Fahim Speaks: Thank you, Mom

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Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Fahim Fazli is a man of two worlds: Afghanistan, the country of his birth, and America, the nation he adopted and learned to love. 

He’s also a man who escaped oppression, found his dream profession, and then paid it forward by returning to Afghanistan as an interpreter with the US Marines. When Fahim speaks, the story he tells is harrowing, fascinating, and inspiring. 

Born and raised in Kabul, Fahim saw his country and family torn apart by revolution and civil war. Dodging Afghan authorities and informers with his father and brother, Fahim made his way across the border to Pakistan and then to America where he was eventually reunited with his mother, sisters, and one brother. 

In Fahim Speaks, Fazli also talks about the importance of family—and, in particular, the central role his mother played in developing his understanding and appreciation of humanity. As we head into Mother's Day weekend, it seems fitting to share Fahim's letter to his mother: 

Dear Mother,

Happy Mothers Day! And thank you for giving me an inner confidence, a love and respect for women, children, animals, and especially my fellow human beings. I am so glad you taught me the life skills necessary to read people and translate their motives and agendas, to negotiate peace with words that heal and actions of mercy and kindness. 

You also taught me that standing up for my rights and the rights of others helps maintain a strong inner core of navigational direction between right and wrong, and to not get manipulated by the greedy and the selfish.

Mom, you said, “Son, when you lie to people, you don’t lie to them--you lie to yourself. You have one witness above you that can hear and is taking notes, which is God.” Mom, you also said, “If people are rude to you, do not fight back, always walk away and you will be the winner. You don’t have to prove people wrong—you cannot change people; you can only change yourself and be a good example for them."

Mom, you always taught us to dress nice, and to not be a hypocrite or have a double standard of decency for women and children, as they were created as men’s equal. If you want to follow religion, make sure you observe it, not just think it or be a fundamentalist. You don’t have to prove your good deeds to others; this secret is between you and your God. And you always taught me when you go out with your wife or girlfriend, let her talk and finish her sentences, and not to interrupt her. Always respect your lady in front of others.