and signed with the cross , an automatic reaction from my altarboy youth in a Polish Catholic church in Michigan . I sang with the congregation as they answered the priest ’ s prayers in perfect unison . I could feel my Polish roots deeply — spiritual and cultural roots — and how they formed my character . Polish people take their religion very seriously . Photos of Pope John Paul II are seen everywhere , even in the grocery stores . Social life is centred around spiritual relationships formed in the church , and family is still most important .
Autumn suggested that we visit some graveyards to find our family names . Graveyards are everywhere , some as large as villages . They can sometimes be found between homes and apartments , with altars to Mother Mary and infant Jesus . We found tombstones with our family name , “ Jez ,” in two separate locations . Standing in front of the ancient family tombstones , I sent a “ thank you ” prayer to my ancestors , feeling deeply connected through the centuries to those whose life struggles made it possible for us to experience our wonderful life today . This was the culmination of a long-standing dream . We are the leading edge of our family line , and I want to leave this planet a wonderful place for my children ’ s children . I felt a responsibility to uphold my family name and I committed to leaving a proud legacy . As an artist , I ’ m preparing paintings of the lives of my ancestors and their colourful history .
My grandparents and their parents were farmers from Lesser Poland , located in the southern part of the country . The villages here look like they haven ’ t changed in generations . Men and women reminded me of my uncles and aunts — generous , happy , social , and sometimes stern-looking . Shopping is always fun , especially in small stores where we could meet the locals and buy scrumptious homemade pastries , like those my grandmother baked . Polish people lead simple lives with few material extras . They are a healthy people who walk and bike everywhere . Automobiles share the highways with large semi truckers , who patiently wait behind a horse and cart . I thought of how my grandparents could only walk from village to village or take a horse and cart , and not travel as easily as we can today .
We ended our trip by visiting the larger , touristy , historical areas nearby : the beautiful capital city of Krakow and the Banff-like region of Zachopane in the Tatra mountains , where a tram lifted us high above the beautiful valley . The architecture is stunning , and cultural food like Polish borscht is exceptional . I now have heartfelt memories , thanks to Autumn ’ s
Highway , Bochnia , Lesser Poland
wonderful research , planning , and photography . With her cellphone , she managed reservations , GPS driving and walking directions , finding the best tours , and more , making this journey into the past easy and fascinating .
Poland experienced occupation during two world wars by many other nations , but survived intact , retaining its unique ethnic character , and remaining a beautiful , spiritual , and warm culture that is an important part of modern Europe . Our genealogical adventure will benefit future generations , and it will take years for us to process all the feelings of wonder , gratitude , and connection to our ancestors .
Patrick Yesh , MEd , BFA , a retired Alberta teacher , lives in Calgary with his family and is an entrepreneur , professional fine artist , and portrait artist – photographer . His daughter , Autumn Yesh , the child of two teachers , has a passion for travel , history , and culture .
news & views SPRING 2021 | 43