Monday, April 18, 2011
"Sometimes the biggest act of courage is a small one." ~Lauren Raffo --
Babcia lived every day with courage and profound strength. Her life was not easy, and she overcame many challenges each and every day. I consider her a role model, and an example of a woman of faith. Babcia taught me the value of life and the purpose of suffering. She taught me the immense value of a smile, the importance of laughter, and how to serve God each day, despite the hardships that you may encounter.
I remember Babcia singing to me at our kitchen table when I was a young girl. She wrote out the lyrics to songs dedicated to Mother Mary so that I would learn them and remember them. As time went on, I returned the favour by singing songs to her including, "Pod twą obronę" and "Panience na dobranoc." It amazed me that although her ability to speak was impaired, occasionally, she could still sing these religious hymns with me.
Babcia was deeply devoted to her faith, and showed me the importance of prayer. Praying the Rosary each day and attending mass gave her strength. As I grow in my own faith, I will always remember the way she dedicated her life to God, and how she faithfully served Him until the end.
Babcia was committed to her pro-life views, and has inspired me to advocate for life from the moment of conception. Despite the hardships she encountered, and the physical suffering she endured, she lived each day to the fullest, and was still able to laugh at some of Dziadziu's silliest jokes. Through suffering, she not only grew closer to Christ, but she acted as a model of courage for all those who surrounded her. If she could overcome so much, surely we could overcome the seemingly trivial challenges in our own lives and move forward with the grace of God.
Babcia always corrected our Polish grammar, ensuring that our language was not just maintained - but maintained in proper form. She attended "zabawy" (dances) and special celebrations at our Polish Hall, ranging from Remembrance Dance to "Trzeci Maj" celebrations. She watched her grandchildren proudly as we recited "wierszyki" (poems) in Polish, and danced traditional Polish folk dances. She encouraged us to be proud of our Polish culture and traditions.
Most of all, I will remember how Babcia loved her family. She would hold my hand with astonishing strength, and showed her love for us through small acts of courage that she completed each day. Her 59-year marriage to Dziadziu serves as an inspiration to me. Babcia taught me many life lessons - not just through her words, but through her actions and the way she lived each day. With faith and strength from God, she overcame many obstacles. Through Babcia's example, I realized that, "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you." Kocham cię, Babcia!
------Written by: Stephanie Kwolek
