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  Agata & Me 1911 -1953  

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Uploaded: 02/29/12 3:22 AM GMT
Agata & Me 1911 -1953
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On the left is my maternal grandmother, Agata. She came to the U.S. in 1911 from Poland when she was 17. She married my grandfather who was 19 in 1911 and they had 14 children. My grandfather died at 38 and my grandmother, Agata died of TB after drinking the milk of a neighbor's cow when she was 40. My mom, the 13th child and her siblings were raised by their oldest sister. Life was hard then.

I thought that this picture on her wedding day and my second grade picture had some things in common. I never met my grandmother, but I sure do wish I could have.

In answer to some questions, my grandfather came to the U.S. from Poland at 17 in 1909 to find a job. He found work in a textile company where he succombed to throat cancer believed to have been caused by chemicals used in the factory.

My mom, 82 and the sister who raised them are the only two of the fourteen children still with us.

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.LakeMichigan
02/29/12 4:12 AM GMT
Cindy , This is a wonderful post . I agree the photos do have alot in common. Very nice .
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I would travel only by horse, if I had the choice. ~ Linda McCartney ~
::0930_23
02/29/12 4:34 AM GMT
You favor her very much COG. What a sad story.
Was your grandfather from the US?
You did really good with the framing.

TicK


(Viewed Full Screen)
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People are like cameras--sometimes they lose focus.
.Fifthbeatle
02/29/12 4:36 AM GMT
Pretty cool! What did your grandfather die of at such a young age?
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I Love Cloudy Days
.palral
02/29/12 4:38 AM GMT
Yep, you guy's both have that "eye of the tiger" look that says don't mess with me or I'll kick your behind. The dual frame was a great idea, and I think you pulled it off beautifully. Just love the look of the posting. And now I have another reason not to drink my milk.
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I may be schizophrenic, but at least I have each other.
::Joanie
02/29/12 5:17 AM GMT
The resemblance is uncanny Cindy! You really have your grandmothers nose and facial shape. You did some amazing work with the old photos Cindy! Really wonderful and so was your story.
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.sahadk
02/29/12 6:30 AM GMT
Wonderful presentation,great post indeed!!
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::Dunstickin
02/29/12 7:26 AM GMT
They left Poland just before the 'Great War' started!..(WW1)..

Delightful and creative and such a sad story too!..

But hey...look at you now!..
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.koca
02/29/12 8:30 AM GMT
Nice and sad story. That's the fate who left their countries for a better life. Unfortunately, it's not always happy. This is wonderful tribute to your family, Cindy, thanks for sharing. And the photo is just beautiful, an original idea.
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::biffobear
02/29/12 9:03 AM GMT
I do like these old posts..A good history to it as well..I see the beginnings of a rebellious teenager taking shape..Did you ever emerge from that phase ?.....Like it...R.
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Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants
::Ramad
02/29/12 9:42 AM GMT
What a pity that both your grandparents died so young! Your presentation of grandmother and grandchild looks very nice Cindy. I like your hairstyle :)
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Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.
::LynEve
02/29/12 10:53 AM GMT
A great piece of family history Cindy and your presentation of the two photos is the perfect accompaniment
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My thanks to all who leave comments for my work and to those of you who like one enough to make it a favourite. To touch just one person that way makes each image worthwhile. . . . . . . . . .. . . . "The question is not what you look at, but what you see" ~ Marcel Proust
::LynEve
02/29/12 10:54 AM GMT
A great piece of family history Cindy and your presentation of the two photos is the perfect accompaniment.
A good contest entry?
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My thanks to all who leave comments for my work and to those of you who like one enough to make it a favourite. To touch just one person that way makes each image worthwhile. . . . . . . . . .. . . . "The question is not what you look at, but what you see" ~ Marcel Proust
::tigger3
02/29/12 1:03 PM GMT
Cindy, this is a perfectly presented post, and yes there is so much likeness between the two of you. Tigs♥ =^..^=
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Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life and so is my love of photography. sandi ♪ ♫
.Tedi
02/29/12 2:13 PM GMT
Interesting and beautiful story, and also a nice picture. Very unusual work.
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::100k_xle
02/29/12 2:14 PM GMT
Thanks for sharing the images and story. It's like a Journey into someone else's Life.

E J
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This Image GRABBED my EYE. That's Why I Stopped By. Thanks For Sharing ! Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience
.Jimbobedsel
02/29/12 2:59 PM GMT
You did an expert job with this, Cindy. Two beautiful ladies and some very interesting history. Thanks for sharing a little of your family's story.
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JB
.icedancer
02/29/12 3:38 PM GMT
Wow, outstanding info on your family tree and Spectacular way to display both beautiful pictures. Bravo Excellent Cindy. You both have the same eyes, eyebrows and nose, saying you look a lot alike
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.Starglow
02/29/12 4:10 PM GMT
Great work, I really like these older photos you've picked. You certainly resemble each other and the frame added to the beautiful. You both had a mischievous look to my way of thinking. Wonderful photo work.
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.rvdb
02/29/12 4:26 PM GMT
A.nice tribute to your family well done on the narrative as well.

Rob
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The reason why the sun sets in the evening is because it wants to see the sunrise in the morning. I rise in the morning because I want to see them both. RvdB
::Starry173
02/29/12 5:08 PM GMT
I really love these pictures, Cindy. My Grandmother on my Dad's side was also Polish and my Grandfather was a Czech and they met in Michigan. Enjoyed the beautiful posting and commentary.
Tom
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.CDHale
02/29/12 5:12 PM GMT
Really nice presentation. Got me thinking maybe I should take a look at some of my old photos....I dont know tho, that always ends up taking weeks. Thanks for sharing yours.
-Christie
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::vangoughs
02/29/12 5:24 PM GMT
This is so cool!!
You do resemble her and I'm sure she is very Proud of You!
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.Marzena
02/29/12 8:30 PM GMT
Yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!!!!!
Yours SAM
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With all my love and respect, Marzena
::Inkeri
02/29/12 9:48 PM GMT
Beautiful and Delightful post,Cindy.There is likeness between you two.What a history.I have also moved to another country. But I was 18 when I moved and travel between Finland and Sweden are much shorter than between Poland and the USA..Faved.
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.snapshooter87
02/29/12 11:27 PM GMT
Many similarities there, Cindy. Those family pictures are treasures.
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::luckyshot
03/01/12 12:11 AM GMT
Cindy - Beautiful work! Framing the two generations, as you did so well here, strengthens the family bonds. Kudos!

I am doing some history / genealogy research and have come across several examples of work-related illnesses from unsafe chemicals in the past. An example - mercury was used to remove the fur from beaver skins in the making of hats, eventually affecting the brain, kidney and lungs. The phrase 'Mad as a hatter' comes from this common illness in that trade.
Thad
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If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine The Earth without art is just 'eh'.
.nuke88
03/01/12 4:30 AM GMT
beautiful cindy, in every way, makes me feel human again!!
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.mesmerized
03/01/12 4:38 PM GMT
Interesting family background and a good choice of photos to portray the history and passage of time...I also like that fancy matting...a very nice presentation...good luck in the contest.
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“Creativity takes courage.” (Henri Matisse)
::trixxie17
03/01/12 5:14 PM GMT
A wonderful presentation Cindy - lest we forget how well we have it.
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. . . "What a desolate place would be a world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome." A.J. Balfour
Logun7
03/01/12 6:00 PM GMT
Awesome!! I love the pictures Cindy!!
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The most precious jewel you'll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children♥
::gandarva
03/01/12 8:37 PM GMT
You sure were a cutie Cindy! And what a great story!! Really loved it! Allen
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Allen trexrider@gmail.com
.Catharina1
03/01/12 9:28 PM GMT
Photography is so great if you see these two photos from the past.

Such well presented posting Cindy!

Mich
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.Roseman_Stan
03/02/12 1:42 AM GMT
Wonderful memorfy album shot Cindy. You look a bit like her too. My greatgrandmother died of TB as well at a young age. They had four children before she died.
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"If I should leave this path of life today, I would carry the vision of Gods' rose blooms with me as I go......" -- Stan V. Griep
.TheWhisperer
03/03/12 2:03 PM GMT
You could have both been sisters as you look so much alike its almost uncanny. What a life history and very interesting too. I like the way you have framed these two photo's too which enhances them beautifully. Well done!
Ann
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.Flmngseabass
03/03/12 8:01 PM GMT
This is so wonderful Cindy!! A treasure for you for sure and a treat for us. Thanks you for sharing this nostalgic picture and your story:):)
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BB
.elektronist
03/13/12 2:06 PM GMT
A great story, Cindy. Thanks for sharing.

Tanju
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Be free - use Linux
.Susiesun
06/19/12 9:27 PM GMT
**

Very cute you both Cindy! Your family history is very interesting, like a good romance.
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Some people have Gurus, I have my camera. Through the cam lenses I have learnt to deeply perceive life, not only to see, but to look at all expressions of nature, becoming able to read the poetry of the flowers, receiving the embrace of the trees and flying above the clouds without wings! - Susie Sun

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