The Martins were beyond grateful for the five hundred dollars’ worth of Visa cards. They shared that this trip was a lifelong dream of theirs and was a huge hit to their savings. This five hundred would help them get right back on the road to saving for their next dream adventure.
The last interview I decided would be in the Great Hall at Ellis Island. I found an elderly man standing next to two other men, one holding the hand of a boy who couldn’t be more than eight or nine. The men could have been my great-grandfather, grandfather, and my dad.
“Excuse me, would you mind if I interviewed you for a television segment focused on being thankful?”
One of the men spoke in German to the eldest. He nodded.
“Sure, you may ask us questions, and I shall translate to my opa.” I knew the word Opa to mean grandfather in German.
I spent a few minutes getting to know the three men and one child. They were four generations of Kappmeiers. Robert Kappmeier was in his nineties and looked damn good for his age, as did his son, Richard, who was in his late sixties, and his son, Eric, closing in on forty, and Eric's son, Nolan, who was eight.
Once I found out why they were there I couldn’t stop the tears from falling down my face. Wes soothed me while I got hold of myself and repaired my makeup the best I could without a team of makeup artists to make me look camera ready. Once I’d gotten myself in check, the cameras rolled.
“I am standing here in front of Ellis Island with four generations of Kappmeier men. Thank you all for stopping to chat with me.”
I spoke first with Robert, the eldest Kappmeier. “Now, Mr. Kappmeier, thank you for agreeing to speak with me and translate.” He nodded. Apparently sometime after he retired, he decided to mostly speak in his native tongue but knew English very well. “From what your son and grandson tell me, you passed through Ellis Island back in 1949 a few years before it closed in 1954.”
“I did. Best day of my life.”
“Why’s that?” I asked, genuinely interested.
“Because I was free. Germany had just survived the defeat of the Nazis, and the country split into two. Many of my family were prisoners of war during that time. I promised my mother, who’d lost my father in the war, that I’d find a way to be free. So I left my country, my home, and found a new home. One where I could feel safe to live, work, love, and have a family of my own.”
“And would you say that you were thankful for America, for the opportunity it afforded you?” I asked automatically.
He nodded curtly but got close, walked me over to his youngest grandson, Nolan, who clutched his dad’s hand nervously. His great-grandfather lifted his chin.
“I am thankful for my freedom and the freedom of my son, Richard, my grandson, Eric, and great-grandson, Nolan Kappmeier. You see, as Americans, they will always be free.”
I thanked the men for sharing their story and gave them the cards, which they planned on donating to charity.
Looking at the camera, tears in my eyes, Wes by my side, I decided that was the end of my segment. There was no need for more.
“Today you heard from the people of New York. Families, single dads, visitors from other countries, and generations of Americans. We learned that people were thankful for their wives, husbands, children, parents, the world, and most of all, the freedom that our country affords us. I’d like to take a moment to thank all the veterans of our great nation for ensuring that we have yet a new day to be thankful for, because they are fighting for our freedom. I’d like to challenge all of you watching this show to thank someone you’ve been meaning to thank. Spread the joy and love we take for granted each and every day, and give back. But most of all…be thankful for what you have and rejoice in it. Thank you all for watching. Until next time, live beautiful.”
The second the cameraman raised his thumb.
Wes grabbed me around the waist and hugged me. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. That segment is going to touch so many people.”
I snuggled into his warmth, imprinting this moment on my mind so I could revisit the feeling of unity, love, and compassion for years to come. Today, I was proud of myself. I’d taken a concept, brought it to fruition, and knew that it would resonate with millions of people watching when it aired.
“Let’s celebrate!” Wes said, planting a line of kisses from the bottom of my neck up to my ear where he wrapped his lips around the tip of my ear and bit down. A zing of heat shot through my body and landed between my thighs.
“What did you have in mind?” I raised one eyebrow and smirked.
“You, me, a bottle of champagne, a basket of strawberries, whipped cream, and a fluffy hotel bed.”
I grinned. “You had me at you and me.”
Chapter Seven
The moment our rental car stopped in front of the large ranch-style home, a wild-haired little blonde ran down the steps, arms flailing, and her father in tow.