How important is family to you? Mike, in Old Country Surprises, thinks he highly values family until his grandfather shows him that his job is more important. Determined to correct that impression, Mike agrees to his grandfather’s request. Go to Ukraine, and I find his grandfather’s birthplace.

Mike’s research leads him to experience the rich Ukrainian culture. Like a tourist he appreciates the various historical achievements and memorable artistic expressions of the Ukrainian people. An unanticipated plus was witnessing and experiencing the close caring community social interactions. Mike’s uncle’s business connections treated Mike and his siblings as personal guests. For Mike feeling as part of the Ukrainian family is a bonus.

Where was his great grandfather’s birthplace? That was the reason Mike’s grandfather asked him to travel to Ukraine. His present Ukrainian connections failed to help him. Who else could he turn to? His only possible prospect was a long shot, but he had to try.

Michael Courtneay

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