The company I work for is an independent company that has beenrebuilding structures in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. Although it is very dangerous work, we are well protected by the military. Everyday we would have children sitting on the bank watching us work. Many were from the orphanage; they had lost their parents in this terrible war. Other people stopped by to thank us for helping build their new school and repairing other structures. You couldn’t help hurting inside for these kids. What did they do wrong? They were just kids, for Christ’s sake. They didn’t ask for or deserve this. I don’t know why, but it made me think of Julie’s baby. Did she deserve what she got? I blocked Julie from my mind as best as possible and went on with mywork. I was helping to add a wing on an already overcrowded children’s hospital. As I took a short break, I noticed a young boy walk by on crutches; he only had one leg. He couldn’t have been more than seven years old. Seeing him smile at me, with all the hardship he had to endure during his short life tugged at my heartstrings. I found out later the boy’s name was Aadam Bazzi. I talked with the manI believed was his father; Ar’med Karzi was his name. He told me that Aadam was six and would be seven the following month. He lost his leg in the bombing of a grocery store that his parents owned. “You’re not his father? I see you with him all the time,” I askedAr’med. “No, his parents were killed in the bombing along with his older sister. He is alone now. I took him in along with two other children. He is good boy,” Ar’med smiled. “Did you know his family well?” I asked. Ar’med smiled again. “Funny you ask that question. His father not likeme. We both like same woman. Maia chose Jacar; I loved Maia much and was much, how you say, disappointed when she pick Jacar. I marry Fatimah instead and we get married. Sorry my English not real good.” “You’re doing fine. I understand you very well,” I replied. “After Maia and Jacar die, I ask Fatimah if we take in Aadam. She saysokay we take Aadam in. I have good wife. We now have four kids our own and we take in three orphans. We not have much but kids need home with parents.” It was shortly after talking with Ar’med that my sister had told meabout Gina being hospitalized. I believe it was partly the reason I sent Julie the money. My feelings for her were still very strong. I didn’t want her to suffer financially. It was about a month later, our mail is very slow here, that I receiveda letter from Julie thanking me for helping her and her daughter. She was very grateful and said what a wonderful thing I had done. She then said, “Shawn I will always have a place in my heart for you. Please take care of yourself. Love always, Julie.” I cried after reading that letter. There would always be a place in myheart for her also. I went on working and tried to do some good here in this desert country. In my spare time, I would talk with different kids and they would tell me their stories. My heart went out for each and every one of them. I must have given out candy bars by the dozen. It seemed to put a smileon each child’s face. Life seemed so bleak for them, but they explained to me that it waspeople like me that gave them hope. Our work crew was invited to a school that we helped rebuild. We got a chance to see the students give speeches and sing songs. It was great to see them with smiles on their faces. I knew we were doing the right thing. I often thought about Julie and her daughter. I was gone for about… Read the rest of A Swapping Mistake Ch. 3

Author: DG Hear

Today’s movie download: Gangland 18