by Maxi Malone
They come from a world of terror into a land of fairy tales…
This is 17-year-old Zamad Rashid, guardian angel of the no-name kids. He came to America in 2007 for sinus surgery; returning again for soft palate surgery that was botched in Pakistan. Many more would follow.
It’s his third summer in North Carolina. “He puts things in perspective for us,” says host mother, Carole McCay. “He’s a wonderful child; he’s our son.”
The kind young man helps the incoming children like a big brother. His main goal is their well-being. Following his lead, the children decided among themselves to use first names only. Back home surnames cause serious problems, violence … even death. No last names has created a more comfortable, caring atmosphere. In North Carolina they can recover some of their lost childhood.
When the children were aboard the plane back to Afghanistan, Zamad asked for this note to be read: “Don’t think who’s Shia, who’s Sunni. We are all brothers,” he declared. “We should love each other and we should start from here.”
Don’t you just love this young man … so wise beyond his years.
May Your Glass Always Be Half Full
Yes! Chapter Three of Over the Edge is here: maximalone.com
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