During the checkered reign of a weak and infamous Czar Nicholas II of Russia

comes a tale of one man's travail to successfully breach the impossible restraints imposed upon his persecuted people. Not only did he overcome them by his forthright honesty of purpose and humanitarianism, but he set an example for all who followed his pathways. He was not a statesman, warrior, or scientist. He was an orphan, adopted into a Jewish family at the age of two years, and lived his life as a proud Jew. He never made a speech, led a parade, or made the headlines. He was my father.

His hardworking adaptive family, especially the mother, was the keystone supporting the bridge from the simplicity of the present to life's greater potential on the other side of the world. His fertile brain blossomed with enthusiasm for the education she sought for and provided to both sons. Her influence was his guiding spirit, punctuated by the many painted pathways that often split from the manmade boundaries throughout the world at that time.

Leon's dangerous escape from an anti-Semitic Russia and adventurous life following his immigration to a welcoming America as a proud and thankful citizen constitute the first and major portion of this book. The several unassociated short stories were insufficient in number to warrant separate publication and are offered hopefully and solely for an interlude of your enjoyment. They spring from personal experience, for the most part.