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Life Lessons
The Russian Lesson
Regardless of your age, take some time and learn another language.
In the next room, I hear the unmistakable chatter of a foreign language.
Actually, I hear my bride, Inna, speaking Russian, which is not all that unusual as she was born and raised in the land of matryoshkas (see picture), permafrost (be thankful you don’t have it), and, well, more snow.
Inna is teaching Russian to one of my daughter’s friends, who wants to be a translator. Although she can speak a few sentences, they’re starting with the alphabet. Which of course, is a great place to begin.
My youngest is also sitting in. But she has an unfair advantage. She’s heard Russian since the day she was born from her mother and grandparents. Her grandparents have lived with us off and on since her birth nearly 20 years ago.
There’s been a lot of colluding with Russians in my life since 1992.
The in-laws have spent most of their time in Russia, where my father-in-law works as a medical missionary.
Russian is a tough language. I can say probably five words — maybe.
My favorite is “Good day (or good health) to you.”
