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Monumental Compassion Creates a Family Reunion
By Tracy Rolling
 | | Shir Ahmad with his American mom, Donna Redmond.
Photo by Tracy rolling |
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Yesterday's history - tomorrow's a mystery - today's a gift and that's why we call it the "present."
While you may have never heard it said that way, it describes the life of Shir Ahmad, one of the newest residents of Ramona and a former civilian translator for the United States Armed Forces in Afghanistan.
Born in Afghanistan more than 20 years ago, Shir has seen and experienced many changes in his life, but the greatest was when he moved to Ramona last month to live with his new American family, Bill and Donna Redmond.
The Redmonds met Shir's brother in spring 2005, while exploring a business opportunity in Afghanistan with the pastor of their church.
Donna felt an immediate connection to Shir's brother, who was working as an office manager at a Western non-government organization.
He extended warmth and hospitality and despite the enormous cultural differences, they became good friends and continued to correspond when the Redmonds returned to the States.
Today, Donna is honored to be identified as the boys' "American Mother" and recalls receiving a phone call from the oldest son explaining his younger brother's work conclusion and U.S. Special Immigration Visa approval.
Despite the fact the Redmonds had only met Shir briefly, they immediately recognized the potential danger of his remaining in Afghanistan. With that, coupled with the dream that Shir and many of his countrymen share of coming to America, he packed his bags and began his life-altering journey.
Donna says that Shir is very ambitious and he can read, write and speak seven different languages. He enjoyed working as a translator for more than four years and is currently seeking full-time employment.
His immediate goals are to obtain an entry-level position where he can earn a living while he establishes himself in the United States. He intends to further his education and looks forward to one day becoming a U.S. citizen.
Among the parade of letters of recommendations and certificates of appreciation, his resume includes references from military officers.
The Redmonds say it's not his resume that will land him a job, it's his dreams of making a better life for himself and his family and his determination to make each day count.
To contact the Redmond's about an employment opportunity for Shir, please e-mail ramonareds@yahoo.com.
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