Weaving Threads of Resilience, Identity, and Discovery

Migration appears as the colorful thread that unites generations, continents, and varied experiences in a family’s history, with each story adding nuance to the rich narrative of their shared journey. As for my family’s beginning, our story unfolds with sorrow and triumph, resonating through time with the resilience of those who dared to dream of a better life, from the modest beginnings in the heart of Kolno, Poland, where the Szklaniewicz family laid its roots in the late 18th century, to the bustling streets of The Bronx, New York, where William Sklan found refuge after the horrors of the Holocaust.

The Szklaniewicz family’s adventure starts with Yaacov Szklaniewicz and his wife Fegal, who reared their four sons in the pastoral splendor of Kolno: Menachem, Meyer-Natan, Yisrael, and Wolf. However, as the ominous clouds of the Holocaust gathered overhead, the threat of war and persecution tore apart their beautiful lives. My great-grandfather, William (Yaacov-Wolf) Sklan, was one of the survivors. He bravely and resolutely embarked on a treacherous journey to America, where Ellis Island stood as a ray of hope and opportunity. William moved to the busy city of The Bronx and accepted his new identity as Sklan. He created a new legacy among the busy streets and tall towers of his new home.

However, the migration stories from our family go beyond the Szklan lineage and merge with the stories of the Dorns and Whalens from my mother’s side, each adding a chapter to our epic story of perseverance and survival. Lois, whose family’s name was shortened when they arrived at Ellis Island, is a representation of how migration can alter identities and create fresh starts. Born Lois Dorn, who was later called “Mimi” when I was born because I couldn’t say “Grammy,” represents the spirit of perseverance and fortitude. The Whalens, who came from the lush shores of Ireland, have left a legacy of bravery and determination. Their path was marked by selflessness and adversity as they worked to better the lot of future generations.

A glimpse into the intricacies of our family’s past is provided by Mimi’s own memories, which are characterized by periods of love, resilience, and the enduring relationships of family, as well as by quiet and estrangement. The fact that her grandpa fled Germany before the start of the Holocaust says a lot about the hardships and sacrifices that molded our family’s character. Even though the specifics are unknown, the legacy of tenacity and fortitude lives on – a monument to the unwavering courage of our forebears.

As I delve deeper into the archives of our family’s past, I’m struck by the interconnectedness of our migration tales. Each decision, each migration, has shaped who we are today. It’s a story of perseverance, of holding onto hope even in the darkest of times.

But why should anyone beyond our family care about our migration tales? Our tale serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds that bind us together as a global commusnity – the shared experiences, hardships, and victories that link us in our common humanity – in a world marred by division and turmoil. It is a tale of fortitude in the face of uncertainty, resilience in the face of misfortune, and the unwavering ability of the human spirit to triumph over the most formidable obstacles.

Therefore, as I continue to piece together the stories of my family’s migration, I remember the significant influence that their journey had on the formation of our own identities and beliefs, in addition to honoring those who came before us. By tracking our roots, we not only pay tribute to the past but also set out to create a future that binds family and community. I take courage, grace, and steadfast determination from the stories of each of our own ancestors and carry their legacy forward as I continue on in our ever-changing world. We are the ones who contribute a new chapter to the epic tale of migration with every step we take. Our stories will never end as generations yet to come pursue a better tomorrow. Let us embrace the limitless possibility of the future that lies ahead as we consider the various journeys that have led each of us to this point.

Dad’s Side of Family: