A first journey is sometimes the most life-affirming. In July 2019, Cheryl Kossuth left the United States for the first time, crossing continents in the hope of discovering more about her family. Details, dates or any information might just make the picture clearer and bring her late ancestor Lajos Kossuth a bit closer to her. But in Hungary, in a way Cheryl found more than what she had expected: a home away from home. To find out more, we met her and her husband John, a charming couple, for breakfast in downtown Budapest.
Imagine one day finding out that you are the descendant of a famous figure responsible for changing history more than a century ago in a small country thousands of miles away, but nobody at home really knew who he was. Well, ordinary life would still go on around you but a nation never forgets its heroes. Those thousands of miles away in that small country, you would be so warmly welcomed. As Cheryl has found out here in Hungary.
Digging up archives, visiting museums and mausoleums, snapping photos of statues and strolling all around the city – Cheryl and John have been very busy these past few days. “It is all a bit overwhelming, but in a very good way. I wasn’t expecting people to be so friendly, charming and attentive, but everywhere we go people are just so kind. It’s incredible. Wherever I explain my situation, people are so helpful, going out of their way to be of assistance,” says Cheryl, fighting back tears. She also tells us that the hotel doorman gave her an old Kossuth note and a coin as a present.
Lajos Kossuth was one of Hungary’s most revered statesmen, who devoted his life to fight for independence during Austrian rule, leading the ill-fated 1848 Revolution. Standing by his beliefs through prison and uprising, Kossuth’s powerful speeches and writings inspired Hungarians to rise up and fight for freedom. Although the revolt brought about many significant achievements, it eventually failed due to lack of unity among Kossuth’s generals, and the Hungarian army was vanquished in the summer of 1849. As a result, Kossuth was forced to flee the country and, despite his admirable international attempts to rally support for the Hungarian people, he could never live in his homeland again. He died decades later in exile.
Kossuth’s children died without having their own children but he had a number of siblings and Cheryl is related to one of them. Her grandfather spoke Hungarian, but died when Cheryl was five. As her father died in an accident 25 years ago, many memories were lost so the heritage is vague. But Cheryl still has the family name, a few stories passed down along the line – and endless curiosity. In Hungary, Cheryl is in search of the missing pieces of the puzzle, strolling the very same streets and squares where Lajos Kossuth once stepped foot.
Back in California, Cheryl is now a nurse. "She is very headstrong, intelligent and inspiring," explains John. "Just like Kossuth once inspired all those people and helped them dream about a different future, Cheryl does the same being a nurse. Giving people hope. Maybe I just want to see the connection, but I really do see it when people in Hungary tell us stories about Kossuth. I see these things in Cheryl."
Cheryl and John continue the search for clues in Budapest until August before returning to California to tell the family whatever they've been able to find out about their ancestor, Lajos Kossuth. Although details may yet be scant, one thing’s for sure – they will return!
