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from the Londoner     

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From Russia with a smile
and the burning will to succeed

In my many years of counselling I have worked with victors and victims. The whiners usually have good health and wealth but cry that fate gave them a lemon; the winners squeeze life's lemons and make lemonade.

Let me tell you the story of Elena, a very brave women, who has beaten the odds and is a true victor.

Early in the morning you find her leading an aerobic class at the Bob Hayward Y. Elena is a 5-foot-2, 100-pound dynamo who has a passion for fitness. Her seemingly effortless dance routine reminds one of a ballerina.

Here's her story. As a baby 41 years ago, she was abandoned by her mother at an orphanage. At first, she longed for her mom to take her home. It never happened. She was one of 500 children who spent their days in a very strict, military-like atmosphere. Twenty girls to a room with very few personal amenities. One bathroom for her group with a shower only on Saturdays.

The dining hall provided adequate but predictable meals; borsht every Monday, kasha on Tuesday. Apples, candy and ice cream were yearly treats only.

Elena attended classes in the orphanage six days a week 8 a.m. to 2:30. Study and homework took place from 4 p.m. to 7. Lights out at 9. There was very strict obedience to the rules.

Running around the block was her release and salvation. When she was entered in weekend sprints and won coveted red ribbons, she found her niche.

A track coach discovered her talents and she moved into a high school residential program that emphasised sports. There was a scholarship of 50 rubles ($1) per week. To help pay for her expenses Elena worked in a factory from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. three days a week.

She persevered at sports and represented her country at several international meets.

Elena married at age 20 and had two daughters. Her husband was killed in a car accident 13 years later. It is hard being a 35-year-old single parent in Russia.

Two years of applications to the U.S. were successful with an offer to be a baby sitter for a Russian family in Los Angelus. No English, no family, no money; it did not stop her. She had a dream.

Stephan, a Canadian immigrant, entered her life. Two years passed before Elena and her children could immigrate to London.

Elena is a very happy person. No time for regrets or sadness. She's too busy with her aerobic instruction and her family. She has been blessed with two teenaged busy daughters, Anistasia and Marina, who attend Catholic Central high School.

I asked Elena if her daughters understood what she has gone through? She shook her head and asked, "Do you?".

Elena is a victor. What did not kill her made her stronger. She has a wonderful positive attitude that we can try to emulate. She is an inspiration to all who have the pleasure to take part in her aerobic classes.

 


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