How a Nurse’s Journey Through Two Cultures Shaped Her Family Legacy
Andželika Petrikytė, daughter of Lithuanian singer Birutė Petrikytė, describes her childhood as a blend of strict grandparents and a mother who “brought imported candy from concerts.” This duality, she says, influenced her career choice and approach to family life. “My prosenelė was a village midwife, and my grandfather was a pharmacist,” she explains. “It felt natural to pursue nursing, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.”
Childhood and Early Influences
Living with her grandparents in Klaipėda until age 10, Andželika recalls “grievės seneliai” who used a “diržas” for discipline. “I’d hide under the bed to avoid punishment,” she says. Despite the strictness, she treasures memories of her mother’s visits. “She’d return with foreign gum, and I’d collect the wrappers. Everyone envied me.”
Her mother’s career as a singer meant frequent travel, but Andželika remained close. “I was the happiest kid when she came home,” she recalls. This bond, however, was complicated by her father’s absence. “I didn’t feel anger when I met him. It was just… life.”
Breaking Barriers: A Nurse’s Perspective on Maternal Health
Andželika’s 15-year career in Kaunas hospitals included “sudėtinga operacija su dviem neišsivysčiusiais dvynukais.” The experience, she says, shaped her approach to patient care. “One time, a woman thought I was a celebrity after a cesarean. She said, ‘The star Andželika brought my baby.’”
Why Nursing? A Genetic and Personal Calling
“It’s in my blood,” Andželika says. Her prosenelė’s midwifery and her grandfather’s pharmacy career felt like a “genetic blueprint.” She balanced nursing with music, working part-time in neonatal units. “I saw everything—premature babies, complex surgeries. It taught me resilience.”
Her own 16-hour labor experience highlighted the importance of trust. “The doctor was amazing, but I kept shouting, ‘Antanai, lįsk greičiau!’ He asked, ‘Who’s Antanas?’ I said, ‘My baby!’”
Cultural Bridges: Navigating Life in Kylis
Andželika’s marriage to Michael, a German from Kylis, brought cultural contrasts. “The first time I met his parents, they offered cake and coffee daily. I thought, ‘This is exhausting!’ But Michael said, ‘It’s not our tradition.’”
Adjusting to German Customs
“I’d read about German culture, but nothing prepared me for the daily ‘kava ir pyragai’ ritual,” she jokes. Despite differences, she notes their shared values. “We don’t argue much. If we do, we resolve it in five minutes. He lets me sleep, and I don’t nag him about work.”
Living in Kylis, she found “a balance between Lithuanian warmth and German efficiency.” Her family now shares a home with her mother, blending traditions. “We’re an Italian-style family with three cats. Michael fixes everything, and we all pitch in.”
The Power of Family: From Grandparents to Grandchildren
Andželika’s relationship with her mother remains central. “We’ve been through so much, but our bond is unbreakable.” She also maintains a connection with her half-brother Laurynas, from her father’s second marriage. “We’re a family, no matter the circumstances.”
Why Family Matters in a Globalized World
“In a world where people move frequently, family is the anchor,” Andželika says. Her story reflects a broader trend: “More people are prioritizing family over career, especially after the pandemic.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Andželika choose nursing?
“It’s in my blood. My prosenelė was a midwife, and my grandfather was a pharmacist. It felt natural.”
What challenges did she face in her marriage?
“Cultural differences, like daily German coffee rituals, but we adapted. We value communication and compromise.”
How does she balance work and family?
“I’m a nurse by profession, but my family is my priority. We all help each other, whether it’s fixing the house or cooking.”
Did You Know?
Andželika’s mother, Birutė Petrikytė, named her after the film Andželika – markizų karalienė. The name stuck, even as Andželika later read Anne Golon’s books about the character.
Pro Tips for Cultural Adaptation
1. Embrace local traditions while maintaining your roots.