by Ian Aronow
Happy New Year!
I want to start off the first blog of the year by sharing the remembrance I wrote about my Papa on Christmas Eve. My family shares a special tradition in our Slovak and Polish heritage called the “Velija.” But Papa is no longer with us, so we light a candle in his memory and take turns sharing thoughts and what we most cherish about him. This was the first time I was able to share my feelings about Papa. My writing with spelling on the letterboard has given me so much confidence and control that I was able to share my remembrance of Papa out loud to my family. It is an honor to share this here with you on my blog:
Remembering Papa – by Ian Aronow, 12/24/17
I would like to remember Papa by telling you that my memory of him lifted me up when I was lost inside myself. He was my absolute favorite “Polish-ed” pun maker.
Papa had many playful qualities. I remember him pretending to be clueless with the grandkids to get a laugh. I liked his feeling of quiet love that he infused into a room.
People with autism might like a guy like Papa because he was more introverted and didn’t talk incessantly to me, trying to get me to be totally normal.
He was my Papa no matter what. I am Papa’s grandson with my heart, always. To some, it seems, he lives on. This is true. In honor of Papa, I would like to set a place at our velija table just for him.
I learned all about the Slovak Christmas Eve traditions. I love being part of these precious family traditions. I hope to always continue the velija in the future.
Merry Christmas and love to you all!
"A person who is severely impaired never knows his hidden sources of strength until he is treated like a normal human being and encouraged to shape his own life.”— Helen Keller 
Hi Ian,
You don’t know me, and I haven’t met you … yet. I hope I will someday. Your mom and my daughter, Lisa, became good friends when they were in Japan together almost 25 years ago. I introduced Lisa to Japan in 1992 when I was teaching in a work study program sponsored by Lansing Community College, the same college that sponsored the program where your mom and Lisa met. I think you have been to Lisa’s house.
I have really enjoyed your blogs. Your Papa was born 4 months and 1 day after me, but our family had been in the U. S. for about 200 years, so we didn’t learn about their traditions. I think you were lucky to have that chance. I remember meeting your Mom’s grandmother when your parents got married. She was so lively and lovely. Ironically, she was wearing the same dress I had worn when Lisa got married.
I look forward to your next blog. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Andy Funkhouser
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Hi Andy,
Thank you for writing me. My mom told me about you many times when talking about Lisa and Japan. I loved learning about that work study. What an outstanding opportunity that was to live in another country.
Speaking of which, I understand you live in Mexico. That must be so lovely and relaxing. Please let me know what it is like living there.
Thank you for following my blog. I hope to meet you some day.
Best Wishes, Ian
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Your tribute to your Papa was so very moving and heartfelt. God bless you. Have a wonderful New Year.
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