In July, my sister and I took this man (our stepfather) back to Ontario to visit some of his long-lost family. Or, as they may say, we brought their “long lost brother” back to them.
Forty-nine years ago, our stepfather, Pete, landed for the first time in Toronto on a one-way flight from Poland.
He came here when he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, who lived in Ontario. This move gave him an opportunity for a better life.
Determined to “make it on his own,” a few years later, he emigrated west and landed in Saskatchewan/Alberta, where he met my Mom, sister, and me (I was about four then).
He fell in love with us (in his words) and would become our stepfather. The relationship with my Mom wouldn’t last, but his unconditional love for my sister and me would.
Whether it’s because of the beautiful people they are or their Polish way, they made us feel like their long-lost family, too.
We spent an amazing three days together, listening to stories, sharing hugs, looking at photos, and walking the shore of Lake Erie. My kids even got to chase and catch fireflies.
Here’s to second chances, long-lost family, and love that never wavers.
