MUSTAFA KAZEMI & THE BEAR: CHAPTER 3 - LIFE GOES ON

CHAPTER III - LIFE GOES ON

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LIFE GOES ON, EVEN FOR SOMEONE AS NORMALLY BRAINDEAD AS I AM.

That conversation that night began to get under my skin, and by the next day I found myself inordinately curious. So, I went back to our chat, found Mustafa's links, and proceeded to scope out my new Afghan friend.

I was dumbfounded. I found his blog and website, but what I found IN THEM astonished me.

I found at first interesting stuff to be sure, but THEN I found links to pictures and the story about Mustafa's involvement with the attacks by terrorists at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, and the pictures DEEPLY affected me.

I sat in stunned disbelief.

THIS WAS THE FIRST ONE. This is Mus lying under a couch with bullets whizzing over his head...on his cell reporting. MY GOD.

(His photographer, Ahmad Mukhtar...equally in danger as well.)

My heart went into my throat as I sat looking at this pic. Although this had happened and was already over, it was as if I was watching it in real time,

Here he is during the firefight and stand-off. Again, in trememdous personal danger.

THIS ONE AT RIGHT I USED ON THE COVER OF THE NOVEL I WROTE...

(the first one)

MUSTAFA KAZEMI: TALE OF WAR, SEARCH FOR PEACE

I think this one below will always be one of my very fave pics of Mustafa. You see his intensity and

I think you also see the bravery and gallantry he exudes. Resolute and stalwart.

A son anyone would be proud to have, a friend beyond mere friendship.

THIS IS THE CONSUMMATE 21st Century male Afghan.

Mindful of the past...looking to the future,

and working his ass off to make that future brighter and better.

Thanks to you Mus, it already is.

I sat looking at the two pics of the firefight at the Intercontinental, and then still being upset I tried to go to the kitchen for coffee (and did) but found myself rushing back and to the computer, where I sat down and wrote my feelings. My emotions. 

I sent what I wrote to Mustafa, and then to Al.

Not satisfied, I went back and added pictures to underscore what I was feeling.

The moon and wolf pictures are from that.

I never see him or think of him without this imagery in my mind. It sums Mus up perfectly, I think.

A whole hell of a lot has happened since then but that is where it all started... 

but you have to understand. AT THAT POINT, I knew LITTLE about Mustafa and even far less about Afghanistan OR the Middle East. Which makes what has happened since and my involvement over there now so almost implausible..and yet, here we are.

BECAUSE OF MUSTAFA KAZEMI.

Maybe one day he will look back and realize the impact he has made. 

Maybe he might even be proud of ME for all I do now is to try to help

in the effort HE started.

CHAPTER 4:  MUSTAFA IN PICTURES

NEXT UP:  
MY LIFE WITH MUSTAFA
(coming soon)