A Boy To Remember
One of the roadblocks in the visa process was the requirement by the State Department that Afghan citizens applying for visas for travel to the U.S. must apply in Islamabad, Pakistan. Angel feared it would be impossible for Mohammed and his guardian to make this long journey because of the time it would take, the lack of financial resources and the danger of traveling through an active war zone. She knew she must appeal to have this requirement waived and she sought help from Senator Ted Kennedy’s Office in Boston, asking if they could arrange for the pair to get visas issued in Kabul instead.
“when the hospital in Afghanistan closed, the wheelchair-bound child would be forced into the streets and would probably not survive.”
It took time, hope, commitment and follow-through but Angel’s wishes were granted and the visas were issued in Kabul after several months.
Angel now houses Mohammed and his guardian in her small apartment and attends to their every need. She says this arrangement is working well although the cooking is a bit of a challenge. She keeps it simple but she does bake Afghan-style bread every morning. Her work life has changed so she is at home these days instead of traveling the globe. She is busy organizing Mohammed’s working papers, social security and numerous doctor appointments. “This is a new chapter in my life. We’re a funny little family and the extra work is well worth it”, said Angel.
Mohammed will undergo three surgeries over the next three months. The first will address his kidney and bladder problems, hopefully eliminating the painful and dangerous infections that he has suffered for many years. The second surgery will be on his hip and leg, reversing the tucked-under aspect of that limb and relieving the torturous stress sores that result from constantly sitting on his leg. The final surgery will be to straighten his spine. This operation will relieve his internal organs and ease pressure on his lungs allowing him to breathe easier. Following surgery, he will be in a rehabilitation facility for several weeks before returning to his normal life. He will still be confined to a wheelchair but his life will be saved and his long term outlook greatly improved.
Angel has become Mohammed’s legal guardian now that he is living with her. She has enrolled him in a very good school where he is doing well academically and socially, making lots of friends. He is living his life to its fullest potential and he is a true inspiration to those of us who think we have problems. I predict this young man is going places and I want to be there to watch.
