Krysia Strawczynski read Yossi’s correspondence.
I’m Krysia Strawczynski, Leo’s cousin, Auntie Celina’s neice.
My brother, Yossi, lives in Australia, and he has sent this message to the family, and I’m going to read it to you. It will sound a little weird because sometimes it refers to me. For instance:
I spoke with Krysia earlier this week and she informed of my Auntie Celina’s condition and after having spoken to Malka yesterday I knew that her time was near. Nevertheless the finality of this is no less sad and distressing. Over this period I have taken the opportunity to reflect on the impact my Auntie’s life has had on me and our extended family and it is not inconsiderable. Her role in our extended family was that of the children’s caregiver while the other parents were working, so that all of them together could create a future for us. As a child I took Auntie Celina’s role for granted but as an adult I understand how pivotal this role was in our lives and our upbringing.
Indeed her gentle oversight helped in no small measure to ensure our successful futures. I mentioned to Malka my lasting recollections of the all the lunches she made for us when we went to school which sparked those memories in both Malka and Krysia — Krysia: Fishsticks for me, pletushkis for Malka. It is these types of memories that bring both a smile and a tear in equal measure as they both come from the heart for my dear, sweet Auntie Celina.
This is not to say that Auntie was a pushover as she is responsible for the only time my Father strapped me. Well, if truth be told I must take a bit of the blame as I did swear at her. It was in the back lane at Belgrave Avenue when I was probably misbehaving and she saw me from the fire escape and told me to stop whatever it was I was doing. I stormed off and she followed me, and in a further act of defiance, I crossed Sherbrooke Street – not at the lights – which I knew was a big no no for us kids at that time.
I am so glad and thankful that I managed to get back to Montreal last year after a long absence and had a lovely visit with my Auntie Celina. It was special to see the smile on her face as I approached and our final hug and kiss will be an enduring memory.
Krysia: Her face just lit up when she saw Yossi, and he kept making her laugh.
The last of our parents has now gone and we can only rejoice at how lucky we were to have had 6 parents whose collective efforts, love and care have allowed us the lives they always dreamed we could have.
Thanks to them all and let us celebrate their achievements.
Malka, thank you for whispering to her my goodbye the other day. I choose to believe that at some level it was heard, understood and appreciated.
Love to all,
Yossi