In the classical times of political unrest, a young British fellow named Edward had proudly enlisted himself in the Rhodesian army (Zimbabwe, a previously unrecognized state in Africa, was once known as Rhodesia due to British colonization) ready to fight against the so-called rebels.
However it didn't take him long to realize who the real monsters were. Contrary to everything he had been taught, Ed finally decided for himself when he chose justice over power, convinced that the white settlers were the ones who needed to be fought. He came to the drastic conclusion of officially exiling himself from his own country, in search of a political party that supported the very people he was originally sent out to destroy. For 14 years, Zimbabwe was considered an unrecognized state under the rule of the conservative white minority government. His entire perspective on life had dramatically been changed in a matter of days. The physiological and emotional toll was harsh, but nothing stood in his way when it came to fighting for what he believed in.
Alongside his brother, they both joined a Guerrilla movement for the liberation of Zimbabwe, an armed wing proudly known as ZIPRA. On april 18th 1980, Zimbabwe had properly won its independence by achieving sovereignty from the United Kingdom.
Of course as a kid, it's nearly impossible to even begin to understand the full context of Ed's story, but even as a child I can remember getting goose bumps. I felt so proud of everything he had accomplished, shocked by every word that came out of his mouth the day he sat me down and finally explained where all of his scars had originated from. Just like he had experienced, in that moment I felt as though my entire perspective had spontaneously changed regarding a peculiar, close family friend, good 'old uncle Ed. The same man we'd eat brunch with every other Sunday, the same man who'd randomly decide to jump in our pool naked while manifesting his belief in skinny-dipping. I can only imagine how amazed and proud his own children must be. Uncle Ed, along with other influential figures in my family, have always taught me to fight for what you want, no matter how many odds may and probably always will be stocked against you. And I believe it's about time I started listening to them too.
Alongside his brother, they both joined a Guerrilla movement for the liberation of Zimbabwe, an armed wing proudly known as ZIPRA. On april 18th 1980, Zimbabwe had properly won its independence by achieving sovereignty from the United Kingdom.
Of course as a kid, it's nearly impossible to even begin to understand the full context of Ed's story, but even as a child I can remember getting goose bumps. I felt so proud of everything he had accomplished, shocked by every word that came out of his mouth the day he sat me down and finally explained where all of his scars had originated from. Just like he had experienced, in that moment I felt as though my entire perspective had spontaneously changed regarding a peculiar, close family friend, good 'old uncle Ed. The same man we'd eat brunch with every other Sunday, the same man who'd randomly decide to jump in our pool naked while manifesting his belief in skinny-dipping. I can only imagine how amazed and proud his own children must be. Uncle Ed, along with other influential figures in my family, have always taught me to fight for what you want, no matter how many odds may and probably always will be stocked against you. And I believe it's about time I started listening to them too.
WOW.... You have some absolutely amazing family. It's almost as if you and Sammy are destined for great things!
ReplyDelete