Youssif

You have to read this article from CNN... "Youssif's mom: Why my son?"

It is a very touching story from the mother's perspective. I've been following Youssif's story for a few month's now... I even received a thank you letter from Children's Burn Foundation three weeks ago.

I read the story slowly and allowed the mother's words to sink in... I felt every word she said and I had goose bumps... It's amazing how much joy it is for Youssif to be able to put food in his mouth again and to simply stick his tongue out.

It still baffles me how some monsters could grab this child and set him on fire. What has he done to deserve this? All this hate in the name of God??

The story made me go through a series of moodswings... I went from sad, to sadder, to having hope, to seeing love, to having faith, then sad again, hope, and finally concern. I don't know how this story will end, but I pray for the best for Youssif and his family. I hope they will continue to experience the love that strangers have to offer them and to continue to experience the blessings that God gives them. Although we call our God by different names, I know both Youssif's mom and I pray for the same thing... and that is for Youssif to get better and to be able to fit into society again... undiscriminated against, respected, and embraced.

I pray that there can be peace and tolerance around the world... but sadly, I don't believe that this will happen, at least not during my life time. We are so blinded by hate and selfishness.

At this time, I just hope Youssif can enjoy Eid with his family here and perhaps in his lifetime, we can all stop the fighting in the name of God.

Let there be peace.