Time to Say Goodbye - Issue 3

A special thanks to Mr. Tom O'Bryan and his student for sharing this true encounter the student had with Ebola.

“Hadi, come down here please!”, said my mom. My anger was clouding my judgment. I did not listen. I lived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, for nearly most of my life. It was home, and saying goodbye to home was really hard. My sister on the other hand, was fine moving to England, but I was not.

This treacherous Ebola virus is what instigated this move in the first place. For about a year we have been hearing news of the virus entering our beloved country, but until now we were safe. However, when it did enter our country, it spread like wildfire. Reports coming in of victims leaving hospitals, their loved ones stealing their bodies and sleeping near them, and the virus could not be contained. I knew it was really bad and I knew we had to leave, but I couldn't bring myself to do that; not yet.

This treacherous Ebola virus is what instigated this move in the first place. For about a year we have been hearing news of the virus entering our beloved country, but until now we were safe. However, when it did enter our country, it spread like wildfire. Reports coming in of victims leaving hospitals, their loved ones stealing their bodies and sleeping near them, and the virus could not be contained. I knew it was really bad and I knew we had to leave, but I couldn't bring myself to do that; not yet.

​In England, my sister and I went to a boarding school. At first, making friends was hard and adapting was even harder. I had a hard time in the first semester but the people there got me through it. After a goring, few weeks I was finally settling in. You could say I was like a ship lost at sea but I finally found land again. My teachers and friends were absolutely wonderful. I have finally embraced change. I felt needed, once again.

This chapter in my life changed the way I am. Before this roller coaster of a ride, I could not except change. I felt as if change was not necessary. Nevertheless, now I know there is no life without change. Every person goes through a time when, they have to say goodbye.