In 1969, two great dreams would come to beautiful fruition for my beloved Yiayia--the positively progressive, indelibly feisty, and ever evolving Penelope Conomos. Her little boy who once hobbled around in braces, who labored as a farm hand, a shoe shiner, and a junior custodian while attending American public school was to accomplish one of Yiayia's greatest dreams.
Now an academic - Tasso earned his doctorate in Oceanography from the University of Washington. It marked a beautifully poignant, full circle moment for the former peasant girl who'd never surpassed a 3rd grade education in her homeland of Greece.
But another life changing moment was also about to occur. While pursuing his studies at U of W, a fellow graduate caught Tasso's eye. She attended the same local Greek Orthodox church. She too was a first generation American, the child of immigrants from Lebanon. And she was lovely. So after a few years of friendship and dating, Tasso Conomos asked Janice Rottle to marry him.
And so in February of 1969, the former village girl - who once only ever travelled by donkey, then by ship, and later by train - eagerly packed her bags. Locked her door. And steered her now 1966 Dodge Dart to the airport. Destination: the Pacific Northwest. And on a beautiful yet rainy Seattle day, Giagia humbly watched life reaffirm itself once again.
Flanked by daughters Chrysanthy and Anastasia, she profoundly reflected upon her family's evolution. Her granddaughters - now flower girls - walking down the aisle. Tuxedo clad Tasso, proudly waiting at the altar. An elegant Janice, walking down the aisle on her father's arm. And the couple donning traditional stefana marital crowns in a Greek Orthodox ceremony so reminiscent of Yiayia's own wedding 38 long years ago in Greece.
A poignant photo below from that joyous day shows my father, mother, and Yiayia in profile. But it also illustrates a heartfelt absence. For Yiayia - so often forced to adapt and to endure after Papou's death - was also left to celebrate life's blessings alone. After all of the sacrifices my grandfather made, Papou would never witness the blessings bestowed upon his family. As my Yiayia always says, such is the life.
But at the wedding reception, she would recall a lesson learned from her dear mother in Greece. Despite its hardships and imperfections, life was always to be celebrated. And so Yiayia toasted the newlyweds, mingled with celebrants, and danced. She fox trotted the night away. And in a nod to her heritage, she led the bride in the traditional Greek wedding dance.
Yes, in that tiny Seattle ballroom, Penelope Conomos savored 'the life' in all its imperfections, beauty, and promise. And very soon, my beloved Yiayia would have reason to rejoice yet again. For the Conomos family was about to grow by leaps and bounds in another beautiful reaffirmation of life.