I'm making a fast friend here in the community room. There is a quite old man from Afghanistan, his primary language is Persian and his English is quite broken. That hasn't stopped him from trying to be personable and kind. He brought over blueberry scones for us to share as we watched Wheel of Fortune together. Halfway through the show a deaf gal came into the room and Abideen was able to sign in ASL to speak with her easily. I find this so amazing that a man who came to America knowing no English was able to learn Sign Language to help him learn to communicate. There is something so beautiful about two people from two backgrounds and cultures being able to get to know each other when it would be so easy for either of them to be secluded.
Over the last half hour or so, roughly 5 people have come into the community room and Abideen as perked up and said hello to all of them by name and they all respond with genuine happiness. My hope is that even a fraction of my generation can be as kind and warm as him when we reach his age.
Today, Abideen has taught me a few new words in sign language and how to write my name in Persian. He has also taught me how kindness can impact different people and bring a smile to peoples faces. What a good day!
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