Odyssey of a Defiant Armenian Doctor

After a long period of hesitation and the persuasion of my wife and children, I finally began to write my memoirs. I felt my turbulent life experiences, hardships, and great struggles could be helpful for my children, my friends, my nation, and all future generations. Writing my memoir has a very challenging task since English is not my first language. Moreover, my truthful, straightforward, and candid character will disclose many unresolved conflicts and pain. Therefore, I expect to create new adversaries for me. For me, the tenacity of truth supplants all of the potential animosity I may encounter. I began writing my memoir chronologically long before my birth. I started with the Armenian Genocide of 100 years ago, giving rise to my grandfather's murder by Turks and Kurds. My journey started from my birthplace, Badelbu, a traditional village in northwestern Iran, Urmia, and has ended in the autumn of my life in northern California. For these memoirs, I sincerely appreciate the efforts and input of Mrs. Arsho Melikian, a schoolteacher in Los Angeles; Dr. Minas Kojoyan, the former editor of "Nor Or Weekly; and Mr. Harut Sassounian, a renowned syndicate columnist and publisher of The California Courier. They all helped bring my work to completion. It is hard to find words to express my gratitude to my children, Dr. Masis and Armen, for their sacrifice of time and their incessant contribution to this book. Finally, I am indebted to my wife, Anahit, who supported me unconditionally during the completion of this challenging task.