Alma, Mauno, Shirley, Airi, and Pekka
In the summer of 2011, I visited Finland for the first time with my parents. Along with other relatives, we went to visit my grandmother's sister, Alma, and her husband, Mauno. They lived at their small home in Tohmajärvi in Eastern Finland where they raised their 10 children.
During the visit we looked at old photographs and had some coffee and food. I learned afterward that Alma had actually prayed she would meet my mother before she died, and she did, passing away just a year later in 2012, with Mauno following in 2013. They were both very elderly at this point. Being older now and having recently met several of Alma's children and granddaughters, that original 2011 visit feels even more meaningful. I'm thankful I had the chance to meet them.
My grandmother grew up with four brothers and one sister. I don't know much about their childhood, but I like to think Alma and my grandmother were close growing up as the only two girls in a house full of boys. The family lived on a farm where life revolved around the cows, fields and chopping wood for the winter. There was always plenty of work to be done.
Tyyne, Alma, and Aili
I was told Alma often spoke warmly of my grandmother and our family back in Canada. They kept in touch through letters, and my grandmother regularly mailed Vancouver magazines to Finland, which I was told were always a big highlight because of the photographs of the scenery and wildlife. She also went back to visit Alma a few times over the years.
Looking back, I'm grateful my parents and I made that trip in 2011. It's good to keep these memories alive. Connecting with her family today shows that what started with my grandmother and Alma continues today to the next generation.
