Our Armenian ancestors had no excuses for being homeless and friendless upon arrival in America. No excuses because ruthless barbarians murdered, kidnapped, raped, and pillaged their husbands, wives, children, parents, and friends and forced them out of their homeland. No excuses for not knowing our language. No excuses when they couldn’t have a job that matched their former lifestyle and skills. No excuses for not having the success and achievement they once had or the type of work they once had. They did not raise dysfunctional families. They never perceived themselves as martyrs. They did not define themselves as needy victims. They were poor but never knew it. They were happy, kind, generous and welcoming to others. They pulled themselves up, found other Armenians, gathered their courage, set aside their recriminations, and rebuilt their Armenian identity that had stabilized them for centuries. My admiration for all they overcame soared
