|
My father was just beside himself with longing for Roxana once she returned to the Ukraine. He could not wait to be reunited with her. He visited Odessa in the Summer of 1997, and he came back very excited about the new home he was building near the Black Sea. He also talked of opening a
construction company and a furniture restoration company. He was very excited that Igor wanted to work with him and his new wife. They were also looking into the purchase of more than 1000 hectares of farm land.
Once my father returned to America for the last time, he was determined to leave the United States permanently. He sold all of his holdings. He indicated that he would place the money in a Trust. What we now know is that he transferred most of his holdings to accounts in Roxana's name in Vienna and Odessa. It came as a total surprise to our family that my father was essentially destitute with reference to any American holdings.
December 1997, my father left the United States. I thought that he would be happy, but he was anything but happy. He complained miserably about Roxana's inattention to him. He claimed that she would not have sex with him. He even threatened to hire a prostitute because of his frustration. Then came the news that Roxana was pregnant and having difficulties, so she must stay in a hospital for women. The rules were strange to us here in America. My dad was not allowed to visit her in her room. He would have to stand outside the building and shout four stories up to her. I don't know if this is normal by Ukrainian medical standards.
By March 1998, my aunt Dorothy had received electronic mail from my father stating that he and Roxana were divorcing and that he would be returning to the U.S. as soon as he sold the house. Just a few days later, he was found dead. Igor told me that he had taken my father shopping the night before his death and that my father had bought some "bad" wine. I don't know what "bad" wine means. He said that he went to meet my father the next day at home, but that upon knocking no one answered.
Back Next
|
|
