CHILDHOOD MEMORIES AND EXPERIENCES Part 2
My father was a different person. Even though he had only high school education, he was incredibly wise and possessed much practical knowledge from his real-life experiences. He was self -made man. He had a belief in the fundamental goodness of people across all kinds of ethnic and religious differences. He was attracted to Sufism, a branch of Islam religion that emphasizes each person’s individual search for the Divine without religious dogma and rigidity. He expressed no animosity against any religion. He believed that all monotheistic religions were similar and necessary advancement from Pagan religion, they enrich the religious culture of humanity.
In memory of my father, I would like to share with my readers some of his most helpful advice and words of wisdom that helped me and shaped my life.
In one of my visits to the village, after graduating from lyceum (high school), I saw my father eat freshly baked “tandoor” bread with a thick cream that form on the surface of homemade whole milk yogurt. I warned him about cholesterol. He said, “That is book knowledge. Eating what you like, in moderation, never hurts anybody”.
In another event, I collected wild mushrooms from a mountain creek. I knew wild mushrooms could be poisonous. I asked my mother to cook them and first give it to Kurdish kids, if nothing happens to them, then I will eat it. My father intervened and said, “no son, they are kids just like you, they have loving mother and fathers too.”
In another event, after I graduated from medical school, I went back to the village. A person from another village arrived to ask my father for my help for a sick patient. I was told beforehand by my mother that those people insulted my father by using derogatory words. So, I asked my father whether I should go or not. He said, “son, sometimes it is better to be nice then right. We never drop our moral standards to their level, of course you should go”.
During another most difficult event and decision making in my life, whether I should go to America to further my medical education or stay home to help my family who was having economic difficulties, my father said, “you are the most educated in our family. We will survive. If you think you should go, then go”. Since then, fifty years have passed, and I am still in America.
Rest in peace dear father. You have been a lightning rod in dark and difficult periods of my life. Thank you sincerely. I will never forget you and your legacy.
