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KathyM · Feb 17, 2010, 06:44 PM

sanityseeker

We have the same problem here in the States with our native population. I fully support their efforts to preserve and pass on their language/heritage/culture to their young ones. It's a good way for them to connect with their ancestors/relatives who have gone before them. I believe it can help give them a little more strength to know the truth of what their ancestors had to endure in order for them to live here today. It could give them a little more balance, motivation and determination to live in this world without having to resort to "fighting fire with fire" with each step they take - or giving up altogether.

I was diagnosed with a devastating hereditary disease in 1996 at the age of 38, five years after my mother passed away from the same illness. I didn't even know there was hereditary form of amyloidosis, much less one specific to those from Finland.

When I traveled to Finland as a young teenager with mom, I noticed quite a few relatives who were blind, looked and acted strange, but they frightened me. From that point on, I denied my Finnish roots completely, never giving them or Finland a second thought.

When I was diagnosed, I was forced to connect with my Finnish roots. I was fortunate to be able to connect with English speaking doctors from Finland, but it was MUCH harder connecting with my Finnish relatives who had to live with this particular "burden."

My afflicted grandmother died here in my home/this room when I was 2. I don't remember her, but I was told she loved me very much.

I can't learn the language, but I find it gives me tremendous comfort to hear others speak Finnish - even when they speak English with a Finnish accent. It connects me with my Finnish relatives who had live with this disease without any medical/social support whatsoever. It gives me the motivation and determination to stand tall and face whatever comes my way - to make them proud of what they had to sacrifice in order for me to live.

I'm going to post a clip for you in the Video, Lyrics and Podcasts Forum for you...