My maternal grandparents were married in the former Yugoslovia, now Slovenia. But my grandfather came over first and left my grandmother with at least one son, my Uncle Joe.
They had three or four other sons, but all died due to lack of medicine or an accident. For instance, once there was an open fire on their land as they were farmers I believe, and one of their sons got too close to the fire. My grandmother didn’t know any better and immersed him in cold water. He died of shock. When my grandfather arrived in Pittsburgh, PA, it took many years for him to provide the money for my grandmother and uncle to come over. My Uncle Joe was 12 years old and my grandmother was about 43 years old when they arrived. By this time, my grandfather worked as a butcher. Well, after they reunited in Pittsburgh, my grandmother became pregnant with my mother. If I could go back and see where my maternal ancestors lived, I would cherish the opportunity to see the land, and reconnect with the relatives that remember my mother’s family. My mother continued in the tradition of her mother and many of the customs she learned were passed onto me and my siblings
. I am the sixth of seven children and am very grateful for the gift of life. I would be most grateful to visit Slovenia. My mother passed away about 25 years ago but her traditions live on in her children. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!