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Polly Rockberger's avatar

A beautiful piece. Your grandfather would be amazed to hear that on the other side of the world his memory and his work live on.

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Shabnam Nasimi's avatar

Thank you so much—that really means a lot. My grandfather passed away before I was born, after a life marked by extreme poverty and struggle. But somehow, his story still reached me. I carry it with me in everything I write.

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Zach Tucker's avatar

‘He learned for the survival of the soul.’

That’s the simplest and most eloquent motivation to keep learning, despite any of our circumstances. Very nice piece.

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Clarice Dankers's avatar

Your grandfather sounds like an amazing man!

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Melanie Williams de Amaya's avatar

Stunning, humbling and so inspiring. Thankyou @Shabnam for sharing your grandfather with us.

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Francisco J. Bernal's avatar

This is quietly stunning, told with such grace and clarity, it reads like something Borges might have written had he been born in Ghorband. A story rooted in one life but echoing across centuries, carrying the weight of language, memory, and quiet defiance. I loved every word. Thank you for writing it.

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Ahmad Romal Karimi's avatar

As I’ve heard from some residents of Ghorband, he had a significant impact on the lives of other residents of Ghorbandi Valley by helping to promote education and inspiring others to educate themselves.

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Shogufa's avatar

Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story!❤️👌🏻 👏🏻

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World Stories, Told My Way's avatar

This is not just beautiful writing but written from the heart. Your grandfather was an incredible man and I hope that he too reaped some benefit from his many kindnesses

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