1944.
A man merely 18 faced with a choice.
Flee his country, his family, all he’s known.
Live with the consequences of staying.
The consequence, being drafted by the Soviets.
He chose to flee.
Germany, the location of his escape.
He worked until the dust had settled and the war was done.
Next stop, the land of the free.
He applied for a scholarship, an interview was necessary.
Knowing no English, he hired a tutor for a month.
A month was enough, he did well in his interview.
For a year he heard nothing.
When he did hear something, it was never a promise for America.
A connection to his friend and their American family.
That was his ticket.
2 years he waited before crossing over on boat.
Upon arrival, he began college immediately.
For 9 years he studied.
Those 9 years gave him a Doctorate in chemistry.
He worked only for two companies.
He was not an expendable mind.
50 years later he visited the Ukraine.
His parents.
Gone.
To him, it was not a surprise.
He knew his fate with them before he left.
He had taken a picture with his family to remember them forever.
He has a book of pictures to celebrate his story,
To celebrate everywhere he has been.
He was the first of his family in America.
He is forever proud, grateful, and humble.
“Travel,” Mr. Slish told me, “the world is beautiful.”
