Sebastian’s Early Years — Poland 1980-1992

This is where it all began for me back in 1980. I dug up a few old photos from my early years in Poland, before I crossed the ocean to the United States with my mom in 1992. Photos were taken far less frequently in those days, and the images themselves feel unmistakably tied to another era. Even so, I'm grateful to have a few that bring those early memories back.

My parents, Lucjan and Alicja, before I was born.

My grandmas. Babcia Jadzia and Babcia Marysia.

My parents in the U.S. back in the mid 80's. 

From Left: Ciocia Danusia (mom's sister), Wujek Mirek (her husband), Babcia Marysia (dad's side), me, Dziadek Zygmunt (dad's side), Ciocia Gosia (mom's sister). 

Babcia Jadzia passed away in June of 2024 at the age of 90. We arrived in Poland just before her passing and were able to say our goodbyes. I also shared a small tribute to her here. 

Ciocia Gosia (mom's sister).

My cousin, Darek, and my dad. I was about nine or ten in this picture. This was my dad’s wedding day, when he married my stepmom, Marzena.

First Communion. My grandparents, Wujek Janusz (dad's brother), me, my cousin Darek and my dad. 

My grandfather’s funeral — my mom’s dad. He passed away far too young, at just 55. I had just turned nine in this picture.

First time meeting my mom after about seven years. She left for the U.S. when I was around four, in 1985, and finally came back to Poland in 1992 when I was eleven to take me back to the States with her. It took seven years for her to win the green card lottery.

On the way to the airport in Warsaw to fly across the ocean and into the United States with my mom on June 9th, 1992. 

To view Sylwia’s early years in photos, click the Previous button below. The Next button offers a glimpse of early life in the U.S. during the 90s.