So this is my unfinished place under the eaves in honor of those, my ancestors, who went before me, and some of whom, I hope and pray to meet some day. Here, you will read of sagas such as crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a sailing ship in 48 days and perilous brushes with the Cossacks and the Prussian gendarmes. If you read closely, you will learn of pain and heartbreak, lost loves, and lives of quiet desperation.
This garret is dedicated to my mother's
faith in God and her wonderful stories that have inspired me to begin to
research and build onto the edifice that she has initiated. I also acknowledge
the help of Catherine Sams in unearthing many facts about my German ancestry,
my brother's contributions to the history of the Andris line, and my sister's
careful proofreading of my on-line documents.