There are days when it's almost impossible for me to write about things only related to Princeton real estate. On this Memorial day I am paying tribute to my father and my son.
My son was marching in the parade yesterday and today (he is in the center). My son did not defend his country, he is still a boy. But he demonstrated the resolve that makes boys into men.
My father was younger then my son, when he found himself in the war. Like my son, he was a cadet in a military academy when the war started. The 15 year old boys were send to defend Kiev, Ukraine. My farther was a man of few words, and we don't know how these boys fought. My dad mentioned once, how surprised he was every morning during the war at waking up to discover himself still alive. Many of his buddies around him were dead.
My father went through the entire war and was a decorated veteran at 19. He entered the Moscow Military Institute Of Foreign Languages to study English. He dedicated the rest of his life to teaching. His students followed him through their life's ups and downs. He was always there for them, for some until their final moments on this earth. He was always there for me and my sister and our kids.
On his grave stone it says "father, husband, grandfather, soldier and teacher. Your love and teachings are always with us." The man of very few words left an indelible mark on his family, his students and all who knew him.
When I look at my son in his uniform he seems to look so much like my dad. I pray that he becomes a Man who would carry the spirit and resolve of my farther and others who sacrificed themselves for their country. In my book, there is no bigger honor to their memory.
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