Valentina was my @PeaceCorps host mother in #Ukraine in 2007. She loved life and her family, and treated me like a son. Before I married Heidi I brought her to Valentina, as my parents were already gone. Valentina died Friday in Kamchatka, Russia at 82. I am heartbroken. 
She left #Kozelets, Ukraine a few years ago after Andrey, the love of her life, passed away. The way the looked at each other and flirted, after 40 years together, brought me so much joy.
Recently she returned to her homeland of #Siberia, as if to see it one last time.
Recently she returned to her homeland of #Siberia, as if to see it one last time.
When I moved into their home I spoke little Russian & they spoke no English. It was a challenge but we quickly formed a bond.
She taught me how to cook, drink vodka, and which women were worth pursuing. But most importantly she loved me, an American she had no obligations to.
She taught me how to cook, drink vodka, and which women were worth pursuing. But most importantly she loved me, an American she had no obligations to.
I'll always be grateful for knowing her. She saw my humanity 1st, rather than my nationality or bloodline.
After all, from Moscow to Mauritania, we're all just trying to do our best & make the world better for those who'll come after us. Too bad so many have lost sight of this.
After all, from Moscow to Mauritania, we're all just trying to do our best & make the world better for those who'll come after us. Too bad so many have lost sight of this.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
