Today’s “Lives” column — on the back page of the New York Times Magazine — is, as usual, compelling.
In “The Reckoning,” Kenan Trebincevic recounts the journey he, his brother and father — Bosnian refugees, now prospering in America — took back to their homeland.
The sons thought they were doing it for their father. But, as often happens in tales like these, they learned life lessons about themselves.
The bio note describes Kenan as “a physical therapist in New York.”
It does not say he spent his formative years in Westport.
Kenan Trebincevic today.
The Trebincevics — Kenan, his older brother and parents — came here thanks to a little-known but life-changing project administered by Westport’s Interfaith Council.
Working together — as they often do — local clergy took care of the Bosnian family’s many needs, from the moment they arrived here.
Their 1st home was with the Methodist minister. Then — after hearing about the program through her church — Judy Landa took them in.
Ellie Lowenstein heard of the family too. She gave the mother driving lessons.
And so it went.The Interfaith Council helped with medical and dental needs, and everything else a refugee family needs as it makes a new life.
Kenan went to Bedford Middle School. His older brother and father went to work — at jobs arranged through the Interfaith Council’s contacts.
The family moved a few times — to Norwalk, Stratford, then back to Westport at Sasco Creek Village.
Kenan earned his masters degree in physical therapy from the University of Hartford in 2004. Today he’s got a thriving practice, specializing in adult and adolescent sports rehabilitation (complete with website).
None of that is part of his Times story of his trip back to Bosnia — a place he escaped from, but felt compelled to go back to.
Then again, the Westport Interfaith Council plays an integral role in Kenan’s life story. Without it, he might not be where he is today.
Or anywhere at all.
