# @jen_schro on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CEskC05Abtm
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20325714-jen-schro-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/fede5bfab0.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-09-04T01:32:35.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Jen Schroeder (@jen_schro) — https://gondola.cc/jen_schro

## Caption

Twenty seven years ago, the patriarch of our family passed.
My Opa embodied the American Dream.
He helped his family escape World War 2 Germany, ventured into Ottawa, Canada where he learned a trade (masonry) and worked to earn $1000, two things he needed to immigrate into America.
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Knowing not a word of English, he taught himself with nightly trips to the grocery store, listening to women speak to one another.
He started a little masonry company, one that my Dad would take over, who’s motto was “quality that lasts”- it would eventually grow into one of the largest in Southern California.
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He had striking blue eyes, a boisterous laugh and a work ethic that would scare most people.
All qualities I hope his namesake, my daughter, inherits.
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Twenty seven years ago my Oma picked a gravesite 60+ miles from where anyone in our family lived.
I don’t know why she picked it; 
we had no ties to the City of Orange, but nevertheless, he was buried in the hills; in the city I now call home.
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Today, my girl got to meet her Opa; the one who’s name she shares.
Instantly, I felt his love.
Just as fast, my little girl was smiling from ear to ear.
As fate will have it, she will grow up 1 mile from where he’s laid to rest.
Leaving today it was clear, this visit was just the first of many.
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#itsmerudib #dearrudi #rudibabe #opa #namesake

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 2,911
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- **Comments:** 56

## Tags

namesake, itsmerudib, dearrudi, rudibabe, opa

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