Maria

Larry,

this is to let you know that I will not be able to attend your reunion - there was some possibility I would be visiting the US this summer, but I now know for sure that I am not. I assure you though, that next time I visit - perhaps next summer - I will do my best to come down & visit Troy.

I hope that the event turns out to be a success - and that you all enjoy meeting after all these years. Please pass on my best regards to all those who visited Poland, and tell them I have not forgotten that memorable time.

I wish you all a wonderful time together.

I also want to let you know that my older son, Barnaby, has just graduated with a Master's degree in Law. My younger son, Karl, will be graduating with a Bachelor's in economics in a few weeks, and he will be doing his fourth year of law studies in France this coming academic year. Which means I will be all alone in Poznan - as Barnaby is taking up work in a Warsaw law firm as of October, and my husband is working in Brussels. Time is flying.

All my very best to you and Sing Out Troy,

Mary (Maria) Skibniewska

ps. I enclose a photo of my son & myself

From: N8myq@aol.com
To: lesski@amu.edu.pl
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2010 1:48 AM
Subject: Our Condolences to the Polish nation

Maria,

I felt sincere sorrow for the people of Poland when I heard of the tragedy that had befallen your president and nation. I cannot imagine what your nation is going through. While I do not know what your political beliefs are, such a tragedy cannot fail to be difficult for any nation to suffer.
I hope your country can heal after such an ordeal and will be strong in it's resolve to continue on. While there is a great deal of miles between us, please be aware that if prayers and good wishes can assist your fellow countrymen, we of Sing Out Troy are sending all of them your way.

Best Wishes and Condolences,

Larry Apple and the Alumni of Sing Out Troy

Larry,

Thank you. It has been an incredible few days. The coincidence of the Katyn tragedy last week's & that of 70 years ago (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katyn_Massacre) is incredible. The whole country is in mourning - people are losing all sense of perspective - I know people need a purpose in life - but some find it only in publicly sharing in others' grief.

I myself - as everyone I'm sure - was shocked and deeply saddened by the loss - but some people are losing control. The choice of the burial place for the presidential couple has divided the nation - again, as did the president & his brother for years now. What started out as sincere feelings of compassion for the human loss - politically, the situation is under control - is turning a bit unacceptable. I wish people showed more humility (in particular the president's twin brother) in the face of this tragedy. Time will probably show who had a better understanding of the president's real achievements. Dying in an air crash - as dramatic as it was - is not enough to make a hero out of anyone.

I feel great sorrow for all who died, though I liked some better than others. Still, they were all important people in our country and the next few months - especially the early election to replace the president - will be a tough test for all politicians - and us as a nation. I hope we will manage to retain a sensible approach - rather than letting emotions dictate our actions.

Your wishes and prayers are more than welcome. There can never be enough of those!

Once again - thank you & all of Sing Out Troy.

sincerly,

Maria