I was born in Odessa, Ukraine on Sept. 23, 1971. I was 4 years old when we left Russia to come to America. That was 1975. We spent a year or so living in Rome awaiting our green cards to enter the United States. On May 6, 1976, my mother, father, and I arrived to Los Angeles leaving the U.S.S.R. behind forever and making the U.S. our new home.
I have thought about my birthplace many times over the years. I asked lots of questions of my parents and other family members about what life was like for them back home and what my life was like for those 4 short years. Within me has always been a longing, a curiosity, and a disconnection that was hard to explain. Don't get me wrong. Coming to America was a blessing and a privilege. But naturally, I've always been curious about who would I be today if we hadn't left? It's fun to ponder the possibilities.
I was only 4 years old. I have no memories of home. And yet, when I think about Russia, I miss it. I don't know why. How can you miss something you don't remember? Maybe the reason lies much deeper. At the end of the day, no matter how long I live in this glorious country, I am at my core a Ukrainian. You can take the girl out of Russia, but you can't take Mother Russia out of the girl. Hey, my ancestors survived Hitler and Stalin! Enough said!
On May 15, 2007 I returned home after 32 years. When I think about the events in my life that have impacted me the most, this trip is right up there with buying my first home, my wedding, births of Chloe and Erica, etc.
I am so excited and I want to share this amazing event with all of you. What better way than to blog it all from beginning to end! The photo is of my parents on their wedding day in Odessaa - December 25, 1970.
