My aunts and I in Greece on Flickr – Soula on the left and Marika on the right.
As I sit in the airport, thinking about my upcoming trip to Europe, I cannot help to reflect on a story that really affected me the last time I was in Greece. I had heard this story (somewhat) before but it affected me so much since it was now connected to my life. This post has nothing to do with education, but it just a piece of my life that has helped shape who I am today.
Having not been to Greece since I was five years old, I had not seen any of my relatives since I was a child. I was very excited to come back to my dad’s birthplace and see family, while enjoying Greek lifestyle. Alec, my friend, and I had pulled into Astros (where my dad is from) late at night and we were extremely tired. My aunts (Soula and Marika) had been waiting for us and were extremely excited to see my brother and I, especially me since they had not seen me for such a long time (Alec had several opportunities to go back). Immediately, I felt a connection with Soula in some amazing way. I found it strange at first that she would sit beside me and basically rub my throat when she spoke to the others. She spoke no English, and I spoke no Greek, but we had connected in such a wonderful way.
Not sharing the same language, Soula and I spent a few afternoons together at her house and would just sit there and look at pictures. She even helped me tried to call home but since she had a rotary phone, I was unable to use my calling card! It was extremely frustrating and funny to not be able to call during this time but that is a memory that definitely sticks with me.
Every morning that I would go for a run, Soula would be waiting for my return home. She would ask “why” I would go and put myself through such torture, but she would be there with lemonade and fruit, while toweling my hair off to ensure that I was okay. She had taken the same care of me that my mom would have.
One specific morning when I returned, I sat down with my aunts and my brother and watched Soula tell everyone a story while Alec translated. In our family and in Greek tradition, the boys in the family are always named after grandparents. My brother Michael is named after my grandpa on my dad’s side while Alec was named after my grandpa on my mom’s side. That left me as the third boy to be a wild card. Eventually I was named after my Uncle George who died at an early age due to a horrible accident. I had heard the story before through my dad, but never through Soula.
As she talked, my brother Alec started to well up with emotion that I had never seen before. He translated the story of Soula as a young girl, had watched as her brother George had his rifle go off into his stomach when they were home. Not knowing what to do, and panicking, Soula did everything and told us how she tried to “push his guts” back into his stomach. She had said to Alec that on that day, she had lost her brother and knew he would never return (this was in the 1940′s). She then told about the night that we came to Astros late at night, and after all these years (as she continued to rub my throat), her brother had finally returned home. I immediately understood the connection that I had with her and why we had connected in such an amazing way. She had shared that I looked a lot like her brother and had the same distinct Adam’s Apple that he had. It was one of the most amazing and emotional moments of my life.
As Soula is in her 90′s (if not older), I appreciate that I will be able to see her again. That day had really taught me to appreciate my family and how lucky we are, but also to try and enjoy every moment we have one another and appreciate the connections we make with people, as family, as friend, and as educators.
I look forward to Soula seeing her brother come home again.
George-
What an amazing connection to your family. And it underlines the importance of story in our lives–not the facts, but the context and narrative that shape our understanding.
Have a great time in Europe. And keep an eye on Alec!
Jennifer
I will do my best Jen…he is a wonderful brother and I am SOOOO looking forward to hanging with him for a few weeks (even the fights!).
I appreciate you sharing this. Despite only knowing you via short tweets and occasional emails, stories like this allows people like me to know George, and not just @gcouros. Thanks for sharing a piece of you.
I think that is hugely important. I really appreciate you saying that as it is important that I represent who I am to educators and students. Makes it way easier to connect and learn together. Thanks so much for your comment Jeremy.
George, that is an amazing story! I was really touched by the feelings and emotions that you, your aunt, and your family must have been experiencing.
I'm so glad you are getting a chance to spend a few weeks with your extended family.
We are really looking forward to it and I appreciate you commenting. The last trip was a highlight of my life so looking forward to this!
What a beautiful story! And you are so right – treasure your friends and relatives while you can. They can never be replaced.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the comment Pam…I really appreciate it
Hi George. What a lovely family story. I love the way you & Soula connect with no common language. It is wonderful that you have the opportunity to visit again and spend some more time with your family. Cherish those stories, because all too soon they are gone and if they haven't been shared or recorded they are lost to us. I so regret not having heard more of my family's stories before my father died and now there is noone left to share them.
Have a fantastic trip with Alec & your Greek family!
Thanks for your words…I am going to enjoy every minute I get to spend with my brother and extended family on this trip! It will be a great trip.
Wow! I'm so glad that you shared this family story here. I hope that you and Alec enjoy your trip to Europe, and I hope that you share many more stories along the way.
Aviva
Thanks for making me cry so early in the morning!! I love how you can share your personal stories with the world. You have a strange brew of humility, passion, and confidence…it is a magic potion that makes you so genuine, and draws so many people to you! I have never met you, but with posts like this it helps your PLN feel like they have met you! You are an amazing person and you can see that you get this from your family! Being an aunt, I know how excited she is to see you!! I love seeing my nephews and nieces…they are my favorite people in the world! I am sure you are hers. Enjoy the time with her and the time you get to spend with your brother…family time is precious!!!
Thank you for such a beautiful post. Enjoy those priceless moments with your family. I can't wait to hear the stories from your trip!
George, you make me smile and laugh and think every day. Today may be the first time you've made me cry (in a good way). Thank you for sharing precious memories. I can't wait to read about the meaningful moments you find during this trip.
Jen
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