WEST MILFORD — This article was to be a Mother’s Day tribute written from an interview with Ron Dygos, Christel Dygos’ oldest son. As it turned out, however, Ron’s brother and two sisters wanted in on the story; not out of sibling rivalry but out of a desire to express their love and admiration for their mother.
And so this interview became a four-way conference call with Ron Dygos, 55, Christine Gallagher, 53, Cathy Shanahan, 49 and Rich Dygos, 43. What was said at the very end of the call may best describe this family and how they were raised. Hearing these four adults saying, “Bye, I love you,” to each other as they hung up their phones speaks volumes.
A rough start
Christel Dygos was born in 1934 in Tilsit, a German Province of East Prussia. Her mother was a progressive woman, her father an officer in the Home Army. Sensing that Hitler was losing, her mom feared the approach of the Russian Army. She took her two children and ran.
They arrived in Saxony in 1944. At the war’s end, the Americans came into Saxony but handed it over to the Russians shortly thereafter. Once again the family fled. After traveling on coal trains and sleeping in barns, they wound up in Bavaria.
In 1949 Dygos, her mother and sister came to America and in 1954 they became American citizens. In 1955 she married Bob Dygos and the couple had four children. They were happily wed until he died on their 39th wedding anniversary in 1994.
Perhaps it was Dygos’ difficult childhood that made her into the woman she is today – strong, self-reliant, loving, caring and a true American patriot. She believes God had a plan for her and she is grateful for her many blessings.
At 78, Dygos remains an active member of the West Milford First Aid Squad, putting in 12-hour shifts and often taking back up calls. She set a good example. Ron is a 37-year member of the West Milford Volunteer Fire Department, and his two sons followed suit. The entire family is actively involved in the community.
But Dygos is about more than that. She’s often seen at community events and can dance the night away. She loves to be around family and friends and especially delights in her eight grandchildren, according to her kids. She’s a good neighbor and friend, always ready to help.
When asked how they would describe their mom words like courageous, selfless and optimistic rolled easily off their lips. So what was it like growing up in the Dygos household?
Hey, remember the time...
As the family began to reminisce, memories were jogged.
Christine talked about the Jungle Habitat season pass and how her parents always made time for them. A station wagon full of kids and bologna sandwiches equaled a great day’s outing.
Cathy recalled on one trip she threw her gum out the window, it stuck to the car but she didn’t fess up to the act. Her mom blamed it on a camel. Juicy Fruit or camel spit – is it hard to tell?
The family lived across from Melody Lake where the kids spent their summer days. Sounding like a frontier family, they’d all run home when their mom stood on her porch ringing the bell for dinner.
Birthdays were always special. The celebrant was awakened by a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” and could choose what to have for dinner. Carrying it forward, now the grandchildren enjoy such special birthday celebrations.
There were trips to Island Beach State Park, costing all of $6 including gas, and yearly vacations that were sometimes paid for by rolling spare coins.
But more importantly values were taught. They learned good sportsmanship, they watched both parents sacrifice time and energy for their benefit, they were taught to contribute to the community and to understand that material things just don’t matter; it’s your family and friends that make life sweet.
An adult perspective
As the children grew into adults and started their own families, they learned to appreciate their mother even more. They may need a babysitter, a helping hand or a good listener or a friend needs a ride or company over a cup of coffee. Dygos is there. She has a huge network of friends who enjoy her company.
Dygos also practices the fine art of stepping back; no meddling, no unsolicited advice. She knows when her children need her they’ll call.
Today they’re coming to her with Mother’s Day greetings.
Ron - “I wish her a day full of love, family and friends.”
Cathy – “Thank you for going on the roller coaster with me. I know you hated roller coasters.”
Christine – “Happy Mother’s Day, with all my love.”
Rich – “When God was asked to make a perfect mom he made you. Mother, friend, mentor - it’s hard to put you in a few simple words.”
When four people are talking, sometimes simultaneously, it’s difficult for a reporter to get it all. But the message was clear; love, respect and admiration for their mother, heaped with gratitude for being born into her family.
Happy Mother’s Day to Dygos and all the moms who sacrifice for their kids, show them love and respect and earn their admiration.