She came to the United States from Smoland,  Sweden, a young woman alone--she was one of the bravest people I've ever known.   She didn’t know the language the day she landed in Ellis Island, but she was determined to be an American.     She found work as a housekeeper and cook, made many new friends and fell in love with a handsome young man , also of Swedish descent.  After she and Dad were married she went to night school and began her path to become a United states citizen.   She not only learned the language, she earned her citizenship papers.   She had two children, myself and my brother, and instilled in us her hard working values and a great appreciation of this country.

We miss you, Mom.