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Authors: Denise Kahn
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neither your mother nor I can read.” Ali blew on it and gently wiped it off. He opened it carefully and held the letter the doctor had written so many years ago and read it out loud.
Dear Ali,
Today you graduated from school. Congratulations! You may not remember me (at this point it has been quite a few years), but after the operation for your appendicitis you mentioned you wanted to be a doctor. I looked into your eyes and you reminded me of myself when I had been your age. It was that same look, that same yearning for something you want so badly, something you believe in so strongly that will make you succeed. It becomes almost physically painful. I believe in you too, Ali. I saw it in your soul that afternoon.
If it is still your desire to enter the medical field take this bankbook that I started the day you left the hospital. It is in your name. It will be more than enough for a good medical education, and I know that you will become an important man of medicine. But if you have perhaps changed your mind over the past few years and decide to embark in a different field, you may of course do so and use the money that is waiting for you. My only request is that you donate a third of it to medical research. I leave that choice to you. Also, your father gave me a wonderful gift for which he did not want payment. So, for that reason as well and for the reasons I have just stated, use the funds wisely.
I wish you great success in your career and in your life. My very best to your parents. I pray you are all well.
Sincerely,
Simeon Vidalis, Doctor of Medicine
June 1, 1905
Ali looked at the bankbook. The doctor had put in a fair amount and Ali knew that over the years it had accumulated more than enough to pay for a fine medical education. “There is enough money here to put me through very expensive medical school!” He exclaimed, “and I’m sure that you can retire too, Bába.”
“Allah be praised. He has sent us an angel,” Leila said, her tears now really streaming down her face.
“You are very right, my dear wife, Allah be praised indeed. Our son will become a physician like Dr. Simeon. As far as retirement I am not that old, and I still enjoy what I do. When you become a doctor, maybe then,” he said, smiling with great pride and joy.
“I will go see Doctor Simeon. I will tell him that the time has come to enroll in medical school. I must thank him,” Ali said. Since meeting Dr. Simeon being a doctor had become a delicious obsession.
“That is a good idea. I will make him the most succulent desserts.” Leila said, still remembering his compliment.
Jamil nodded. “That is a good idea indeed.”
Ali carefully carried the package of sweets his mother had prepared as he walked toward the hospital. On his way, he passed the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Catherine. The street was quiet and carriages decorated with a myriad of fresh flowers were parked along the edges. The horses’ manes were even braided and intertwined with little blossoms. There seemed to be a wedding in progress. Ali looked up and stared at the Greek cross. He stopped and said a prayer: “I know that you are not my God and that there is only one God, but I thank you for sending me your messenger—Dr. Simeon. I have thanked Allah and the good doctor for years for my life and good fortune, and so I ask you as well, God of the Yunani , of the Greeks, to please protect him and his family, today and every day. I thank you with all my heart and soul.” At that very moment the church bells rang. Ali almost jumped. Could that have been an answer? He wondered. Suddenly the church doors opened and people flowed out, lining the steps in front. Ali noticed they were expensively dressed, with lovely silk dresses and perfectly tailored suits. It must be someone rich or important, he thought. He recognized several politicians and local and international entertainers. They waited for the bride and groom to come out.
Dear Ali,
Today you graduated from school. Congratulations! You may not remember me (at this point it has been quite a few years), but after the operation for your appendicitis you mentioned you wanted to be a doctor. I looked into your eyes and you reminded me of myself when I had been your age. It was that same look, that same yearning for something you want so badly, something you believe in so strongly that will make you succeed. It becomes almost physically painful. I believe in you too, Ali. I saw it in your soul that afternoon.
If it is still your desire to enter the medical field take this bankbook that I started the day you left the hospital. It is in your name. It will be more than enough for a good medical education, and I know that you will become an important man of medicine. But if you have perhaps changed your mind over the past few years and decide to embark in a different field, you may of course do so and use the money that is waiting for you. My only request is that you donate a third of it to medical research. I leave that choice to you. Also, your father gave me a wonderful gift for which he did not want payment. So, for that reason as well and for the reasons I have just stated, use the funds wisely.
I wish you great success in your career and in your life. My very best to your parents. I pray you are all well.
Sincerely,
Simeon Vidalis, Doctor of Medicine
June 1, 1905
Ali looked at the bankbook. The doctor had put in a fair amount and Ali knew that over the years it had accumulated more than enough to pay for a fine medical education. “There is enough money here to put me through very expensive medical school!” He exclaimed, “and I’m sure that you can retire too, Bába.”
“Allah be praised. He has sent us an angel,” Leila said, her tears now really streaming down her face.
“You are very right, my dear wife, Allah be praised indeed. Our son will become a physician like Dr. Simeon. As far as retirement I am not that old, and I still enjoy what I do. When you become a doctor, maybe then,” he said, smiling with great pride and joy.
“I will go see Doctor Simeon. I will tell him that the time has come to enroll in medical school. I must thank him,” Ali said. Since meeting Dr. Simeon being a doctor had become a delicious obsession.
“That is a good idea. I will make him the most succulent desserts.” Leila said, still remembering his compliment.
Jamil nodded. “That is a good idea indeed.”
Ali carefully carried the package of sweets his mother had prepared as he walked toward the hospital. On his way, he passed the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Catherine. The street was quiet and carriages decorated with a myriad of fresh flowers were parked along the edges. The horses’ manes were even braided and intertwined with little blossoms. There seemed to be a wedding in progress. Ali looked up and stared at the Greek cross. He stopped and said a prayer: “I know that you are not my God and that there is only one God, but I thank you for sending me your messenger—Dr. Simeon. I have thanked Allah and the good doctor for years for my life and good fortune, and so I ask you as well, God of the Yunani , of the Greeks, to please protect him and his family, today and every day. I thank you with all my heart and soul.” At that very moment the church bells rang. Ali almost jumped. Could that have been an answer? He wondered. Suddenly the church doors opened and people flowed out, lining the steps in front. Ali noticed they were expensively dressed, with lovely silk dresses and perfectly tailored suits. It must be someone rich or important, he thought. He recognized several politicians and local and international entertainers. They waited for the bride and groom to come out.
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