When I think of America, I think of a land of opportunity for everyone. My parents came here as immigrants in 1921. They couldn’t speak the language, couldn’t read or write, but they struggled and became proud citizens. They raised a family of ten children never going on the public dole. My father earned his living as a cantor, singing in the synagogue. Deeply religious they wanted their children to follow in their footsteps, but alas, that wasn’t to be. We children wanted to be regular Americans and the rules and regulations of religious life was not for us. We hungered for, reached and grabbed the American Dream.
Though I had little formal education I did possess a good singing voice and became a vocalist with many society orchestras. Singing at The Waldorf, The Pierre and the Plaza hotels. Years later I wrote a book, GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, which rocketed to #2 on the New York Times best-seller list, and has sold millions of copies. Since then, I’ve written thirteen books. With no television experience, I wrangled a job as an ABC affiliate senior news reporter in Palm Beach, Florida. I won the Media Award for the State of Florida, given by the Area Agency on Aging.
Coming from a poor family, and despite having little formal education, I managed to make many of my dreams come true. I am deeply grateful to America. I know none of these opportunities could have happened for me had my parents remained in their small village in Poland. In fact, my mother’s brothers were murdered there, just for being Jewish. So, on July 4th, our country’s birthday, and throughout the year, I’m grateful to our wonderful country and all the chances for success it has offered me.
Count your blessings. Being here in America is your good fortune too.Judith Levy’s newest book, GREAT-GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, a perfect gift, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Beautifully illustrated, it’s bound to be another best-seller.
