Greek Guilt and Greek Pride

I never heard of Greek guilt until my dentist, Dr. Stella Dariotis, explained it to me when I interviewed her. A child of Greek immigrants, she says it's like being told to spend time with your grandparents because it makes them feel better - even though you'd rather be spending time with your friends.

Maybe each culture has its own form of guilt or prodding for children to do the "right thing" and honor their ancestors and roots. It's certainly not a bad thing even though children (and adults) may think there are more important priorities.

Dr. Dariotis, who speaks lovingly of her parents and with much pride about her heritage, also remembers having more responsibilities then her friends who had American-born parents when she was growing up in Flint, Michigan. Obligation and duty are two words she uses as she reflects on young friends seeming to lead simpler lives because they didn't have to take Greek lessons or go to church every Sunday.

It's not like those are complaints. Today, the mother of two sons, Dr. Dariotis has them learning Greek from a tutor and attending church - a connection to their ancestors and a way to know more about themselves and what they're made of. They also visit Greece each year.

Birthday - Birth of a New Generation

Today is my birthday and I wonder how many new children of immigrants are being born today in the United States. Are their parents looking into their innocent eyes and wondering who their little ones will be when they grow up in this wonderful country? Are they thinking of their own countries of origin and the sacrifices they made to come to the United States?

Will they tell their children about their families' roots and keep their cultures, faiths, and languages alive in their homes? Or, are they just thankful to be living in a free country where they can make the choices as they go?

When I was born 57 years ago, I'm sure my parents were delighted to have a healthy girl and I'm guessing they must have been so thankful to live in the safety of the United States after surviving the Holocaust in which so many of their family members were murdered during World War II.

A birthday is a wonderful thing to celebrate and it's a time to remember, too. If feel such gratitude for the sacrifices my parents made to come to this country. I am so proud to be an American!

We Are America - Children of Immigrants

On this first day of my blog, I marvel at the stories I have heard and write about. The spotlight is on children of immigrants - adults, who grew up as children of immigrants in the United States. They are proud Americans and proud of their ancestral roots, too.

It seems as if every day I run into someone like me, whose parents were born elsewhere, and who worked hard to make life easier for the children they raised in this great country.

Last night, I met Pete Carril, a legendary basketball coach, who is in his eighties and helps coach the Sacramento Kings. "Look at this," my husband said looking up Carril's name on the Internet.
Sure enough. There it is..."Son of Spanish immigrants....."

I wonder what being a child of immigrants has meant to him and how it has affected him and plan to ask if he'll participate in a book I am writing.

Sacramento is one of the most diverse cities in the country and I'm lucky to be surrounded by such special people - and to have interviewed folks from across the United States. Their stories are so special, just like they are.