The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

My Mother and Father migrated to Canada in 1956, refugees escaping the Soviet’s punishments allotted to those who oppose Soviet tyranny wherever it may be, Russia, Eastern Europe and in their case Hungary.

My parents built a life working in Ontario, raising three children well.

The first job they worked together was picking tobacco in Tillsonburg seasonally.

Then brick making, landscaping, cabinetmaking and a few years in Oshawa building automobiles as well.

My mother Pearl worked as a house cleaner, tailor and farmworker as well, years serving others in iconic Sears Retail until its end.

My mother and father did their best while working to fill our lives full of joy, for three little kids who did not know how good they had it, my friend.

The stresses of life challenged their marriage pledge, but at the end we could call them lovers to the end.

My father passed away, my brother died too.

Now we look to our mother Pearl for a few gems of wisdom, a smile and laughter that fills us with pride, for we are blessed to have her still with us at aged 85.

Pearl is ill, with pain throughout her being, and yet she strives to be a woman like the best.

A traditional feminist is she, she can never rest.

Full of power is she, a tidal wave of understanding and love, and we all appreciate Her today like never before.

Barrie has a lady named Pearl as a resident and friend, her bite is often softer than her Clint Eastwood stare, but a citizen like Pearl is no blessing in disguise.

She loves her neighbours and friends very much alike.

All those who migrate to our favoured land, be of stout heart and open hands.

The person who smiles at you and says good day, may surely be Pearl having a good day.

STEVEN KASZAB

Bradford, Ontario.

October 19, 2023