the inspiration
She lived a huge life of sacrifice, of guts but also of love. Life took her from the Ukraine to Poland to Germany and then on a boat, through Ellis Island, to America. She survived insane journeys, Russian plane raids, refugee camps and escapes from East to West Germany (twice to be exact). She was never a victim; rather she was the driving force that kept her family safe, sane and hopeful. Her last years found her in Chicago, laying the foundations for my dad’s life and then mine. When I think about what she went through so I could just have a chance at life, I’m humbled. So the least I can do is name this project after her.
That’s Wilhelmine, the woman on the left with her hand on the horse. She is/was my Oma (grandmother).
