Otherwise I'd be a goat hearder

This past week marked the 100th anniversary of my father's family in America. It was on October 25, 1905 that my great-grandfather Elias James arrived at Ellis Island from his home in Zahle, Lebanon. James (he went by his middle name too) came to America as a a penniless 14-year-old with no job, education, English or family.

I would say something in Arabic, but the only word I know is... not celebratory.

Tags: personal