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Decision Time
Our family has decided that it is time to finally leave. There are far better opportunities in America than what we leave behind here in Ireland and since Papa is already there and has secured a job in a steel factory. Mama says that we can now go meet him. I wonder what it will be like on our journey to our new home? -
What do they mean by "Steerage"?
There are so many people on this ship- they call it the Irish Monarch- it seems like thousands. It’s really cramped in the sleeping compartments. I heard someone that works on the boat call it the steerage area? The only steer that I know of are related to animals- is that how we are viewed by others? Are we seen as animals? -
How Much Longer?
The seasickness is worse than I thought it would be. The first few days of our journey, the weather was pretty good- however, it started to deteriorate last night. A storm moved in and has been rocking our boat a great deal. Even though the food is not the most appetizing and I need sustenance, I fear eating anything with this continual rocking. Hopefully the sun will shine brightly tomorrow. -
Long Awaited Sunshine
I’m currently writing while on the top deck of the ship. The sun has finally emerged and we are getting closer to America, at least that’s what my brother overheard a deckhand say this morning. I simply cannot wait until we can get off this ship- what will it be like there? How will we be treated? It can’t be any worse that it was back home- hopefully, we will be able to make a life for ourselves in this new place. -
There She Is!
We are just pulling in to New York’s Harbor and I finally got to see her. She’s beautiful. With her giant crown atop her head and her bright torch, she is a beacon of hope to not only me and my family but for all that seek a new life in America. We’ve been asked to wait for a while as other ships ahead of us deboard their passengers but I do not mind waiting. I’ve waited twelve years to feel true freedom, what is a few more hours? -
So Many Languages
First, we carried our luggage in to the building where we had to leave it to go get, what they call, “inspected” in The Registry Room. The room was so large, overwhelming, and loud. Hundreds and hundreds of people all around me- and so many different languages were being spoken. I wish I could understand them all. I know one thing for sure, everyone seems to be grateful to be here but nervous just the same. -
The Inspection
After waiting for a while, we were inspected. I’m not sure what they were looking for but each person was asked questions and quickly examined by doctors. I’ve heard that some people that don’t pass the inspections are sent home- I’m so glad that my family got through. I don’t know what I would have done without someone in my family making it. -
Long Day
The dark came too soon yesterday and we were not able to deboard until this morning. It certainly has been a long day. As soon as we set foot on Ellis Island and gathered our belongings, we had multiple steps we had to take. -
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Link text After the inspections,we had to retrieve our belongings and head down a set of stairs to our new lives. We waited for Papa for a few hours and as soon as he turned the corner, I leapt into his arms. I’m so glad we are all together again!
