American Dream: 1835-
"They told him at once that a widower with children should not attempt to go to America, because women were scarce, even a young single man would have a hard time to get a wife. Now, good advice was dear, at any rate he now wanted to get a wife before selling his business and home. Now he often came to our hotel which he had never done before, and so we became acquainted. He asked me in the presence of others if I would like to go to America too. I said, "Yes, certainly," but I knew beforehand that my folks would not permit it. "How old are you then, if I may ask?" he said. I answered, "Not quite twenty two years old." He said, "Well, then, you are of age and can make your own choice."
This urge to move to plunge head on into the unknown, gripped Louisa Ganz and carried her to America. This drive must have started at a young age. Her first entry in her journal talks about school experiences as a child, and her love of nature. I've read her biography over and over. As unprofessional as it is, it is real. Stripping down her life to the bare bones of what she felt important, I can see that my blood came from her. If my grandmother were to write a biography, this is how it would be written. So matter of fact, prudish, yet strangely void of religious ramblings and feelings. And each hardship is given one or two sentences, no more than what is essential - no more than she cared to share. And does it scare me that she married a man twice her age? A little. I guess she and I have similar taste. When she talks about family, she - and so many of her seven children became teachers, even the men. Is love of education also something that can be passed on?
My aunt told me someday maybe someone will be interested in reading about your life. A hundred years from now, they will want to know about your travels. I know she is very curious about my life. I should just send her a link to this journal, but I don't write often enough. And I don't know what she would tell my mother. Still, it is my job to keep shocking them, and giving them someone to talk about. I like that. And so do they.
I only hope that I can live up to the toughness of Louisa Ganz. Not once did she give up, or attempt to go back to Switzerland. When I begin to think about how hard life is, I'll just have to remember her.
This urge to move to plunge head on into the unknown, gripped Louisa Ganz and carried her to America. This drive must have started at a young age. Her first entry in her journal talks about school experiences as a child, and her love of nature. I've read her biography over and over. As unprofessional as it is, it is real. Stripping down her life to the bare bones of what she felt important, I can see that my blood came from her. If my grandmother were to write a biography, this is how it would be written. So matter of fact, prudish, yet strangely void of religious ramblings and feelings. And each hardship is given one or two sentences, no more than what is essential - no more than she cared to share. And does it scare me that she married a man twice her age? A little. I guess she and I have similar taste. When she talks about family, she - and so many of her seven children became teachers, even the men. Is love of education also something that can be passed on?
My aunt told me someday maybe someone will be interested in reading about your life. A hundred years from now, they will want to know about your travels. I know she is very curious about my life. I should just send her a link to this journal, but I don't write often enough. And I don't know what she would tell my mother. Still, it is my job to keep shocking them, and giving them someone to talk about. I like that. And so do they.
I only hope that I can live up to the toughness of Louisa Ganz. Not once did she give up, or attempt to go back to Switzerland. When I begin to think about how hard life is, I'll just have to remember her.