Emma at the Morskie Oko Lake.

My memories of this man, affectionately known to us as “Uncle Bill,” date back to an eightieth birthday party when I was barely older than three. This is my earliest connection to Polish culture, and I knew nothing then of how big a role it would play in my life so many years later.

Uncle Bill migrated to Tasmania after World War Two, leaving behind his family in Rzeszow. While working with other migrants with the Hydro, he met and fell in love and married my great grandmother, and became like a grandfather to my Dad. He was a loving, caring family member, and was treasured by those who knew him.

After he died in the early nineties, the tie to his family in Poland was lost, but years later it was my father who restored the link, and through this my eyes were opened to a whole new family, culture and history.

We met Uncle Bill’s family in 1999 when our family went to Poland. As a girl of eleven, I was enchanted by the history and legends so far removed from my little town of Hobart.

I was mesmerized by the music and dance, and humbled by the generosity and courage of the Polish people. Encouraged by my father, we learnt more about the culture through music; a language known by both cultures, and two years later I joined the Polish Dance Group Oberek in Hobart.

From a child of nine, not even knowing where Poland was, to a student aged seventeen after four years Polish dancing and three years studying the language, I’ve grown up to discover new friends, extended family, and a new appreciation for the things I always knew; music and friendship.

Emma with relatives in Przeworsk.

Music speaks all languages, and friendship holds us together. These two things I will always hold dear to me, and these two things I believe.

EMMA (on the right) with UNCLE BILL