Astride Two Worlds

It is not easy to write about a man who literally changed one’s whole life overnight. He came when the time was right, with a winning smile, a warm embrace, and a heart full of love. He told me of his past life in far-off Romania and how he came to be in America. I was fascinated by his extraordinary background, his courage, his determination and above all his unfailing optimism. In spite of extreme hardships, cruel injustices, and a life of continual struggle against fear and almost insurmountable obstacles, this indomitable human being conquered, and never lost his boyish laughter and happy disposition.

I asked myself from whence came such a man. There are not too many like him and I have traveled the world over. Eventually I found out that this unique and truly superb character hailed from a tiny village far away on the Eastern side of the majestic Carpathians. It was only fitting that such an enchanting region should produce this outstanding person. And, I was, at once, reminded of another unique and glorious man who, like my beloved husband, was born of and nurtured by the people of the soil in a quiet out of the way place ‘far from the deafening crowds’ - Michael Collins, the greatest leader Ireland ever knew.

I liken Teodor Gherasim to my favorite Irish hero because although he never led a nation out of bondage, or fired a shot even in self-defense, yet he did in his own determined way fight against evil and slavery in the form of the Communist doctrine and an oppressive regime. During his darkest hours in the dungeons of Romania’s horrific prisons, he never lost his courage or faith in God. And never in the thirty years of his working life in that country did he follow the dictates or subscribe to that Atheistic ideology.

He walked shoulder to shoulder with men like himself - men of character, fortitude, intelligence, and for the most part men of learning. Educated men or those aspiring to knowledge and all that is noble in this life. And although many of his companions did not survive the hellish ordeal of the Communist prison, Teodor emerged stronger, even more determined to achieve, to reach his highest potential despite the danger and the hardships that were inevitable.

"The truest joy comes from seriousness," words written on the walls of Leipzig’s Gewandhaus, could well be attributed to Teodor, for certainly he was and is a serious man and has always found his greatest pleasure in study, in learning. But his aspirations were never mundane; on the contrary he reached for the stars. Seeking the best, the loftiest in art, music, literature, and philosophy. He would fill his mind and soul with the finest this world has to offer.

A man of moral character and integrity. Honest, upright, and outspoken, I often wonder how he managed to survive in Communist Romania. A man of extreme sensitivity, gentle; his tears flow freely and his laughter erupts in spontaneous outbursts. He delights, with a child’s glee, in playing a joke and recoils in deep pain over a sharp word. He is a religious man, committed to his faith, sincere unwavering in his belief and trust in God.

I am, indeed, fortunate to have met and married this great man and it is with humility that I have tried to record and do justice to some of the events that make up his life’s story. May those who read this sketch - for it is not by any means a full portrait - be moved to strive for the best, to do and dare all while they have life and strength.

February 2000