Nicolai
A Russian Warrior at Peace in the USA
Nick has gone since this photo in 2017.
I had heard that Nicolai would be on the crew for a window installation along with his Romanian associates that were doing the tear out, prep work, installation and finish for a house load of Andersen windows and doors. I remember the tale about the fierce Russian combatant that was on the team but was hard put to pick out the one that had military history that still kept his name in legend. I was surprised to find this warring soldier for Russia to be here doing the pick up, clean up, tearing out and disposal of old openings in preparation for installation of new units.
Nick served his country well in the pursuit and elimination of the enemies of Russia. However in his broken English, he made it clear that Peace was uppermost in mind. A gentle gentleman that in speaking with him, it became clear that his pursuits were akin to Francis of Assisi. A happy guy with a civil tongue he was enjoying what his new country had given him after a lifetime of dealing with Russian bureaucracy. In reading between his comments....whatever happened to him during war, opened up his eyes to what he wanted more than anything....a peaceful home and coexistence with all the Freedoms afforded him. And with those tender mercies afforded this valiant warrior once entering here....he only spoke of peace in our conversations for the week on this job.
It wasn't that long after this photo that Nick tested positive for a serious cancer that was advanced and brutally swift into his last days. I truly wish I knew more of his story to tell, but suffice to say some event jarred him loose from his warring ways enough to leave his homeland to find exactly what he had hoped to find here.
Nick served his country well in the pursuit and elimination of the enemies of Russia. However in his broken English, he made it clear that Peace was uppermost in mind. A gentle gentleman that in speaking with him, it became clear that his pursuits were akin to Francis of Assisi. A happy guy with a civil tongue he was enjoying what his new country had given him after a lifetime of dealing with Russian bureaucracy. In reading between his comments....whatever happened to him during war, opened up his eyes to what he wanted more than anything....a peaceful home and coexistence with all the Freedoms afforded him. And with those tender mercies afforded this valiant warrior once entering here....he only spoke of peace in our conversations for the week on this job.
It wasn't that long after this photo that Nick tested positive for a serious cancer that was advanced and brutally swift into his last days. I truly wish I knew more of his story to tell, but suffice to say some event jarred him loose from his warring ways enough to leave his homeland to find exactly what he had hoped to find here.
Over all the years involved with this line of work....I've met all kinds. The full spectrum. I just never knew what to expect and the pleasant surprises outweigh the bitter disappointments that are here as they are in any line of work. I was very fortunate to find this photo in order to share Nicolai's successful pursuit to find peace and beauty away from whatever it was he left behind.
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