Tag Archives: Czechoslovakia

The First Seven Years

Posted on September 1, 2016 by vanbytheriver

“Give me a child for the first seven years, and you may do what you like with him afterwards.” St. Ignatius Loyola. In honor of that belief, I’d like to repost a piece of writing dedicated to the woman who … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Food, Home | Tagged , , , , | 85 Comments

The Steamer Trunk

Posted on November 12, 2014 by vanbytheriver

After the death of my father, there was very little from my childhood home that I really wanted. The piano I grew up with had already been given away to a small neighborhood church that my grandparents had supported. But … Continue reading →

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Paprikash

Posted on October 31, 2014 by vanbytheriver

My grandparents were immigrants from Eastern Europe, mostly Hungary and Czechoslovakia, who came here for a better life. They brought with them a rich culture, which was reinforced when they settled in ethnically diverse communities such as my home in … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Family, Food, home, Memories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments