$1,000 Thank You

Friends, families, and supporters worldwide– Thank You. 

I once learned long ago that true friends arrive at the most unexpected time. Meeting Maryam was no exception. I’ve known her for only a few months, but even so I consider her friendship special. One that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I first met Maryam in an online writer’s group on Facebook. All kinds of aspiring writers and published authors post their excerpts, drafts, and sometimes entire pages of their manuscripts to the group. Usually, I pass over most submissions, thinking that many of these writers are amateurs and below my expertise– such is my egotistical flaw as a writer. 

But one day, as I was passively scrolling through another round of insufferable entries, I noticed one that stood out amongst all the others. It was a short story called “A Bag in a Hurry”. For some strange reason, without thinking otherwise, I was hooked with intrigue, and began reading.

I never thought a story could change my life, not in the way that would call me into action. I only remember being pulled so emotionally or drawn so physically towards words on a page from the master craftsman himself, Ernest Hemingway, in his story “A Farewell to Arms”. Rarely have I been a victim to emotional recoil from a story. Sure, Alexander Pushkin, Jack London, and Herman Melville each have one particular short story that holds a special place in my heart, satisfying my desires for originality in storytelling. But when I read Maryam’s story “A Bag in a Hurry”, I admit wholeheartedly to you and to myself that I was appalled. It was as if God himself had brought me a gift– a gift neatly woven together in heartbreak, bow-tied by strings of suffering. 

Thinking I was adept enough in my craft of writing short stories, I immediately messaged Maryam and offered my insights. It was my plan– my utmost priority– to assist her with fine-tuning and finalizing her story so that it would go beyond the sense of a mere journal entry of pity and transform it into something that would persuade, compel, or even beg, the reader to relate. It was my sole duty to help her with her story, promising honest and positive critiquing so that it would shine– and nothing more.

But the universe works in mysterious ways. Not long after sharing our opinions of her story to each other– bouncing different ideas back and forth and me telling her she has serious potential to become a master of the written word– I learned something about her that shook me. Not only was she writing from first-hand experience, but also, she was still in the middle of it all. Her suffering was ongoing, her heartbreak was still present, and her fears continued to torment her. 

I simply couldn’t let a fellow writer fall silent. I couldn’t just stand aside and watch as another person like me slowly withered away. I had to do something. 

And I did do something– something I would’ve never thought to do for a stranger. I sent her money. Why? Because I believe in her. I believe in her as a writer, I believe in her potential to make a difference, and I believe in her motherly ability to raise her children into the type of people we need more of in this world. But mostly, I consider her a shooting star that has yet to be seen– one that must be seen, to be heard of, and to be read about. I root for her because I know that living without hope is to slowly die. 

I quickly realized, though, that I couldn’t do it alone. I alone cannot fully support her in the way she needs. I am no rich man, and probably will never be. But Maryam thought of the idea to start a fundraiser, and so I put myself to work. 

It is my honor to announce, with shock and awe, that we have raised over $1,000 for her and her family. Because of you– each and every one of you– we have proven to ourselves that we can make the difference we wish to see in this world. 

Though the war continues to threaten the lives of those who are forced to reside in Gaza, while people continue to live under constant threats of bombings, starvation, and missiles falling from the sky, we have become united. We have become a singularity of hope and healing for her and her family. Though we may not be able to change the world, we have the capability to change at least one family’s life in this world, and that’s what brings us together. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can help each other thrive even in the worst of times. Such forms of community and selfless acts of love bring us closer to God. 

So, I speak for both Maryam and myself when I say with utmost sincerity: this is our expression of gratitude, and this is our $1,000 thank you. 

Thank you, truly, from our hearts to yours, thank you for your donations. It has made a world of difference. 

Seth Pooler