Branching off my two previous posts concerning Eid and September 11th, I have to share this simple and touching story regarding my guard Mohammad.
Although we have a four day weekend for Eid, there really isn’t a lot to do around the house so I decided go into work yesterday. September 11th is one of those days were I like to be around people… I like to be around a flag at half mast… I like to work.
Anyway, yesterday morning I went about my normal morning routine: dressed, showered, coffee, news… and then as my departure time approaches, I normally go outside and make idle chit-chat with my guard while I wait for my ride.
However, yesterday, the idle chit-chat was very different.
As soon as Mohammad saw me, he stepped down from his booth and greeted me with a hug. Hugs are a traditional way of celebrating Eid, it symbolizes good blessings for you and the community.
When he broke the hug, he took my hand, looked at me in the eyes and said in the most sincere way, “Today is Eid, this is a very special day for me. I hope your December twenty-five is as special as my Eid.”
Bam! Like a dagger through my heart. He ‘gets it’. My guard, who has probably received minimal education and makes only about a dollar and hour ‘gets it’.
After that, Mohammad told me about how his wife and kids, back in their village, are spending their Eid holiday and he was sad to be away from them on such a special occasion… but he also said, “My duty here is very important. It is good that I am here.”
He gets it.
I don’t know if I will ever have a more meaningful September 11th is my life.
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