MAMA MILLIE MOMENTS#4

I,love old photos. I would like to share these, of mother"s family in Europe. Unfortunately,Mother never saw her family after she came to America as a WW II war bride. Occasionally, Mother would have some correspondence and a telephone call once a year. I, remember years ago, we received a telephone call from the American Red Cross. Mother's family hadn't heard from her so they asked the Red Cross to locate mother to see if she was alive, or whatever. My mother hated to write as well as to talk on the telephone, therefore connection with her family was obviously limited. Mother got mad when the Red Cross talked with her. I explained to Mother why this would happen and with her permission wrote in English back to her family. I, think that Mother didn't want to do this initial letter as she felt uncomfortable. Someone in Europe got the letter translated and thus Mother learned her lesson and would occasionally send a letter and make a telephone call to Europe. I, could never read the letters from Europe as they were in her native language,Czech. Mother would do a very "short" version of the letter to me. Throughout the years before my Mother died, I would encourage her to see her family in Europe. She refused saying that she couldn't handle it emotionally. Good and memories. If you remember, my Mother was in Europe in the 40's and could recall seeing the Germans invade her country and city. Mother, even as years went by and still had strong negative feelings for the enemy of her country. She, never went into any depth to share this part of her life. When my Mother died, I was determined to meet my European family that I never knew. I did this about 3 years ago and plan to share this special moment with you in a later post. Mother had 2 sisters and one brother. for some reason she had negative feelings for her youngest sister. She spoke better about her older sister and brother. Mother lived with her parents and siblings. In Europe, the children began to go to work at an early age. At, 14, my Mother was a maid. All of the children had to give all of their wages to their parents without any for themselves. According to Mother, my Grandmother was the dominant parent. grandmother would disclipine, and take charge of the house and issues. My Mother always said "Ilove my Father", I didn't hear that of her Mother. She described my Grand father as quiet and very gentle. He was a glass blower which I Came to realize that the Czechs have a history of making beautiful glassware. I always felt a sadness that my Mother never came to terms with her family and life in Europe. I, don't want a hurt or an experience to affect me that I have problems facing life challenges. I,plan to do a weekly post, MAMA MILLIE MOMENTS, until my mind goes blank and my words are silent.