

I (Lin)
remember growing up in Southern California in the 1950’s; my best friend Mary
Anne Schmitt’s father was from Germany and her mother was from Italy. Having
different backgrounds religiously and culturally, this couple were quite
successful at blending their cultures into a truly American lifestyle. The dad
agreed to have the children raised in the Catholic faith while the mom learned
to cook German dishes specializing in a lovely pork roast with sauerkraut as
well as her traditional Italian spaghetti and pasta. I loved to eat at their
house. Each spouse brought their specialties and unique traditions to blend into
a totally new American
household. Talented as a musician,
the dad taught piano lessons and was in a private band that played at dances to
bring in extra money while the mom stayed at home 24/7 dedicated to rearing
their three children. Two sons and a daughter attended Catholic schools,
college, married and raised blended families of their own with spouses of
immigrants from other ethnic cultures.
They lived the American dream. Tell us about your family briefly. I’ll help you edit. NEXT TIME: The American Dream.