in another country and I found a relative in Germany. I wrote to him and he wrote back but his letter is in German/Polish and I have no one to translate it for me. I was directed to this forum to ask the website lady for help. I will wait for her reply. I truly hope I can get this letter translated. He always put his family tree down.
I already have 469 people on my father's side and only 30 on my mom's side but as the Subject line states: Don't give up and I won't.
My dad is 87 and he has given me so much information. But mom was only close to her mom and dad and after moving from Chicago to South Bend, IN she lost touch, but I am trying to find these relatives. Mom is 85 and she says she really doesn't care about the family tree, but I am hoping that I can get more information put together to make a list and give it to her.
Sincerely Lynn Papczynski Hudak
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Post by hollister on Jul 18, 2008 19:10:24 GMT -7
Lynn, Welcome to the group! Please be patient with us. A couple of the genealogy experts are tied down with family at the moment and may not see your message right away. In the meantime - join in the discussion on the other forums.
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Post by jimpres on Jul 23, 2008 13:58:52 GMT -7
Lynn,
You could post your letter here. There are native German and Polish speakers who will help if they can.
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Post by Jaga on Jul 24, 2008 8:20:17 GMT -7
Chris, I loved the picture of your uncle and also the letter. It is written in old Polish Jim, I will e-mail to Lynn
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