Mansour

He arrived in America in the late 70’s as a refugee from Eritrea, a small country in the Horn of Africa.  I plead ignorance — I did not know this country existed. Did you?

A civil engineer by trade, we spoke for an hour as we battled the DC traffic. He raised three boys, started his own business and was proud to be an American. Who says immigrants are thieves and criminals? They are good men and women who, like everyone else, work hard to raise a family. 

There was a gentle manner about him and we connected, because we see the world the same way. We both came to this country with about $50 in our pockets. We spoke about life and children and the importance of family. And the values that define us as people — loyalty, integrity and kindness. 

I may never see this man again, but he promised to follow this blog and connect at an intellectual level. Funny how God paves the path of our lives with people who are meant to be there. With all the challenges I have faced this week, he was certainly a blessing, and a welcome connection at the right time. 

Stay well Mansour.  I wish you and your family well. And for the rest of us, as we celebrate the 4th of July remember — that the Red, White and Blue does not see color.