“Growing Up Lebanese” by Sherry Mickel Parrish
July 1, 2020
July 1, 2020
Abe and Nahia Mickel in the front yard of their home in Williamson, WV
My father, Alexander J. Mickel, or otherwise known as ibn Ayoub, is one of four children of Abe Mickel and Nahia Fachoury Mickel of Williamson, WV. Mitchel and Linda Mickel of Charleston, WV, Gloria and Bob Bevins and Freddy and Elizabeth Mickel of Williamson, WV are my aunts and uncles.
In fact, my grandfather, Abe Mickel, as well as many of your family members, helped to establish the Kfeirian Reunion Foundation over 88 years ago. Their intent was to assure that family and culture would continue to thrive in this land, even as they “melted” into this new “pot” of America. Our family came here to replant their old roots of heritage in this new land of opportunity.
I was blessed to be the first grandchild in the family and received lots of love and attention until my sister, Sandy, brother David and cousins Kevin, Sharman, Debbie, Denise, Thomas, Pam and Tonya came along!
As a child, my aunt Gloria brought me to the Kfeirian Reunion. I asked her, “where are we going and what are we going to do when we get there? Her only answer was “wait and see! You are going to have the time of your life!”. She was right!
I have many memories of growing up Lebanese . . .
The most profound memory is the way my sittee lovingly cared for jiddo by preparing him a daily afternoon snack. The fresh and delicious smell of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and a shot of whiskey (medicinal purposes, only) always brings my granddaddy to me in fond memories. In fact, almost every time that I smell cucumbers, I call out to him, happily.
As it relates to food, my sittee’s Kibbee and Cabbage Rolls are the standard by which I rate all others. I have eaten and enjoyed Lebanese food around the USA and Mediterranean and hers are still the best!
The strongest memory I have of my grandfather was when I was a little girl in the family store, Mickel’s Confectionary in Williamson, WV and granddaddy lifted me onto the counter and offered the world to me. He spread out his arms and exclaimed “the world belongs to you, “Sheddy”, you just have to claim it”. He was clear in his message; if I was smart, worked hard in school and was kind to people, there was nothing I could not be or do! And wouldn’t you know, I believed him!
This notion, that I had power and the world was mine, was tested when I was about seven years old. I took myself to Strosneider’s Drug Store Lunch Counter in Williamson, WV, and ordered a grilled cheese, french fries and coke for lunch. After thoroughly enjoying my lunch, I left without paying for it! With a smile on his face (I’m told) Mr. Strosneider walked down the block to my grandfathers’ store and told him of my “little adventure” and asked what he should do. My grandfather laughed and said “Feed her and send me the bill!”
Clearly is really does take a village to raise a child. I would not be here today without my family; the family of Nadine and Alex, my mother’s parents, Joe and Anna lackey and most certainly, Abe and Nahia Mickel. They all planted their love, confidence and curiosity into me.
Growing up in the 1950s, there was never the question of whether or not I would go to College, only the expectation that I would. And I did!
My family respects education and my Lebanese grandfather paid me a silver dollar for every A! I have many fond memories of presenting my report cards to him and cashing in!!
For the record, I am only half Lebanese. My mother’s family is English and Scotch/Irish.
From the outside, these family lines seem dissimilar.
- Clogging or Belly Dancing - Shot Gun or Scimitar
But on the inside, where values, ethics and dreams dwell, they are just the same. The primary room in the house is the kitchen with mom at the helm. In both cases our religion and participation in our faith communities was a given.
1st Priority is Family!
- Do nothing to bring shame to your name.
- Remember who you are and where you come from.
- Support and care for your children.
2nd Priority is Education!
- Study hard and achieve more than the generation before you.
3rd Priority is Work!
- Work is good for you. Not just for the support is brings your family, but you are part of a community that needs your contributions.
- I NEVER heard my parents complain about going to work because, as children of the great depression, they knew the value of work.
This thing we do every year to celebrate “that which we can from” is a rich and wonderful way to honor our past and our roots. That is what reunions are for.
We also salute our present accomplishments as we share our lives and “catch-up” from year to year with greetings that begin with “how are you, how are your parents, how are your children?”
However, most importantly, we encourage each other as we grow in skill, make contributions at our work places and within our communities.
My stories and recollections could easily go on for many pages. Most of my stories and memories reflect my version of America through the lens of growing up Lebanese. We all have a story of being Lebanese and American, unique to us, but so very similar to each other.
I am immensely proud of my Lebanese heritage and being a part of the Kfeirian Reunion Foundation. In fact, I share it all the people in my life. My husband, John Parrish, always teases me, when I tell him about someone new I met, “How long did it take until you told them you were from Mingo County, WV and are Lebanese?” My answer, “Not very long!”
Mickel Cousins beneath a tree in front of Abe and Nahia Mickel’s home in Williamson, WV, 2014. We are the branches that have grown from the roots our grandparents planted in 1923. Left to right - Sherry Mickel Parrish, Thomas Bevins, Denise Mickel Russell, Debbie Mickel Nassar, Sandy Mickel Ruder, Pam Mickel and Kevin Bevins
Her official work behind her, Sherry is excited for the adventures ahead and to find out “What’s Next” for her!
Sherry's Retirement Announcement - On July 31, 2020, Sherry Mickel Parrish, LCSW-C, ACSW, retired from Erickson Living and Charlestown Retirement Community, in Baltimore, MD, where she served as Director of Resident Life for 26 years. Throughout the years, the contributions of Sherry and the Resident Life Team focused on the social, psychological, intellectual, physical and spiritual welfare of the community.
Sherry is a proud member of the National Association of Social Workers. And in 2013, she was named an NASW National Social Work Pioneer. This national honor identifies and recognizes individual whose unique dedication, commitment, and determination have improved social and humane conditions.
Sherry has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor for Field Instruction for the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland. Prior to joining Erickson, Sherry worked at The Johns Hopkins Medical Services Corporation (Wyman Park Health System) as Director of Clinical Operations as well as Bon Secours Hospital as the Acting Director of Social Work. She holds a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Post-Masters Certificate in Social Administration from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Social Welfare from Mary Washington College.
Sherry is a proud member of the National Association of Social Workers. And in 2013, she was named an NASW National Social Work Pioneer. This national honor identifies and recognizes individual whose unique dedication, commitment, and determination have improved social and humane conditions.
Sherry has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor for Field Instruction for the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland. Prior to joining Erickson, Sherry worked at The Johns Hopkins Medical Services Corporation (Wyman Park Health System) as Director of Clinical Operations as well as Bon Secours Hospital as the Acting Director of Social Work. She holds a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Post-Masters Certificate in Social Administration from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Social Welfare from Mary Washington College.
