Page 12 - A Miscellany of Memories by Justyna Kulesza

May 22, 1971 I read the book in one breath! It finally cleared up the whole government system. Now I see that it is all a lie! I didn’t know the score and I have understood nothing until now but “Lenin” taught me a lot! I decided that I have to leave Poland, I am completely at a loss though. Why? Because I have no clue how. I only know I don’t want to live in falsehood anymore, I don’t want to be part of the next generation that must spill blood! I have only one life to live and I choose to have a better life! I prefer to be happy rather than stay here and fight for something I'm not convinced of. February 17, 1974 I had a baby 2 days ago! My little girl is very heavy because she weighs 11 pounds! It was long labor because it lasted 3 days and I suffered so much; people there insulted me with the worst insults while I was squirming in pain. Nobody wanted to help me until I was out for the count and passed a lot of blood! Today I found out I should have paid money or given a bribe to have been allowed to give birth in decent conditions. Then I was transferred to the hospital room where there were mothers who had lost their babies because the doctors weren’t able to deliver their infants! It’s a real tragedy! 12