Although sometimes disoriented and confused they shared one common dream for their children - a college education. Many lived to see this come true.

"Unfortunately, I wasn't one of them," the author states. "I never made it past the 10th grade. Without a goal and devoid of any guidance my future was a vague cloud hidden by a foggy mist. Some people never get their act together. I didn't know whether I was coming or going. What my future wife saw in me, floundering as I was, I don't know, but we managed 33 pleasant years together until lung cancer ended her life in 1983." Today, Mr. Kurtz lives in Pennsauken, New Jersey, overlooking the Cooper River.

His three sons and three grandchildren live nearby. His sister, Edith, still bearing faint 60 year old scars on her shins from her brother's adolescent behavior, also resides in the area and they're both active members in the new Jewish Community Center in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

With the passing of my generation much of the content of this story will be beyond memory.

Some liberties have been taken with dates, places and characters for the sake of getting the job done and for which I beg forgiveness from those who are accustomed to perfection. Writing takes time and as one gets older time takes on a new meaning - a sense of urgency that isn't there when you're younger. It's written in simple language without any attempt to impress the reader with uncommon and seldom used words. Many thousands of people experienced similar adventures while emigrating from the old world to the new. This tale belongs only to the Kurtzmanns.