The Saddest Day in My Life - Essay Example

The Saddest Day in My Life Many things had happened in my life that had shaped my character now. I have experienced many things that had changed my views and perceptions in life. I am only 28 years old and yet I went through an ordeal that an ordinary man would not normally experience. But I believe in the causality of things and that everything happens for a reason. Amidst all difficulties in life, hope and faith has been proven essential. Our family is a typical family of Ethiopian descent. My siblings and I were brought up by our parents to value virtues. We were taught to live in righteousness and morality. Even at a young age, I learned the importance of holding fast to one's belief. Even when I am already married and have a family of my own, I am still very closely attached with my family. My brother and I are even teamed up in a small business of importing used cars. One of my aspirations in life is to help alleviate the abject poverty that my countrymen are experiencing in Ethiopia. Although I can say that my family is living in a good condition, it is my conviction that a successful and meaningful existence can be measured by one's concern for others and the compassion he had shown towards his fellowmen. Each of us has a specific duty on earth. No matter how great or small it may seem to be, it is what we must be committed to pursue. Life is short and one has to take advantage of that fleeting moment to make a difference. I was an active member of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), a coalition of four existing political parties of Ethiopia which combined to compete for seats in the Ethiopian General Elections. I was a member of the propaganda and awareness division. One of my responsibilities is the distribution of flyers. I actively participated on the national elections for my party by organizing various meetings and trainings. One of our objectives is to inculcate in the minds of our youths the culture of democracy for them would be aware of their rights and duties as Ethiopian citizens. Because of my active involvement in CUD, I received much harassment. With the absence of any search warrant, my office was raided by government forces. They took several documents from my possessions and I was accused with different kinds of falsified information. My brother and I, together with some of my colleagues in the party, were arrested and were detained for several days. For the three days that I was detained, I was interrogated and was told that my business would cease from operation because it is linked with anti-government bodies. I was told that the only way to straighten the situation is if I denounce my membership in CUD and if I testify against CUD. I was warned that if I refuse to cooperate with them, my business would remain closed. They even threatened that I would suffer the consequences of my unlawful deeds. After much thought, I decided to agree to their terms in order to save myself for the moment. With that, I was released. I then realized that it would be impossible for me to live peacefully in Ethiopia. I decide at once to leave the country at the earliest possible chance to spare my life. Since I already have a valid US Visa at that time and my wife works for an Ethiopian airline, she was able to book me a flight with an open family ticket. Very shortly, through connection and assistance, I finally managed to exit from Ethiopia. I left on Sunday night of July 10, 2005 and arrived in the United States on July 11, 2005. I was very sad to be departed from my wife and family but I was forced to by circumstances. My father has also been living in the United States for six years under political asylum because of human rights violation of the current government. I stayed with him while I was processing my own request for asylum. I easily adjusted to living in the United States because of my exposure to different cultures through my business. What I found difficult was being separated from my wife who was 22 weeks pregnant at that time. I was very much worried about her condition amidst the crisis that Ethiopia was facing. It was indeed the saddest part of my life. Every night and day, I unceasingly pray to God for the safety of my wife, friends, and relatives. As a devout Christian, my spirituality remains an extremely important in my life; it is the backbone of my inner self. Hope and faith may seem simple words but they are the tower of strength in my times of anxiety and despair. After two difficult months, my father and I finally got to pick up my wife at the airport. Upon seeing her, I was so grateful to God and I cannot explain the utter happiness that I was feeling inside of me. It was as if all my burdens were instantly unloaded. Within a month of her arrival, we were finally awarded our asylum status by the American government. My wife and I got a job and eventually moved to our own place that we are renting. Soon after, our child was born. My son is definitely God's gift in our life. He embodies the love that has flourished between me and my wife. Even from the womb, he had been my inspiration. My son's birth signified the beginning of our new life in America. My child provides in me the strength to desire a better future for my family. For now, I have no plans to return to Ethiopia. Perhaps it would take time before the existing government transforms. But I still hope for my country's democracy, free election, unity, and free press. Time will come when I would have to tell my son of the things that had happened. I want my child to grow up valuing his origins and culture. And it is my prayer that when that time comes, Ethiopia is a country standing with pride and honor, cradling its people in democracy. 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