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K.J. Wilsdon's avatar

Thank you for telling John’s story in such detail. I have to say that John had amazing resilience, especially considering that most of his misfortunes were not his fault. That he started again so many times, it seems very unfair that he did not make his fortune in the end.

It is important to tell all the stories - not just the ones of the fortunate.

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Lisa Maguire's avatar

I should add that this story almost wrote itself- it felt like automatic writing at times. I couldn't help but think that John reached out from wherever he was in the afterlife to tug at my sleeve- he'd been waiting 150 years for his story to be told.

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Lisa Maguire's avatar

Yes. I agree. I think his hot temper, which came through so vividly in the newspaper stories I found on him, did not do him any favors. The rags-to-riches immigrant story is not everyone's experience. The first generation does not always succeed. Today there is a debate about the cost/benefit of immigration, and I think many people don't understand that it is often a long-term investment.

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K.J. Wilsdon's avatar

Yes, I think you are right. First generations are venerated but their struggles are often overshadowed by later generations who 'live the dream' (sometimes). John had a hot temper, but you can understand his anger. Thanks for writing this.

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Aimee Liu's avatar

Extraordinary lives brilliantly told!!!! Just wonderful ♥️

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Lisa Maguire's avatar

Thanks Aimee!

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Kirsi Dahl's avatar

Loved it!

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