Open Blog Post by Wendy Morris – Perceptions are Reality, or Are They? An Immigrant’s Journey
Posted by aaron on November 28th, 2011TEDxGreenville Open Blog Post by: Wendy Morris
*Originally shared by Marketing Profs – TEDxPeachtree Talk with Ekaterina Walter – Social Media Strategist at Intel
Since our theme for the upcoming TEDxGreenville 2012 is Breakthrough, this video caught my eye; and then my heart today. My grandparents were immigrants – my father’s parents came from the former Yugoslavia; and my mother’s parents came from Norway. Both families raised many children – 6 and 7 in each, and my grandfathers both worked in the iron-ore mines in Northern Minnesota. My Dad’s father also made homemade wine in a cellar in his basement (a great Zinfandel, by the way) and my Dad’s mother was an amazing cook; and always welcomed everyone into her small home. My Mom’s father was also a farmer; and both Grandma and Grandpa gardened and canned well into their late 80’s; and I’ve never had pickled beets quite like my Grandma J’s!
Adversity? They knew it…as did my parents, having come through the Great Depression. Even as children, there were times when we did not have much food, nor toys and gadgets; and other times when it seemed that the universe was ours! What gives a person the profound sense that anything can be accomplished, that your dreams really can come true? In this TedX video, Ekaterina’s story reminded me of my own – that I come from a long line of some really amazing people, who always showed me great love, and taught us to persevere. Do you know what it feels like to be hugged as if it were God himself wrapping his arms around you? Or, the way someone’s face and smile light up when you arrive? Or, simply the soft and loving tone in someone’s voice as they say your name? This says it all for me, and my husband and our family have come through some very difficult times as well – tragedies, near-misses, good times and bad. We have always tried to respect the dignity of every human being, not only because our faith tells us so…but because by doing so; we help our children, friends and family to become all that they can be. Sometimes, it means helping someone – other times it means stepping back and allowing someone to help themselves and not doing everything for them.
There are so many gifts…right in front of us; every single day, and our freedom and dignity are some of the greatest. We all experience barriers, self-doubt, bad things and good things in our lives and yet if we really breakthrough – we can achieve almost anything. Believe in your dreams!
Very moving blog, post, Wendy. Thank you for this and for sharing kindness and understanding.
BTW, I have a niece and an aunt named Ekaterina.
Thank you, Despina. My grandparents were a very integral part of our lives growing up. Our aunts, uncles and cousins were, too. My parents were divorced when I was little, and even though there were very difficult times, we still had lots of love, and they taught us great things. I remember my grandparents describing difficulties their families went through in Yugoslavia and Norway; and why they immigrated to the US. I know many people come here for a better life; and often to escape horrible conditions. In Minnesota; Dave and I helped a Vietnamese family immigrate to the US – through our church. They were a husband, wife, brother and small baby. It was very challenging to help them to become citizens, learn English, enroll in schools, find an apartment; and especially…learn to drive in a Minnesota winter! And, their little guy turned out to be Autistic. We helped them get connected to preschool support through Special Education. Huang and Yung became Engineers through Brown Institute, and they later bought a home and proceeded to bring more family to the states! It was a very touching experience for our us and our children. (Another great TED talk on immigration is one by Isabel Allende. I’ve enjoyed her as an author,too)
Peace and blessings to you, and thank you again for your comments.