Andruski/Jedrusik Family Reunion

Several years ago I was in contact with my Dad's cousin, Marvina.  She had recently returned from a trip to Poland where she had a wonderful visit with a few second cousins & their families.  At that time she decided that she was going to organize a family reunion of the Andruski family. She invited our Polish cousins to come to America and join us.  At the end of January we were able to see this family reunion become a reality.

 In the eraly 1900's my Great-Granfather, Fransiczek Jedrusik (in America he was known as Frank Andruski), left his family and land of his birth to immigrate to the United States.  Upon arrival to the United States he married Caroline Blasko.  They settled in Chicago and later moved to Gerorgetown, IL where they raised their family of 7 children (they had a total of 9 children, 2 died very young).  Frank and Caroline died in 1933 just months apart from each other, leaving the older children to care for their younger siblings.   Frank & Caroline never knew any of their posterity which now includes at least 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 36 great-great grandchildren, & 1 great-great-great grandchild (I'm sure there are more  that have lost contact with the family over the years). 

Frank & Caroline Andruski
with their first child Albert who died as a baby

 

I have always thought it a bit tragic that Frank & Caroline were never able to enjoy, in this life, a relationship with any of their posterity. 

 

And yet, how wonderful that after all of these years their posterity would gather together, and celebrate their Polish ancestry.

 

8 of the 13 grandchildren
Leonard, Marla, Frank, Marvina, Carol, Andrzej (polish 2 cousin),
Jay, Susie, Krzysztof (polish 2nd cousin) & Andrea

 

It was one of those once in a life time type gatherings, where many of us came as strangers, mingled because we are "family" and made connections because we felt the influence and love of my Great- Grandparents, whom none of us have ever met, but whom I know are thrilled that "the hearts of their children and being turned to their fathers". 

 

 

As a side note, my Dad is the only cousin who carries on the name of Andruski.  It will be up to my three nephews to carry on the "family name".  No pressure boys! :)