#35 ~1978 - First year in Detrot, MI

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It was a very busy day yesterday: lots of tennis, family time, etc. I missed writing, so I need to catch up today.

!978 ~ Felix Davidovich, Marianna (Masha) Davidovich, Lilian, Marina Davidovich, Elizabeth davidovich, Ed Lotstein, Marsha Lotstein, Deborah Lotstein and Seth Lotstein

Winter 1978 starts a new chapter of our lives. I missed my wonderful "american" family in Hartford every day. I missed their presence, help, their warm smiles and ever present support. Evelyn Alberts, Diane Goldshlager, Sharon Malofski, Marsha Lotstein, Barbara Rudeman, David and Marianna Exstein, and always serious Mr. Marvin Kay. He was our social worker. And one of the first words that my baby said in English were: "OK, Mr Kay."

This is a pictures taken at Marsha and Ed Lotstein's house with our friend Lily, also Immigrant from Ukraine.

But at the same time we were making lots of friends in Detroit. We lived in Pontiac, MI and Gymnastics School was in Bloomfield Hills. We stayed home in the mornings and drove to work in the afternoons.

My little girls were doing gymnastics in the living room.

Marianna (Masha) Davidovich practicing gymnastics at home. By Marina Davidovich

First, other coaches were were cautious around us. I could see it in their eyes: who are these people with strange accent? But after we got to know them, they "took us in", helped with our English and taught us many things. It was hard for me to understand: why parents have to pay money for kids to do gymnastics??? So when I was asked to teach a private lesson, I was so proud, I did it for no charge. Well, it did not last long. I had my first lesson in economy and free market from the rest of the coaching staff... My second lesson I charged $10.00 an hour!

I started Rhythmic Gymnastics Team. One of my first students were: Michelle Berube (became 1983 National Champion, 1984 Olympian), Karen Lyon ( became coach of World Championships Team ), Karyn Sadowski, Dana Watson, Kim Williams  and many more. I loved every minute of coaching, learning, growing. In May 1978 I  took my team to the first Competition in Downers Grove, IL.

Next Post: 1979 - Becoming Americans!