My daughter in Ljubljana during our 2013 Slovenia trip.
As it turns out, my great, great grandfather Jožef Kocijančić and I have more in common than DNA. We both have had children make the same journey between the United States and Slovenia, with the exception of being in the opposite direction. Last Friday, I hugged my daughter goodbye as she left for a nine month research and cultural experience in Slovenia. However, as Jozef's daughter Johanna (my great grandmother) set sail for America in 1901 their hug would need to last a lifetime. They never saw each other again. In today's world of international travel, the thought of never seeing your child again seems unimaginable. I certainly couldn't help but think about Jožef and Johanna as I left my daughter at the airport. How would you say goodbye to your child forever? For many of our ancestors that was the grim reality and I am very, very thankful it is not mine. Someday I hope to know more about this brave man but for now you can read what I do know about Jožef on the Penne page below.