Extraordinary Ordinary Blog
by tlc nielsen
December’s guest Bente Rasmussen immigrated from Denmark 26
years ago with her family. She’s heavily involved in the Danish Sisterhood of America's Dagmar Lodge #4, which is where we met. She has served as president of this lodge
for several terms and continues to be involved as Past President and Event Coordinator.
She and husband Lars keep active serving the Danish community within the
Chicago area while working full-time.
It’s been an honor getting to know Bente and her gift of hospitality.
She’s always opening her home and giving her time to others.
Welcome Bente!
Q) How and when did you, Lars and the boys end up coming to
America?
A) This is a story! In the early 1980’s Lars worked a lot in the U.S. He was actually laid off in 1984 and got offered a job in Chicago; he took
it but I was not ready to move after he had been gone half a year, while I was
alone with two toddlers in Denmark. He got a job back in Denmark.
Then in 1989, a friend who still was in the U.S. called and
offered him a job in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The situation was different now.
There was uncertainty in the job market. I had been a personal banker for 17
years and that bank was merging, so we could easily be forced to move to
another city in Denmark.
The prevailing thought was that this was the second
opportunity presented to him. We decided that we would not be in our 80’s and regret we
did not take the opportunity that was offered, and on the other hand, what could
we have to lose since our boys were 6 and 9 years old? In reality, a move is a
move and we would just add another language to the challenges. After four years
in Fort Wayne, we moved to the Chicagoland area.
Q) What were some of the surprises you encountered in the
move?
A) To move from Denmark to U.S. you do not get a culture
shock, since this country was founded by Europeans. However, there are differences
that are unique. The biggest shock for me was that women were not more
respected. It was like going generations back. I came from an industry where
there was equal pay and opportunity for all.
Q) I know you travel home on occasion. What do you miss most
about living in Denmark?
A) Since only our immediate family is here, we have always
prioritized to go back at least every two years, especially when the boys
were young, so they could keep the contact with the grandparents, family and friends.
Denmark is a wonderful country, and what I miss the most is the security if you
get sick and old. The social system is not perfect but it does take a lot of
stress off families. It meant a lot that our parents were taken care of when we
were so far away.
Q) You jumped into the Danish Sisterhood so readily. What
motivated you to get involved?
A) I have only been involved with the Danish Sisterhood for
about 10 years. Everything has its time. My husband traveled a lot, so I was
alone with the boys and worked part-time, so with their school and activities
there was no time. When they were out of the house, we both felt it was time to
give back and preserve the Danish heritage for future generations to come. Many
of the new members are second or third generations, and we would still have
original things to offer.
Q) Besides Dagmar Lodge 4, where else are you involved?
Q) Besides Dagmar Lodge 4, where else are you involved?
A) Since my husband is also heavily involved in the Danish
community, it many times involves me too. So I have prioritized the Danish
Sisterhood, and always connected to the other Danish organizations and the
Danish Retirement Home in Chicago.
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| Bente (center, pointing) at the Estonian House Christmas Market with the Dagmar Lodge 4 Danish Sisters |
Q) I saw you and Lars were up to more good with a service project for 2017. What is it all about?
A) 2017 will be a very exciting year for the Danish Community,
since The Danish Home is celebrating its 125th anniversary. For the summer
picnic, we are co-chairs for The Spirit of the Family with a Tivoli Gardens and
Casino Night. The grounds of the Danish Home will be transformed to enhance the
Tivoli Spirit with entertainment and games for the whole family, ending with a
Casino night and more entertainment. There will be Danish open-faced sandwiches
served and other Danish specialties.
Q) Outside all your extra activities, how do you and Lars juggle working your full-time jobs?
Q) Outside all your extra activities, how do you and Lars juggle working your full-time jobs?
A) We also have a business in financial services where we
educate in money matters and help people prepare for their future. I think it is important to have passion for
what you do, and then you will find the time. It is always a challenge to find
the right balance.
Q) Who in your life has been your role model?
Q) Who in your life has been your role model?
A) I would say it has been my Dad. Regardless of what
happens and circumstances, you always keep a positive mind, find the good things and always look forward, never pondering on the past that you cannot change.
Q) What is something unexpected about you, that only a few know?
Q) What is something unexpected about you, that only a few know?
A) That I was a very quiet girl in my childhood, and nobody
would ever expect me to do this move to the U.S.
Thank you for coming to the Extraordinary Ordinary blog! Please check out these links to Bente's Danish community groups:
The Danish Sisterhood of America: http://www.danishsisterhood.org/
The Danish Retirement Home: http://danishhomeofchicago.org/
More Danish organizations links, for those who are interested:
Danish-American Rebild Park Society: http://www.danishrebildsociety.org/
Danish-American Rebild Park Society: http://www.danishrebildsociety.org/
Vasa Park in South Elgin: http://www.vasaparkil.com/
Danish American Chamber of Commerce: http://www.mwdacc.com/
