Maria Skibinsky Miernicki
I knew Maria Skibinski Miernicki when I was a high school volunteer (1973?) one morning a week at Bergen Pines Hospital in Paramus, NJ. She was a (permanent?) resident on the geriatric floor. My duties were to make beds, deliver meals, tidy up, etc. Maria was pleasant and we'd chat. I remember making her a polyester dress (short sleeved, zipper up the back). I have her Bible she gave me. I wonder now if she got a replacement one, because she didn't pass away until 1992. She was 92 when she died and 73 years old when we were friends. I just had my 69th birthday. Time has a funny way of giving you perspective. About 1980, I remember getting a letter (?) from someone who knew Maria asking me to come and visit her. All I remember is that I told this person I couldn't visit Maria. I was 24 years old, and was "afraid" of visiting her. It has been a decision I have regretted. She taught me how to say "I love you" in Polish..."Yatcha ko ham" (phonetically)...the only Polish I know. Maria was deeply religious and spoke often of her faith in Jesus. I don't remember any chats about her life or her family.
