April 25, 2004

POLISH PARTNERS Physical therapists Tomasz Grass (left) and Andrew Cieslik, both natives of Poland, pose in front of their new therapy center on Middlebrook Pike in Knoxville.
Photo by Toni Pacitti

They came with their spouses, their suitcases, and $500 in their pockets, seeking the same dream as so many others before them. But for Tomasz Grass and Andrew Cieslik, both physical therapists, natives of Poland, and members of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, the venture seemed ordained by God.

Mr. Grass, originally of Wloclawek, Poland, had just returned to his homeland after a stay in England. Poland’s economic system was still in transition from socialist to free market, and he knew the pay for one in his profession was not enough to raise a family. Newly married to Sylwia (pronounced Sylvia), Mr. Grass began to consider the possibility of coming to the United States.

Mr. Cieslik, from the town of Lódz, enjoyed hitchhiking across Europe with his wife, Mariola. They were curious about the United States and wanted to visit a different continent. But the prospect was expensive, and immigration laws were tough. Still, he knew opportunities for physical therapists were much better in the States, so he began speaking to recruiters.

Mr. Grass did not believe he would be taken seriously when he filled out an application for an overseas job. Still, he hoped to be able to travel to America and work a few years to save money and gain experience for his resume. A few weeks after he married, his mother called to say someone from the United States was in the area and wanted to meet with him. Mr. Grass met with the woman on a Sunday. She assured him everything was in order and that he would leave Thursday. Things had suddenly fallen into place.

“It was a big deal to even dream to apply, “ said Mr. Grass. “And then someone comes to you with the work permit, the tickets, and the visa. It’s like someone saying he has a new house worth a half million dollars and a Lexus waiting for you.”

Mr. Cieslik agreed. “People stand in line in the U.S. Embassy for a few days and nights hoping for just the opportunity to talk to someone about the possibility of getting a tourist visa. Out of 500 people, maybe 10 would get one.”

Mr. Cieslik came to America in December 1992; Mr. Grass arrived in November 1993. Both men considered the United States “the promised land.” But what they saw in downtown Detroit—broken windows and rampant crime—was very different from the Fifth Avenue and Beverly Hills images they had seen on television.

After a year and a half they fulfilled their contracts in Detroit and obtained green cards. The men were free to move where they pleased. “I knew that I was not going to stay in Detroit,” Mr. Cieslik recalled. The two asked their patients for suggestions, and several responded, “Have you ever been to Tennessee?”

Still strangers to each other, Mr. Grass and Mr. Cieslik applied for jobs throughout East Tennessee. They found employment in different offices but met through Polish gatherings in the area. They became friends and eventually discussed the possibility of beginning a private practice.

Faith is important to both men. They hope to influence their surroundings by bringing faith into their relationships with those they encounter every day. They don’t look at their clients as numbers or appointments but as human beings deserving of respect and consideration. The men said they try to see Jesus in others, which is not always easy when they have to deal with “some very unpleasant individuals.”

On occasion their clients are surprised to learn they are Catholic. Mr. Grass believes that some in East Tennessee have a false perception of Catholicism. He doesn’t advertise his faith like a product but tries to live it day to day.

Mr. Cieslik agrees: “They should see God in you rather than your telling them ‘Hey, I am a Christian.’”

Catholic culture in America is quite different from the faith in Poland. Mr. Cieslik and Mr. Grass both admit they are not pleased by the casual attire and attitude of worshippers they see at Mass in this country. But they appreciate the politics of the pope, whom they consider “a unifier, not a divider.”

They remember that when John Paul II was first elected, Poland was still under communist rule. Nonetheless, between four and five million people came out in the streets to greet the Holy Father when he visited.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that if he hadn’t been named pope, Poland and all of Eastern Europe wouldn’t be where they are right now,” said Mr. Cieslik.

The men’s new business, Beyond Physical Therapy, will open this month in Knoxville. Andrew Cieslik and Tomasz Grass hope to offer something more to their patients, something “beyond” the standard.

“We didn’t plan to do this together,” said Mr. Cieslik. “It just came about.”

And, added Mr. Grass, “Things are really going well.”