Life...

Our good friend's, Chester's, dad passed away a couple of days ago. I knew his dad, as I went to see him at his retirement home last year. I posted about it then in my blog, with pictures. Chester's dad, Frank, was born in Poland, his original name was Franciszek Ciechowski, and he fought in the Polish Army during the war, and later on, for the British Army. After the war, he settled in England, but later on in his life, together with his family, moved to the US. Franciszek was a remarkable man, a man of honor. I am so proud that he was Polish and that I knew him. He lived his life fully, and together with his wife raised wonderful children. Last night Rob and I got to meet Chester's relatives at the memorial reception for Franciszek. It was beautiful. We met Chester's brothers and sisters, and their children, and grandchildren. We were surprised to find out that so many people knew who we were. They were all warm and as wonderful as Chester is. Even though it was supposed to be a sad event, the atmosphere was light and in pleasant spirit. Chester said that it is exactly the way his dad would want it.

Earlier that morning, Chester contacted me about translating his dad's birth certificate, since he badly needed certain information for the paper work at the funeral home. He emailed me the copy of the certificate, and I couldn't be more excited. Not only because I was able to help a little, but also because this kind of birth certificate is so rare and valuable in historic way. The paper was damaged, and the hand writing on it was old fashioned, so it was hard for me to read it, but after going through it and enlarging the document I was able to spell all the translation to Chester over the phone. Rob also prepared for Franciszek's memorial and got hold of Polish Army wings, and well as British Army wings, to give it to the family. From soldier to soldier, as Rob said. They seemed to love the idea and Chester said that they will pass it through the generation to their children so they always remember who their grandfather was. Rob wanted to pay honor to Franciszek and wore his blue uniform that evening. I think that reminded the family that their father/grandfather/uncle, was not only an older man, but he also was a soldier. We also watched amazing slide show on the screen with handpicked pictures from Franciszek's life. It was so touching. He will be very much missed... We both feel proud to know this man's family, and to have him in our memory forever.


I've been working now every day, and love it. It feels awesome to learn new things and meet new people. I love waking up everyday knowing that I will be going to work. And I don't have to drive far! Yeah! I love the clothes at Maurices, and the girls who work with me are super nice. I am still in training, but it's going well. It's been also really nice and warm outiside, in the 70's during the day. Really fresh and sunny, too. Not like it used to be in Okinawa with all the humidity.
Ok, I need to go and get ready for work! Tonight I am closing with another girl, so since I am starting in the afternoon... I had a whole day at home, and got to sleep late! Yeeeaahhh! And I already found out my schedule for next week, and on my birthday I am off!!!!!!! How perfect is that?????