Christmas is and should be all about miracles. In this day where negativity seems to rule the day, it is heartwarming to see miracles present themselves. Many think that we will experience a miracle of transformation personally. Perhaps by reaching out to help another, we become part of that miracle. I do believe many became a part of a miracle in relation to the Iraq War. While some will say: What miracle can be seen coming from this heinous war? One only has to look at Yousiff. Americans not wanting to see a little boy suffer from the burns inflicted upon his tiny body opened up their hearts and wallets to bring him here to our country. In this day of negativity that in itself is truly a miracle. It was where the American people stepped up to the plate leaving our politicians in the dust to help this child. There is a redeeming lesson right there.
A few days ago, I was contacted by Lauren Branchini who works in the public relations department for CNN asking me to remind my readers of his progress. As many of you know, I have written several columns on Yousiff and appeared on CNN to speak to their audience concerning him and how he touched me. On Christmas Eve night, CNN will be airing “Rescuing Yousiff” at 10PM ET and hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
Perhaps by viewing this program we will have rescued ourselves. What this child has gone through, no child should ever feel the pain he has felt in his brief life. I wish to remind my readers’; he was doused with gasoline and lit afire by masked madmen. This assault on his tiny body occurred as he went outside to play. We take that for granted as our own children do that on a daily basis. Yousiff only wanted to do as ours do. I look to some of our elected officials in Washington with only contempt when they fail to realize this. By our very presence, we are hurting innocent Iraqi children such as Yousiff. Through this immoral war, countless Iraqi children have died and for what?
Many of us have viewed either through TV or the Internet the toll this war has taken on Iraq and upon arriving here in the United States so her son could be healed, Yousiff's mom, Zainab said, "Oh my God, it's so green. Am I in heaven?" If I had the chance to speak to Yousiff's mom, it would be to say, "Heaven came to all of us through your son, Yousiff.”
Tears still come to my eyes in hearing where Yousiff did not sleep a wink the night and said in the morning before flying here, “Let's go! Let's go!" Most of America’s children would probably be saying that if blessed with a trip to Disney World.
Unlike Disney World and the magical theme movies that have come from their studios, no magic wand would help restore this boy only the skilled hands of Dr. Peter Grossman and his surgical team. As Yousiff has undergone several surgeries, the scalpel became the magical wand.
In this day when we think the world is absent of miracles CNN did report that the, Children's Burn Foundation which is a nonprofit organization paid for the family's travel and is covering all of Youssif's medical bills. This organization is truly the hand of God at work.
We have all heard how many Iraqis do hate us, but not all do as evident with Yousiff’s father’s statement upon arriving here in the United States, "You see America on television, but you never imagine or dream that you will ever be here." He paused, tears in his eyes." He also stated, "It's more than paradise." I find that statement in itself to be a miracle. I do think it incumbent that we deliver the Iraqi people a miracle and that is to pull our forces and let them begin their own healing process. If I had the ear of the next president, it would be that message. This country cannot tolerate any more children being harmed in the process. Iraqi children, like our children all deserve a life free of pain and deserve life itself.
As I was trying to think of a Christmas theme to write about this year, my involvement in this story to help a child named Yousiff was my miracle. Yousiff touched me in so many ways and if I could visit him, it would be to say, “Thank you, Yousiff” Somehow this little Iraqi boy made me a better person and it is my hope that all of you who read this piece will take time to watch the CNN production, “Rescuing Yousiff” Let Yousiff become your Christmas miracle. Maybe through viewing it, we can have peace in the New Year. That will be my Christmas prayer.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net