To Edwin, on his 90th birthday

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He has lived 4.5 times longer than I. I cant even begin to imagine the things one can see in a lifetime that stretches from the turn of the century: through the invention of vehicles and two world wars.


I was notified by my relatives Ken and Nancy that we had family in Germany. How perfect! I decided to end my European adventure in the place of my origin. This is a journey of self-discovery and it certainly helps by knowing where you come from. Upon entering the country, I learned BAUMANN means "builder man". I was intent to discover more about my heritage and decided to contact these distant relations in Germany. My relatives are named The Kramers, and they are my grandfather's sister's husband's cousin. Pretty far-removed, but when we met, I was treated like next-of-kin.

I introduced myself to the Kramers via email, and they responded with an email in German! I asked a few of my German friends for the translation. The email described the family's ages and professions, and invited me to call them in order for us to get to know each other. When I arrived in Heidelburg, I gave the father, Roland, a call. I was nervous that our phone call would have to take place entirely in German, but was glad to hear that he spoke English. We agreed to meet up on the weekend at the train station near their house.

As I stepped off the train, it was his curly, handlebar mustache that I noticed first. He is an enthusiastic, jolly man who has worked for the police force in his town for nearly 40 years. He is assistant to the cheif and struck me as well-respected and knowledgable. He drove me to meet his family and mentioned that today was a very special day. It was his father, Edwins, 90th birthday. Their morning had started at 4am, making preparations for the day-long party where they were visited by the mayor, pastor, co-workers, and friends. I felt very special to be a part of this celebration where I later met all of their other extended family members. Roland introduced me (in German) explaining that I was a distant relative from the United States visiting Germany. It was an incredibly warm welcome by such distant relations!

The family (of 30) went out to dinner that night and took me along. Throughout dinner, we had stumbling Deutch-English conversations about Texas cowboys, German gardens, and nuclear energy. They were such kind people, and I will certainly remember immediately feeling comfortable among people I had never met before. However, the memory I will always keep with me is Edwin, on his 90th birthday, ordering a steak and massive beer for dinner.

May you all have steak and beer on your 90th birthday.

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Comments

[Carrie]

May 2074
So in May 2074 you, Ross, me and all the other May babies we know should have a massive beer and steak festival!

[Amy Snyder]

birthdays are fun!
How fun to meet a part of your heritage! oh and Snyder means 'tailor' in german. :)