A journey of love and dedication: how these years and this work have changed me

Judith Kappenman, SSJ, is the guest blogger this week. 

On July 13, 2010 I published the biography of my grandfather John Donahue in a book called “To Dakota and Back the Story of an Orphan Train Rider.” It has been an incredible 15 year journey. Little did I know when I started where the road would take me! Before my mother died in 1995, I promised her that I would tell her father’s story. His was a remarkable life that she felt others should know.  When I began the work, I made preparations for the journey by examining family photos, letters, newspaper clippings and documents that my grandfather had left with my mother. And I found some surprising treasures. In the year 2000 I began the actual journey.


I searched records in Massachusetts and South Dakota. I read about the practice of sending children from orphan homes in the eastern cities to rural areas, about indentured servitude, immigration, homesteading, pioneer life and work on the Plains states. Since my grandfather owned and published a newspaper, I obtained copies through interlibrary loan. I traveled to the small town of Ethan, SD where he lived so many years as an adult and visited the farm where he worked as a child.

Over the past ten years, the road has not always been smooth, nor was it straight and narrow. I found myself sidetracked by detours with work demands and other activities. Though the road was sometimes long and lonely, I did not travel alone. Editors, readers, and supporters traveled with me. I made discoveries about my grandfather and, though I loved him when he was alive, I realize even more now what a remarkable man he was. I made discoveries of myself also: discoveries of a promise made and a promise kept, of perseverance and self confidence. I have become a stronger person over these years and am happy that I did not stray from the path that took me to a published book.



The book is available at: www.lulu.com or by calling the author at 413.592.7165