Oral History

Oral History

I am doing my Oral History on my childhood friend, whose mom was involved in kidnapping leading to her death. He’s age now is 22 years of old, he was born in Africa and his ethnicity is Arabian. He was only 11 when he came to United State Of America. His Dad divorces his mom when he was only 7 years old and later his mom was murder when he was 10.

I know a lot of people asked you this question, but what happen to your mother?

Umm…. when I was 10 years old I use to go a home school near my house, we lived in the city called Kassal, Africa. The city is on border of Ethiopia and Eritrea. My dad divorces my mom when I was seven (I believe) so it was my mom and I living alone. We did not live in a village but a suburban area. We did not have many friends because we were new to the area.

Oh, Where did you live before?

We lived in the city. I don’t remember much us living in the city. Anyways, one time I was going to home school, which was a block down, near the house, I kiss my mom goodbye and she dropped me off. My mom used to work for a gas station she was control of all the accounting and balancing the end of day totals. My mom was never a socialize person or a person who intervene with anyone. One day she was working at the gas station, my mom mostly did morning job because of me being home alone. She was getting ready to leave when a car with four gents pulled up around evening time. As the police told me the gents were African and were wearing blue suites. They approach my mom with total respect and asked her for direction in English. My mom did not speak English so she tries to be as much help she can be. One of the gents stood their distracting my mom where the other three walk around the area looking for any witness. In the suburban area it is not that busy on the gas station and did I mention it was a Wednesday evening.

Ok.

Well the gents realize it is not busy so they decided to make their move. They all took out a 9 Millie meter gun and held up my mom and a customer in the store. The entire camera showed next was the first person push my mom onto the back room and began to eject the cash register. It was not much in the register as the police claimed so they began to threaten my mom. My mom had no idea where the save was; so they grab my mom and start forcing her to give up any information. Luckily a customer came up to the pump and saw a man in mask and called the cops. Before the cops can arrive they took my mom as hostage and drove off. The customer remembering the plate number, the color of the car and informed the cops. From there it was a car chase situation. And all can the police predict from there is my mom was shot and died in the car.

When did you hear about this dramatic incident? And were the robbers caught?

Well I got off from school at four. I waited outside for my mom who most likely picks me up or sometime the teacher walks me to my house. My teacher, Mrs. Kani did not have the time after school and had to go somewhere so she told me to wait at the house. It was seven a clock and I have no news for my mom. Later on at eight o’clock a policemen showed up at the door and asked for Mrs. Kani. I knew something was wrong. The robbers mange to get away and later were killed in a shooting brawl between the police.

I see. Carry on.

Well they did not tell me the whole story; they just told me my mom is gone for a while. I did not understand and cried my self to sleep. They called my dad who actually had moved to United States and flew back. The next I remember is that I was going to America. I knew something was not right, when my dad said to me that my mom is not feeling well so he will be taking care of me.

Why is that? Why did you feel that something is wrong, when your father is there?

Well my dad did not want any part of me, that’s what my mom told me. And from there I was brought to United State Of America. I did not talk to my dad much, but he was capable enough to tell me the story of my mom. At that time I was at age of 12.

What went through your mind, when he told you the story?

Well for most of it I cried, but I knew I had to be strong and live on, that’s what my mom always taught me.

Well now it’s be 12 years since that incident, and as much as I know you; you have not gone back to your country? Neither to you mom grave?

I feel that one-day, when I have the courage to go back I will.

Are you still living with your dad?

No. My dad has his own family and I have my own life.