McBlog

I created this slideshow to commemorate what would have been Mother's 89th birthday this week. It's hard to believe that she's been gone almost five years. The musical selections are Seredeczna Matko (Beloved Mother) which was originally Boze, Cos Polske (God, Who Held Poland) a traditional Polish melody that at one time was sung as a national hymn in the period after the Uprising of 1830. Its singing was forbidden by the conquering powers and when the lyrics of Seredeczna Matko (Beloved Mother) were substituted and sung as a Catholic hymn it was still forbidden. The second melody is 'Improvisation on a Polish Air' performed by Tadeusz Majewski. Mother was always very proud of her Polish heritage. The original family name was Brodneowski before my grandfather shortened it to Broski when he entered the U.S. He was adamant that the 'ski' ending was preserved to reflect his Polish nationality.

Original lyrics:

God who held Poland for so many ages,
In Your protection, glory, and great power,
Who gave Your wisdom to her bards and sages,
And gave Your own shield as her rightful dower.

Bring back to Poland ancient might and splendor,
And fruitful blessings bring to fields and meadows;
Be once again our Father, just, yet tender,
Deliver us from out our dire shadows.

CHORUS:
Before Your altars,
we in supplication
Kneeling implore You
Free our land and nation.