Unalienable Rights by Yuri Zakharenkov - HTML preview

Chapter 15. American Dream

Story of Gary and his family is unique by its amazing turns, which nobody could predict (but everyone told that the way out of Soviet society to western culture was going to be extremely difficult). Some of Gary's old friends considered him as a lucky one, nobody should following his path, they said, it’s too risky. But Gary himself was another opinion – his faith in himself, his trust in his passion and support of his loved ones – those were the guarantees of the success, never mind how hard the impossible task would be.

He is old now, retired, settled down in a nice, quiet place in Marin County, just 20 miles out of San Francisco. He has everything to live the rest of his life without stress and race for survival. But something wrong about him, he does not know how to live without work, especially after Nata died. He completely devoted himself to Nata, trying to lessen her physical pains and mental sharpness. It was hard time, but he praised himself when he could see her smile and rare sparks in her eyes. And the day had come, she left this world, at least she should not suffer any more, he tried to think. But scary thought knocked in his mind – what is your purpose in life now?

Many wise men and women, when they came to their seniority, asked the same question – what they  should do, considering their enormous experience, plenty of free time and willing to help young generation. And do you know what the right answer is? I learned about it reading many interviews and articles, written by the people whom I respect a lot.

If I combine their wisdom in short phrase it should be “don’t try to correct and instruct those who younger than you; they have their own goals; your best choice just continue your usual rhythm in modern life, don’t try to cling to the modern trends – it would be just ridiculous for others”. You still can help your heirs, give them financial assistance in their quest in life, and don’t wait when they begin battle for your inheritance – pay them now, while you are alive, and you would be able to have joy of seeing their successes thanks to your support.

 After all this is said I still cannot hold myself from bringing some of the best advices, which I collected from the famous, really genius masters; in this case I rephrase Warren Buffett, who built his multibillion wealth from “scratch”, and who believes three decisions in life separate those who succeed from those who fail:

1. Invest in yourself, one of the keys to your success is to go to bed a little smarter each day
2. Measure your success by your “inner scoreboard”. It gives meaning to who you are, and how you naturally behave and see the world on basis of your values and beliefs, not someone else’s. In short, it’s taking the higher road to achieve success because it comes from the heart.
3. Your life’s success should be defined by one four-letter word Love. In the end, the ultimate test of how you’ve lived your life basically comes down to how far and wide your love was spread to impact the lives of others. The more you give love away, the more you get.

I am at the finish of my “book” now, looking back on my way in life I should say that I have achieved my dream, it always was not just a dream, it was my American Dream. I am lucky to live long enough to watch my grandchildren, born on American soil, being American citizens, they can enjoy the unchartered journey that is amazing pursuit of Happiness.

It was not easy way to this point, not for me and my wife, not for my children, who must learn hardship of getting independent in the new country. We all did it, and I am happy.