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?
