Crossing Borders: From Refugee to Freedom Fighter and Beyond My Life Story

Growing up in Ingria, amidst the harsh realities of Stalin's Russia, Toivo describes life under Communism, collectivization, food shortages and arbitrary arrests of family members who simply disappear. As a teen, he bravely escapes to Finland where he enjoys an interlude of a few years until war breaks out and he voluntarily enlists. As one war ends and another soon begins, Toivo takes part in secret missions with the specialized battalion, ErP4, created to send small reconnaissance patrols deep into Russian territory. At war's end, he is forced to flee to Sweden from the Communist-controlled Finnish National Police, Valpo, who are pressured by the Soviets to arrest and send members of ErP4 to Russia to face trial. Eventually, due to housing shortages in Sweden, Toivo and his wife decide to immigrate to Canada where he is faced with the challenge of finding employment for himself and housing for his family, all without knowing the language. A compelling life story of steadfast determination, humbleness and unwavering courage; in essence, one that embodies the attributes of that unique Finnish characteristic known as Sisu.