by Mona Sander
In 2010, the bus journey to Frankfurt took two days. I had two suitcases and old clothes with me, and only 20 euros. The remaining 500 euros were borrowed and had to be repaid upon my arrival.
It was a very emotional time as I said goodbye to my family. The sad faces of my parents and the tears at midnight will always stay with me. I couldn’t even say goodbye to my 5-year-old son as I had to get into the taxi directly. It was heartbreaking to leave him with my mother while I fought for my residency status in Germany. It was a battle I had to win before I could see my son again.
Why did I make this decision? My country and its system had cast me out after completing my studies, leaving me with no hope for a better future. My generation of students is scattered all over the world. Now was the right time to leave the country, otherwise my intuition would have said: if you stay here, you will not see prosperity, you will lose what you have always dreamed of.
The bus journey was long, and when I finally arrived in Frankfurt, I was overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. It was a land full of promise, but also full of challenges. The snow-covered landscape and the imposing buildings fascinated me as I rode in a taxi to the specified address.
It was an exciting moment as I observed the outer beauty of this new world while preparing myself for an unknown future filled with sorrow, temptations, and determination. It was the beginning of a new life that I approached with hope and a strong will.
Today, I see this grand story that happened to another person. Everything I set out to do has come true. My son is already here, over 14 years old, and we drink coffee together in our own apartment while I think about the title of this interesting story.
It’s a story of courage, determination, and the power of family. It’s the story of a new home and a future full of possibilities. It’s the story of my life.
© Mona Sander 2024-01-14