"Come dear May and make the trees green again." That German song brings back memories of cousin Elisabeth. I met her for the first time in Leipzig in May 2000. We went to Meissen and saw where our greatgrandparents lived and where my grandparents lived before they came to America 100 years ago.
Then I brought her back with me to meet the rest of the family in Chicago. She stole our hearts and charmed us singing German folk songs. One of the many highlights of her visit was when we watched the Memorial Day Parade in Comstock. Now whenever we drive down that street we think of that day when we sat on lawn chairs at the curb and waved little American flags and heard her say "God bless America!".
A couple of years later, the beautiful nieces recorded "Komm, lieber Mai" on videotape and I played it for her at her little apartment in Leipzig. You should have seen her face - she was thrilled.
I like the history notes you have added to our family. My greatgrandfather came to NY from Germany. How I would have loved to see where he lived in Germany. Thanks for the CD of Germany. You are our Great and Grand Historian. Love R
ReplyDeleteI always wondered how your greatgrandfather and my greatgrandmother got to Chicago from NY. Last week I found an old copy of the Chicago Tribune in the basement in which the 1846 route was described: New York City to Albany NY by steamboat - Railroad to Buffalo NY - Steamboat to Canada and on to Detroit - Strap rail (Michigan Central)to Kalamazoo - Lumber wagon type coach to St. Joseph MI - Steamer to Chicago.
ReplyDeleteWe feel very privileged to have met Elisabeth! She will too be in our hearts forever!!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Susan
That is a beautiful song, and shows how much Elisabeth appreciated the glories of spring.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Linda