Rodzina is the Polish word for family, and what an important word it is.
For many years “Polish family”, to me, meant just Dad. My English mother, Nancy, has been dead for 23 years, and, having no brothers and sisters, ours was a small family unit. Then came the fateful phone call. I’ve told the story countless times, but it still fills me with wonder.
Dad (centre) reunited with his brothers and sisters after 64 years
Unknown to him, in Poland, awaited an enormous family. Following the phone call, arrangements were made for us to visit.
From his second marriage, to Laura, Dad already had inherited quite a large English family. Laura was a lovely lady, but she died on Dad’s 70th birthday, leaving him saddened and lonely. My presence and that of my stepbrother, Tony, and his family, was not enough to fill the gap. My stepsister, Lynne, though always in touch, was far distant in Canada. That phone call changed Dad’s life. It also made quite a difference in mine.
Arriving at the farm with cousin, Adam
My cousin Marysia, and neice, Kasia
Cousins, Ewa, forefront, Marysia and Jadzia on the right- Dad, centrestage!
If you’ve followed any of my Polish A-Z you’ll know that I have 26 cousins (one for each letter of the alphabet?) so it’s impossible to show them all here. Off we went to Poland, with camera crew in tow. Dad was featured on North East Tonight on 15th March 2007. Watching the webcam still has me sniffling.
After a day or so in beautiful Kraków, with my cousin Adam, we drove north to meet the family. The cacophony of tooting horns and voices as we drove in through the farmyard gates will stay with me for a very long time. Then, in good old Polish fashion, jemy i pijemy– we ate and we drank! A drive through the woods helped Dad to familiarise himself with the place he had left behind so long ago.
Lighting candles
As all Polish visits seem to do, we ended up at the cemetery. They may celebrate life in fine style, but they never forget to honour loved ones. And the bigger the family, the more the farewells. Already I have said goodbyes to my much-loved Aunt Anna, and to uncle Włodek’s wife, Janina. Cousins Gosia and Dominik were both much too young to die. But life is seldom gloomy around my Polish family.
Life is full of smiles (here with neice, Ula)
Her brother, Łukasz, and sister Weronika, soon to be wedded to Wojtek
Beautiful scenery, like Wawel Cathedral
These fountains at Pałac Sztuki in Kraków
A chess piece or two
And cake!
Dad has always been kind, caring and the very definition of a gentleman, whatever life has brought his way. You can read more of his story here. I hope you’ve enjoyed sharing tales of my rodzina Polska. Many thanks to Julie Dawn Fox, who started me off on this Personal A-Z series, and to my good friend at Frizztext for welcoming me to his A-Z. Please click on the links or the logos to see more.
I do so enjoy the tales of your Polish family Jo. Lovely stuff!
Thanks, Suze. 🙂 You settled into being a Sadie yet?
I’m being dippy Jo – what’s a Sadie?!
“Rodzina is the Polish word for family, and what an important word it is…”
P.S.:
you are suffering, that they are so far away? What about to live in Poland?
Hi, Frizz 🙂 I’m just back from Barcelona tonight so excuse my late reply. Hope you enjoyed your boating holiday. 🙂
Your question quite surprised me. I love the family but I don’t see myself ever living there. I did wonder if Dad might want to return to his homeland, but even he feels that his life and friends are here. I already was mapping out my future in Portugal when I discovered that I had family in Poland. It has changed my life quite a bit already, but I don’t think to that extent.
we can move from time to time …
Hallo das sind sehr schöne Fotos ein schönes Wochenende wünscht dir Klaus aus Köln
Danke schone, Klaus! 🙂
What a beautiful story. Touching.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read it, Mithriluna. Time is precious 🙂
LOVED LOVED LOVED!
Bless you, Eunice! You’re a lovely lass 🙂 Happy Halloween!
🙂
Heart warming and so glad you have taken time to document it.
Thanks for taking the time to read it, Lynne. It’s much appreciated. 🙂
Excellent post, very interesting and very well captured photos… 🙂 🙂
Thanks, Drake. I’ve shared some wonderful moments with my Polish family. 🙂
Lovely story!
Dina x
Thanks, Dina 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story, Jo. I ever knew the ‘feel’ of a big family. This is lovely.
And that cake…OMG!!!!
Lots more cake where that came from, Gem. Adam runs a bakery and his son and younger daughter are helping to run a new cake shop venture. 🙂
I’ve loved reading about your rodzina! Wonderful photos and such a great story. Thanks for sharing it with us, Jo.
Glad you enjoyed it, Angeline. I guess I’m very lucky 🙂
A story that make all of us believe in the power and magic of family. It is a joy to see your family…lots of happy, loving family. I’m used to be around lots of family and relatives until I moved to America. One of the price to pay for leaving one’s homeland. Beautiful post. Thank you.
Family is the main reason that we haven’t made the move to Portugal. Sometimes I feel like I have put my own life on hold, but then I realise how very much I have to be grateful for. Thanks for your support and your kind words always. 🙂