My guest, Andy Semotiuk, pronounced, Sem-a-chuck, is a US/Canadian Immigration Attorney now living in Toronto, Canada. He had lived and practiced Immigration Law here in the United states for more than ten years before returning to Canada. This is the story of his mother, Solomea, who was fiercely independent, didn't want anyone to take pity on her and she'd say "I can deal with whatever life has to give me." And that's exactly what she did.
Solomea's story begins in Drohobych, a city in the south of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine. At a young age, Solomea lost her hearing mainly because of two illnesses, Menangitis and Scarlett Fever. At the time, she was luckily old enough that she had learned to speak and read, so she adapted by learning how to read lips.
Andy tells this heartwarming story of his mother's love in his latest book, "A Promise Kept: A Tribute To A Mother's Love." And Andy didn't know any of his mother's background and experiences until he was fifty years old. And he kept his promise to his mother to help others that were in need and indeed he has.
Solomea was a young child when she and her family witnessed the "Nazi occupation of Poland and then the Soviet occupation of Western Ukraine," explains Mr. Semotiuk. His mom, was one of the first refugees to flee war torn Europe to Immigrate to North America.
A life filled with challenges, loss of love, family and yet she never gave up. Years later, as a single mother, she was able to put her son through law school. Andy explains, "I watched my mother put me through law school on her hands and knees, washing floors."
Mother and son had a very special bond. I don't think that a day goes by that Andy doesn't think and thank his mother for all that she's taught him and all that she did for him.
Andy Semotiuk has also written a book entitled, "Solomea." Solomea, his great Aunt, was his grandmother's sister. She was also a very, successful leading dramatic soprano opera singer, but unfortunately WWII got in the way of her lengthy career. She performed with Enrico Caruso, Arturo Toscanini, Giacomo Puccini
There is so much more to this story. I hope you enjoy the listen. I have so much respect for Solomea, Andy's mother. She endured so much, yet she always landed on her feet. She connected with wonderful women that helped her along this complicated and challenging journey.
Imagine immigrating to a new, unknown country, not speaking the language, not being able to hear, having no money or family. And yet Solomea prevailed and raised a wonderful son who is happily helping others in need of legal immigration services.
It was a pleasure to speak with Paul and share this eye opening story of a young woman who wasn't afraid to step out alone.
By the age of nine, Andy still never knew who his biological father was. Yet it was an honor for Andy to take the sir name of the gentleman who Andy referred to as his "grandfather/grandpa," who's name was William Semotiuk.
Law firm website:https://pacelawfirm.com
*Personal legal website:https://myworkvisa.com
*LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysemotiuk/
Instagram:https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Andy+Semotiuk
X.Com:https://www.X.Com/ASemotiuk
*Facebook personal:https://www.facebook.com/asemotiuk/
Facebook business:https://www.facebook.com/myworkvisa
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Andy+Semotiuk
IMDB:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14878772/
*Amazon:https://www.buysolomeabook.com/