Yiayia's Journey Part 21
In 1969, two great dreams would come to beautiful fruition for my beloved Yiayia--the positively progressive, indelibly feisty, and ever evolving Penelope
Conomos. Her little boy who once hobbled around in braces, who labored as a
farm hand, a shoe shiner, and a junior custodian while attending American public
school was to accomplish one of Yiayia's greatest dreams.
Now
an academic - Tasso earned his doctorate in Oceanography from the University of
Washington. It marked a beautifully poignant, full circle moment for the former
peasant girl who'd never surpassed a 3rd grade education in her homeland of
Greece.
But
another life changing moment was also about to occur. While pursuing his
studies at U of W, a fellow graduate caught Tasso's eye. She attended the same
local Greek Orthodox church. She too was a first generation American, the child
of immigrants from Lebanon. And she was lovely. So after a few years of
friendship and dating, Tasso Conomos asked Janice Rottle to marry him.
And
so in February of 1969, the former village girl - who once only ever travelled
by donkey, then by ship, and later by train - eagerly packed her bags. Locked
her door. And steered her now 1966 Dodge Dart to the airport. Destination: the
Pacific Northwest. And on a beautiful yet rainy Seattle day, Giagia humbly
watched life reaffirm itself once again.
Flanked
by daughters Chrysanthy and Anastasia, she profoundly reflected upon her
family's evolution. Her granddaughters - now flower girls - walking down the
aisle. Tuxedo clad Tasso, proudly waiting at the altar. An elegant Janice,
walking down the aisle on her father's arm. And the couple donning traditional
stefana marital crowns in a Greek Orthodox ceremony so reminiscent of Yiayia's
own wedding 38 long years ago in Greece.
A
poignant photo below from that joyous day shows my father, mother, and Yiayia in
profile. But it also illustrates a heartfelt absence. For Yiayia - so often
forced to adapt and to endure after Papou's death - was also left to celebrate
life's blessings alone. After all of the sacrifices my grandfather made, Papou
would never witness the blessings bestowed upon his family. As my Yiayia always
says, such is the life.
But
at the wedding reception, she would recall a lesson learned from her dear
mother in Greece. Despite its hardships and imperfections, life was always to
be celebrated. And so Yiayia toasted the newlyweds, mingled with celebrants, and danced. She fox trotted the night away. And in a nod to her heritage, she
led the bride in the traditional Greek wedding dance.
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