In the Prologue of The Repatriate, Uncle Tom tells us the book is his story of his “roller coaster ride to adulthood.” In the Preface, he tells us the reason he wrote the book. He states “I was born an American. Lived as an American. And will die as an American.” This statement had deep meaning to Uncle Tom. He told me he had to tell his story, because the Warren Commission Report, on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, identified him as one of two Americans known to be behind the Iron Curtain during the years leading up to the assassination. The other was the assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. This greatly offended him. Uncle Tom, you have cleared your good name.
I remember well my first encounter with Uncle Tom. When I was six years old, I was told we would be visited by my father’s brother, my Uncle Tom. I was told he just returned to the U.S. from Russia. Of course, we all knew that we should be afraid of Russians. So, I decided to hide. I went to a place I was not supposed to go – to my parents’ bedroom. I heard my father calling my name, and searching from room to room. The door swung open, and an unfamiliar, though very friendly voice, called out to me, saying “Georgie, I know you are in here. Please come out. I want to meet you.” I remember thinking this crafty Russian has got me cornered. I will pretend to surrender, and then make a break for it.
I crawled out from beneath the bed. I was greeted by my Uncle Tom, warmly smiling, and asking me to come to him. I did, and was captured. We immediately created a bond, which lasted for the rest of his life. The Mooradian family knew how to celebrate holidays. We always got together, for a food filled and loud celebration. Uncle Tom and I would seek out a quiet, sober corner of the house. He captivated me with stories about the importance of education and physical fitness, which instilled in me a lifelong love of both.
After completing my education, work took me to California. That reduced our opportunities for face-to-face meetings. But Uncle Tom did visit when he was in California on a book tour. My brother Jamie and I would have breakfast with him when I was in town. We also visited him at his Northern Michigan lakefront home.
We must never forget the biggest lesson Uncle Tom taught us – that we should be grateful for the freedoms we have in this country and not take them for granted.
Uncle Tom, I thank you for the inspiration and guidance you provided to me.
Thank you.
George