Page 7 - City of Hope NBPI SOL 2023 Journal

There’s a guy from Russia in my lab
An engineer, recently single and up for grabs Said my sister who mentioned his fine set of abs.
Cocky, brash, handsome and smart
The moment we met there was a flutter in my heart I knew instantly that it was the start
Of our lives together, we two,
I told my sister that very day I would say I do. I had no doubt, I was going to marry you.
While I knew right away, It took you a bit
To appreciate my vast qualities and cunning wit But you did finally come around and totally commit.
So when that flame was finally lit
Even crashing your new Miata did not cause a split After all these years, I still feel like .....
We were engaged in a brownstone in the Back bay
Life was full of fun and laughter, I treasured every day, Then Stanford sent you an acceptance for a future MBA.
We celebrated and off to California we flew
But with Business and Law school times together were few There were obstacles and pressure, but we made it through.
After a six year engagement under the microscope And wedding plans with no hope
We said screw it and decided to elope.
To Kauai we fled and exchanged our vows
In front of a Universal Minister your love endowed me with the honor of finally becoming your spouse.
Boris Elisman
Life again was full of romance
First Max, then Katia, our perfect kids made us dance And the magic continued in Grenoble, France.
Our years abroad were first-rate
I didn’t want to leave life as expatriates
But it was time to return to your beloved United States.
Very soon Harker and a home mortgage that was appalling Combined with work travel cried out for an overhauling Just then ACCO Brands came a calling.
So we were off again to the Midwest for a new start Where ironically a California hospital touched our hearts And the goal to touch others became a part,
Of our lives in Illinois and your humanitarian passion
So it’s not surprising that you, who are so full of compassion, Are receiving the City of Hope’s highest honor for your actions.
Your professional and humanitarian accomplishments are a testament
To a lifetime of hard work and the refusal to accept any impediments
You are an example for all of what it means to be kind and benevolent.
For a kid from Russia who has touched so many
It is with profound love and pride a plenty
That today you receive the award for Spirit of Life®
I love you so much, your humble wife.