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Linda Brown's avatar

What an amazing background story of your mom's parents and the generations before them in Ukraine after having gone there from Germany. Lots of hard times. Thanks for all the detailed history.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks for reading this, Linda. It was an interesting history, I thought, even aside from the memoir part. Catherine was not called "The Great" for nothing.

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Linda Brown's avatar

Well, I read a biography of her, and, along with some good things, she led - like many royalty back then - a rather unadmirable promiscuous personal life.... 😊

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Well, yes. She sure did! But probably no more than any other royal person of the period...

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

In spite of her strict father, and unhappy surroundings growing up on the farm, I never have known a more positive and loving woman than your mother. I feel blessed to have had her in my life. Your stories have made her history come to life, Sharron. To have some of it available in her own words, is a wonderful resource. I love your Katy Stories!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Sharon. She is still sorely missed.

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James Ron's avatar

Enjoyed reading more of your family history, and their history as well!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, James Ron, for being such a constant, loyal reader over here at 🌿Leaves. I really appreciate it.

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Susan Bassano's avatar

I didn’t know this history of your amazingly resilient mother Kay. What an interesting story.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, Susan. There are still so many Katy stories to tell. I feel like as long as I talk about here, she is still here with me somehow.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Fascinating family (and world) history. Times were certainly different in your mother's early days. I always enjoy learning more about her.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks Jim. I hope you are getting caught up with your reading and finding time to sit in the back yard drinking a beer at sunset down in the southland there.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

All is good in the southland but are you saying I have to wait until sunset? Oopsy.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Oh sorry! Did I say sunset? I meant sunrise

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Sharron,

How fortunate you are to have those stories and pictures. The one of Katy and her parents reminded me of my grandparents.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I imagine the story of her immigrant family is similar to thousands. They were SO brave and SO determined.

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Janice Walton's avatar

And the people of Ukraine seem so brave even today.

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GB's avatar

Precious family history. Great you have those photographs. Means a lot because, you know, I’m your brother 🤗😘

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Hah! Yes, indeed, Benny boy. You will have to remind me of more stories about mama and about Grandma Hudson, too!

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

I found your story fascinating. Thank you

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks so much, Yael. I always hope these personal histories have a wider reach -- beyond family. I never know if they will be meaningful to others but I post them any way.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Oh Sharron, what an incredible story. I have loved all of your Katy memoir posts, but to get this insight into her background is absolutely wonderful. And gosh, Uncle Melchior. A tragedy.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Rebecca. Millions of our immigrants have experienced the same. It is unbelievable how brave they were and how desperate they were for a better life. It was like traveling to mars and having faith that you could breathe...

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LOIS ACKERMAN LAWSON's avatar

I read everything you write. I have enjoyed everyone of them. I especially love to read about my dear friend Kay. I remember her 90th birthday party and Now I’m turning 90 soon. I read that your family lived in Harvey. My youngest was born in Harvey Illinois and he hated it. He wanted to be born in Santa Cruz, like all the rest of us.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Lois, for reading my stories. I am so glad they touch you in some way. I wish you the happiest of birthdays, sweetheart!

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Kate Henry's avatar

Well silly me. I just sent you a map of how close Harvey is to here.... nearly neighbors. REad it again and its Lois's son born there . HI LOIS! ))))

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I liked reading the map anyway, even if it wasn't meant for me.

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