IN MEMORIAM

Alexander Pawlowski, my step dad, died last week of a massive stroke at the age of 87, and will be buried in Warsaw, Poland, next week with full military honors.

He fought for Poland in the Royal Air Force in Britain during WWII. He is survived by his son, Dr. Michael Pawlowski, and his two grand-daughters.
I will remember him as the man who taught me to ride a bicycle, throw pebbles in a stream, helped me with my algebra, taught me the value of hard work, and to love reading books.

He was a decent man, who came from a rich and powerful family in Poland, only to lose it all in the war. His father was sent to Siberia for 17 years, and was later reunited with him through the Red Cross. Both men found out that they now had sons, the same age, and both named Michael. Alex started over again and enjoyed life to the fullest. He adopted two other children to give them a chance in life, and it is with sadness in my heavy heart that I, one of them, have to say goodbye to him now.

Good bye Dad, and thanks, I owe you a lot; as do many other people that you helped along your journey called life.