Magyar News, 1995. szeptember-1996. augusztus (6. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1995-10-01 / 2. szám
CHAT FROM THE POOL-SIDE By Lou Babycos Recently I had the privilege. I must emphasize privilege, of being a Hungarian interpreter, and also a lifeguard for the Special Olympics held in New Haven. How does one get involved with children with special needs? In my case it takes a daughter who volunteered my services without my knowledge, and then calls to tell me:”Dad, you are going to work as an interpreter and lifeguard at the Olympics”. Its that simple. How can anyone refuse a daughter and not “accept” an other challenge in one’s advancing age? I must admit there was some skepticizm on my behalf whether I could cope with this task as my Hungarian was slipping along with my old age. I strongly feel that some supreme power took charge of my life when I was called to work and communicate with these special people. I was elated to hear my newly found Hungarian friends compliment me on my knowledge of the old country’s language. On times 1 amazed my self. I can only thank my dear parents, the old West End or “Hunk Town”, the Hungarian school which I wasn’t too crazy about at that time. Reverend Ludman was a strong disciplinary at the school. Also I thank my many friends at the church who always want to speak this special language that brought back childhood memories and experiences we had in our loving Hungarian families. My first contact with our new Hungarian friends arrived w ith two buses in Naugatuck, the host town, at the High School. I stood back really not knowing what to do or expect. Suddenly there were 56 people from the land I heard so much about during my life. I guess the Hungarian came out of me as I dashed forward to meet and greet the Magyar celebrities for the Special Olympics 1995.1 had a feeling that could never be erased from my mind or duplicated in any way. It was a joy to see their smiling faces full of curiosity. What an adventure it must be for these young people to be here in America. Then reality set in, the moment of truth came. It was time to test my Hungarian. Where do we go, what do we do, were some of the important questions of that time. They all had to be answered. My assignment was to the swimming pool area as a life guard. Despite my age and portly appearance I happen to be a certified lifeguard by the American Red Cross. Once one the job, I was pleased to see PAGE 4 how well our swimteam functioned. The headcoach, Mrs. Kovács kept the swimmers moving. The discipline was obvious to all observers. Every member of the team was great, but two stands out in my mind. One is the little armless girl, Szilvia Gortler, and the always smiling back stroke swimmer, Tamas Holmann. I was ready to take these two kids home with me. To see the young armless girl swim back and forth in the pool was just amazing. Tamas, who couldn’t write, spent every available time at my side. With much difficulty he put his initials on everything I wore, my shirt, my hat, whatever he could put his hands oa They all were decorated with the huge T.T. The last day we spent in Naugatuck our Hungarian friends were signing the albums that had then picture in it. Sitting next to me was Szilvia. With her tiny little voice she said to me:”En is” (me too). I was confused, but she lifted her foot up to me and then I knew what to do. I took of her sneakers and socks, and I hugged her foot as I put the pen between her toes. This would bring tears to anybody 's eye, it did to me. The fun day at Lake Quassapac had many Hungarian questions waiting for Hungarian answers. Then I noticed that members of other nations at the Amusement Park mingled with our group and they all were having fun together. Somehow they were not in need of an interpreter. These special people showed us how people from different parts of the world could get along with each other. “Naugatuck on the Green” brought out, what seemed to be, the whole town. Father Rakacki from Holy Trinity in Bridgeport was the toastmaster for the evening. Members of the delegation Szilvia Gortler swimming responded to the music and made it known that they love to dance. There was also a big surprise. Hungary’s own Madonna, Eva Csepregi made here grand entrance. I was also impressed with her talent and good looks. Later on I had the privilege instructing her in the art of playing golf. (This was at her request!) I guess this is God’s way of saying thanks for volunteering. When we were at Hop Brook Lake I remembered the fun time we had at Nagy’s farm in Easton and at the picnic grove in Fairfield. They too were family affairs. Food was great, just as a Hungarian could cook it, and members of all Hungarian churches attended. As all things, spending time with our new Hungarian friends, come to an end. It was a great experience. Our good-byes were filled with hugs, kisses and tears. It was a milestone in my life and believe me I would do it over agaia I was also lucky to be asked at the Jewish Community Center to give a talk on my experience. I was excited, I couldn’t say enough about it. Lou and Búbba
