Introduction

As a child, I was always told that we come from Vikings, a proud ethnic clan. But it wasn’t until later that I realized the true meaning behind those words. My journey to reconnect with my great-grandparents, both maternal and paternal, has been a bittersweet experience. While I never had the opportunity to meet them, I was able to learn about them and appreciate their influence through stories and memories shared with me.

Maternal Side: Norwegian Vikings

The maternal side of my family is Norwegian, and I grew up with a sense of Viking pride. I was often reminded to be proud of our heritage, although it was not until I was older that I realized it was not just about a football team. My ancestors' tales, however, remain shrouded in folklore and limited details. Here are a few memories and lessons that were passed down to me:

Great-Grandmother in Lithuania

My great-grandmother on the maternal side lived in another state. During summers, we would visit her and other family members who had immigrated from Lithuania. She spoke with broken English and addressed everyone with terms of endearment like "sweetie" and "honey." It was during these visits that I felt the true meaning of love. She instilled in me a desire to live in a place with an old house and a tree-lined street in a small city, which I am now fortunate to call home.

Lessons from Great-Grandmother

My great-grandmother’s warm demeanor left a lasting impact on me. I hope to continue her legacy by ensuring that my students and clients in music therapy feel the same love and care. Her influence has shaped my approach to helping others and has reminded me of the importance of showing genuine love and respect.

Paternal Side: Celtic Traditions

The paternal side of my family was Celtic. While my understanding of Viking pride was mostly limited to stories, the Celtic heritage was present in my life in a more tangible way. However, my great-grandparents and grandparents were older when I was born, and by the time I was old enough to understand, they were mostly gone.

Lack of In-depth Knowledge

Unlike my maternal side, my paternal side did not talk about deep subjects when I was a teenager. As a result, I missed the opportunity to learn about their lives before World War II and the hardships faced by their extended families. This is a regret I carry with me to this day.

The Jewish Ancestry

On the maternal side, I never met my Jewish great-grandparents who stayed behind in Russia when their son, my great-grandfather, emigrated to the United States at the age of 16. Although I know little about them, I do know that he held several U.S. patents and flew the U.S. flag proudly on his Connecticut home. My paternal side was even more complex. My Jewish great-grandfather was a tailor of custom women's suits who brought his sewing machine and knowledge of five languages through Ellis Island in the early 1900s.

Legacy of Hope

While I may not have had the chance to meet and know my great-grandparents, I have made it a point to share what I know with my own family, including my grandchildren. I hope to do my ancestors proud by continuing to education and to cherish the legacy of love and heritage that they have left behind.

Conclusion

Although I came from Viking and Celtic lineages, my journey to understand and appreciate my great-grandparents feels incomplete. Each story, though limited, has shaped who I am and continues to influence my life. I hope to inspire others to learn more about their own ancestral stories and hold onto the love and pride that comes from knowing one's heritage.