A Legacy of Honor

It's been a while since I blogged and published. This post may upset many but it needs to be said.

I was never able to meet my grandfather. My mother's, dad. He was from Germany. What I know about him is from the many stories my mother shared with me. The stories were powerful and still have a hold of my heart. Although I was never able to meet him here, I look forward to the day I meet him in our real home, with the Lord.


My grandfather came to America via the "under ground". At this point Hitler was in full command in Germany and although he hadn't unleashed his full power it was coming and many knew it. My grandfather was one of them. He took all the money he had and left in the middle of the night.

Arriving here in America was a dream for him. He went straight to St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC. He walked in, put the last of the change , that was in his tattered clothing, into the offering plate and prayed. Thanking the Lord to be in America.

Once the war started, my grandfather was put into prison, a detention camp for immigrants. My grandfather was applying to be a citizen but had not yet become a citizen. Being from Germany put him at the top of the list. You would think my grandfather would be upset...right? Nope...He went to the detention camp...he understood why and was happy to do what he was told. "Why"? you may ask. My grandfather was happy to do what he needed to be in a free country. Many freedoms we take for granted today. He was happy to be able to live in peace. To practice the religion of his choice. To raise his family the way he wanted and to enjoy the fruit of his hard work.

My grandfather never taught his 5 children to speak German. He felt that if you live in America, you should speak English.

My grandfather was not what anyone would consider special. The values he held then were usual for that time in society. He was a Baker, which may explain why my mom and sister can decorate a cake like a pro.

While I never got to speak to him, meet him or sit on his lap, in many ways his legacy has made a difference in my life. I never went through the trials he did, but through the stories of his struggles it gave me an appreciation for the freedoms we have here in America.

This is why it pains me and breaks my heart to see immigrants coming to this country and then bashing us!! Coming here and saying that our laws and ways are antiquated. We are being told how to celebrate our oldest, Christian traditions. Children can't give out Christmas cards. Colors red and green are being banned from schools. All of this  under the pretense of not offending other religions.

What about offending those who came before us?? What about those who died for our freedoms? What about those who saw America as a free land, who weren't so offended to be put into prison but was willing to endure all they had for the future of their families?


If you are not a US citizen, you do NOT have the right to bash our country. If you have not tried to make things BETTER,  you do NOT have the right to bash our country. IF you are an ILLEGAL immigrant you had BETTER be thankful for the USA. If you have not had any family member fight for the freedoms and protection of this country, you should NOT be bashing what you have not fought for.


We need to leave a legacy for our children. My grandfather did what he did because he truly believed in America. He didn't do what he did to written about by a grandchild he never met. My grandfather left a legacy of honor. A man who would endure for his future and that of his family.

Are we leaving a legacy of honor, complaining or complacency for our children to one day ponder?