2021 Father's Day Tribute: Anatoliy Iskhakov

Anatoliy Iskhakov – Norcross

Lots has been said about the American dream; less about the dreamer. My father can be charming, funny, silly, but no matter what, he is always determined. He will never be satisfied. He is a dreamer and an achiever. He is half of this world and half from some magical legend. He dreams up unachievable visions and works tirelessly, overcoming obstacles and pitfalls until his goal stands sparkling and complete behind him as he set his sights onto a new adventure. The most important lesson he taught me was to not be afraid to make mistakes. I saw him fall, and lose, and shatter … and then pick up the pieces, learn, and start again with the wisdom of his experience. This freedom to fail that he gifted me … ahhh, it gave me wings! Freedom to fail zapped the fear of failure right out of me. This kind of freedom shpritzes spice into life. I look at him in awe because, at almost 70 (shh, don’t tell him) he’s still chasing his dreams. And I am so grateful that my children are now learning from their Deda how to dream, chase, work and then celebrate … with a waltz.

Lily Iskhakova

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