​From Nazi Occupied Poland to the American Dream

WWII survival, the immigrant experience, and the power of adoption. In this deeply moving episode of Honourable Mentions, we welcome our first-ever guest, Rafal, to share the extraordinary life story of his stepfather, Walter.

​In 1939, fifteen-year-old Walter’s world in Poland shattered when Nazi soldiers dragged his father away. Decades later, after surviving the horrors of World War II, Walter arrived in the United States in 1951 to build a new life. But his story of resilience didn’t stop there.
​In the late 1980s, Walter met Rafal’s mother and opened his heart to adopt a nine-year-old boy arriving at JFK airport without a single word of English.

​In this episode, we discuss:
​The trauma of 1939 Poland: The night Walter’s family home was shattered by Nazi forces.
​Starting over in America: Walter’s journey to the US in 1951 and finding "undiluted joy" after tragedy.
​An unexpected bond: Rafal’s own perspective arriving at JFK in the eighties and being adopted by a hero.
​Life lessons in resilience: Why Rafal’s tale is sad, funny, life-affirming, and will leave you wanting to be "a bit more Walter."
​This is a story of history, survival, family, and boundless optimism.

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