My Grandmother left the Azores when she was fourteen. She traveled to America with her Aunt and Uncle, arriving at Ellis Island. Then she took a train to Wisconsin and worked as a servant in someone’s home. Months later, when she had enough money, she ventured towards California to meet her older brothers who were already living there.
When I was in the Azores I went to the small port where my Grandparent’s, one by one had left as young teenagers towards their big adventure.
I cannot imagine as a parent saying good bye to my fourteen year old daughter, nor son. My Grandmother never saw her Mother again.
When I asked her what was that like, she said she had to do it, her future was calling her.
The main reason I went to Terceria was to know more about my family’s history. I went to the library, and by chance meet a man who was documenting Terceria’s ancestors. Meeting him was a miracle that still gives me goosebumps.
This is the library that held some of my families documents dating back to the 16th century.
The man brought out this leather bound book, with its soft worn pages. He read to me the names of my family. I asked him if I could hold it, somehow just holding it I felt I was holding the hands of my past, that I was the link taking them to the future.
The path is long, the journey unending, the heart has no bounds if you let it go free.
Photos: Taken in the Azores 2003.
Leave a Reply