Nina Carmichael Treece

Don't Cry, Ninotchka Nina Carmichael Treece

During world war II, my parents and I escaped from Russia by covered wagon. Our trek lasted more than two years. It was a dangerous journey. Safety, shelter, hunger, and the brutal Russian winters, were a persistent problem. When I was 6 years old, I was left alone during a bombing attack. I huddled against a fence and prayed that my Mama would come back. I was glad when the bombs stopped falling and Mama found me. But as we were running across a big field, the bombing resumed... After arriving in Poland, the Nazis decided whether we lived or died. One day there was a terrible odor. I asked, "What is that awful smell?" A boy waved his hand dismissively and said, "Oh it's nothing. They are just burning Jews." I asked, "What are Jews, and why are they burning them?" ... One year later, we felt lucky to be allowed into Germany. But after we arrived, we found out that we were not wanted, and still in danger of being sent back to Russia. My dream was, living in America. Where, I was told, the gleaning was plentiful. Nine years later, that dream came true. America was so much more than I could have ever imagined. The possibilities far exceeded my expectations.