The character Rodney is based upon a co-worker when I was living and working in the suburbs of Chicago. One of the advantages of working near a major city like Chicago was meeting people from all over the world with interesting stories to tell.

One day, Rodney told me he was taking his father back to Yugoslavia and would be gone for a week. I commented that it was nice that the fall of Communism was allowing people to visit the Old Country. He said it wasn't a visit, but a move and then told his story.

Rodney's parents were separated by the Nazi invasion. His father was quickly conscripted by the Germans to become cannon-fodder for their planned invasion of Russia. Rodney was put to work in the mines. He met someone there who taught him how to make a quartz radio receiver, which allowed him to listen to the Allied newscasts.

As the war ended, his village was occupied by the Russians. His father survived and was captured by the British and eventually emigrated to the USA. His father was able to get a travel visa for Rodney to have a one-week visit. Rodney was granted asylum when he reached the shores of the US. Labeled a defector, he could never return home.

His mother stayed in her village, communicating only by letters that passed government censors. On special occasions, she was allowed to receive phone calls, also monitored by the government.

Rodney's mother and father lived this way for over 45 years. According to Rod, their love never faltered. They were completely loyal.

Rodney delivered his father home, reuniting his parents. He said they were just like newlyweds; a cute old couple.

Several months later, Rodney told me he had to return to Yugoslavia. His father had passed away and his mother was desperately ill.

He was able to reach her before she passed, and we once again reunited with her love.