THE VLADIMIR'S STORY - Describing 3rd person

I had met him for the first time about two months ago at the adult school in Long Beach. He seemed to be older than sixty, but his appearance looked like a strong young man. He wore the colored glasses and always carried his shoulder bag, which seemed to be heavy. He had a nice beard, and closed his mouth obstinately. He looked like a sort of old codger. His name is Vladimir.

He came from Russia with his wife, Tina, about two years ago. They had lived in Los Angeles at first and moved to Long Beach some time ago. They made a lovers’ sweet home in an apartment for senior on Pacific Avenue. They were satisfied with their apartment except loneliness because it was very quiet and comfortable.

Vladimir and Tina have only one son. His son has been living in Netherlands for a long time and has been working in the bank. Vladimir said that his son got married to an European woman and had been getting along with her. Vladimir and Tina had been to Netherlands to meet their son some years before.

Vladimir liked Americans who were very friendly to him. He didn’t like his country at all - Russia, especially the existing government of his country. He said he considered America as their refuge. 

He had worked at Chernobyl, the Russian nuclear station. When Chernobyl collapsed in 1986, his many fellow workers died before his eyes. He received a serious shock and a chronic disease at that time. But there wasn’t any hospital that could treat his disease in Russia. He and his wife could not but make a decision to leave their country. He successfully settled in America with his wife and fortunately he could take American Medicare. He could receive treatment every month, so he was getting better and better.

They have attended the adult school for studying English without laziness. In my opinion their English is wonderful in spite of their old age. Tina says, “ I read the Los Angeles Times every evening, so I have remarkably improved in my ability of English.” Vladimir seems to be proud of his wife’s sincerity and wisdom.

When they get the American Green Card, they’ll go back to their country. I wish and pray they can make their dream come true without fail. I also believe that firmly.  They won’t feel loneliness any more because they got a Korean friend who likes them very much - It’s me. (2002)