A Lira and a Dream
I held the Italian lira hanging from the gold chain between my thumb and index finger. When Pomp and Circumstance began, thoughts swirled as I watched my granddaughter march in. 
The infant I held minutes after she was born was about to become a college graduate.
What would her ancestors think? Coming to America in the early 1900’s, seeking a new life and opportunity, they traveled in the lowest category and most economical passenger level, steerage, but it was still expensive for them. My research showed that in 1913, $25 was not a small sum and had the purchasing power of about $3,335 in 2026. Multiply that times two. Poor ventilation, large communal dining, shared bathrooms. I recall my grandmother telling me many suffered from seasickness and the odor was overwhelming.
My family has often reflected on the cost of their decision. Across the ocean to a new country, they met obstacles: stares from others because they looked different and ate different foods; they spoke their native language and broken English. I’ve said it appeared to others we used plastic utensils, but for us they were sterling silver marked with displays of:
- Perseverance
- Courage
- Endurance
- Overcoming obstacles
- Achievement
- Purpose
- Goals
- Hard work
- Financial struggles
- Strong work ethic
- Challenges
- Sacrifice
- Choices
- Mutual encouragement and support from others who also immigrated
And most of all, love and God’s faithfulness prevailed.
Four generations later, though on a vastly different scale, the character qualities and similarities between my granddaughter’s journey and that of her immigrant great-great grandparents and great-grandfather were not lost on me. An inheritance, a model, and a legacy lived out.
Our ancestors came with nothing but left us a legacy of everything meaningful and important. Not only making a living, but how to live. Because of that, we’re living the life they dreamed about for us.
Pomp and circumstance: magnificent display in challenges, then and now.
Forever loved and forever thankful.
Do you have a legacy story to share?
The Conversation
Our ancestors were so courageous to make the journey to a new country. I admire their strength and all those other attributes you listed in your message. Could I be that brave? We are so blessed by their foresight and determination.
To answer your question, Katherine, I don’t think so. When I visited the town my grandmother came from, that’s what I thought of: her courage and leaving everything familiar for the unknown.
How wonderful that you have recorded this story so that the legacy will continue to be passed down. We need to preserve our legacy stories.
I agree, Candyce. Psalm 78:4 and other verse tell us to do that. We can learn so much from those who went before us.Marilyn