I know this guy in Russia. We call him Uncle; the younger brother of my wife’s grandmother by 14 years.

Uncle Edward

An amazing guy whose life story is interesting. I want to share a little glimpse into what happened to him over the years during the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Uncle grew up as a young boy in Chelyabinsk, he studied hard and was a real academic type.
At the age of four he was very sick and to add to his illness he got infected with polio. Despite all attempts to rid him of this crippling disease. His small body was unable to cope with the onslaught of the virus.

Growing up with a deformed right arm and shoulder had its issues. But Uncle was and still is an intelligent individual. He was interested in the heavens and took up study in astronomy in My wife’s home city of Chelyabinsk.
Uncle was also interested in history, and took it upon himself to collect information about the city of Chelyabinsk.

Being a good student he was offered a position in Russia’s oldest observatory Pulkovo, on the outskirts of the city of St Petersburg. This position gave home an apartment and a task of studying the sun.

Uncle was content and when offered the opportunity the teach others who traveled from nearby universites about his findings he was delighted.
The students really liked him and Uncle who lived alone enjoyed having company at the observatory.

There was change coming in the 1980’s that would change Uncles life forever.
As perestroika took from and the people of Russia rose up and pushed back the oppressive regime that the Soviet Union had created Uncle was forgotten. Suddenly the funds given so generously to the Pulkovo Observotor dried up.

Having collected many rare books and bank notes over the years uncle had a substantial hoarding. However with now food and an ever increasing thirst for alcohol Uncle slowly slid into the depths of society unnoticed.

Drinking became a way of escaping the rapid an turbulent times that were reshaping and supposedly rebuilding Russia.
Now with little to almost nothing left Uncle was left with little option but to beg on the streets of St Petersburg. A once leading Astronomer in Soviet Russia, now begging at the train station. Just enough money to get another drink and block out what was happening to his once secure.world.

The metro was warm and provided shelter for the homeless. Was this the next home for Uncle? He still had his apartment at Pulkovo, yet with no money he need to beg and the station provided the best source of income. All the new young Russians young business men who somehow managed to rise up during the late 80’s commuted daily, Uncle hoped they would be generous.

Exiting the train a young businessman brushed by where Uncle sat. The businessman turned and looked. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. A man he once held in the highest regard as a university student many years ago was now sitting in front of him begging him for money.
Leaning down he took Uncle by the arm and took him to a place to eat.
They shared their life stories.

The young businessman had started a printing business and had become quite a success.
The businessman wanted to help Uncle by giving him food. Uncle was still so proud and wouldn’t accept, so the businessman devised an idea. Uncle could come to work and water the plants in the offices two days a week and payment would be all the food Uncle would need.

Over the next couple of years Uncle and the businessman became good friends. Uncle even decided that he needed help with his alcohol addiction and with the support of the businessman broke free of the bottle.

Uncle was intrigued by what his new found friend and employer was doing
In business and asked if they could leave a computer turned on so once he finished his tending to the plants he could teach himself how to use the basic programs.
Uncle showed real skills in designing small graphics and once discovered by his friend the businessman, was asked if this is what he enjoyed doing?

Uncle now works full time, his pride and dignity restored. He loves what he does. Yet he still looks at the stars. He still dreams and has a twinkle in his eyes.

I take great motivation from Uncle. No matter your circumstances, rise up and be a shining star.
Uncle you one told me you love reading my stories. This is what I enjoy doing, thank you for your inspiration

This one is for you Edward.
Love you Uncle