This day 20years ago my destiny switched lanes. I would have been a Major or Colonel in the Cameroon armed force if thisday had not existed 20 years ago. I was considered a ruffian, a headstrong(stronghead) and disobedient child by everyone except one person who ceased to be this day 20 years ago. He would tell me “Daddy (my pet name), you are my son so let no one put your back to the ground. Even if it means fighting to stay up, keep on fighting because you make me proud when I hear no one can beat you in Atuakom quarter, but! be careful”. When he lifted me up, as a child, his hands shook with strength and I knew, in the deepest parts of my heart, that I am safe even as he threw me way up into the sky. When he scolded at me for my ever-so-many-wrongs all I saw in his eyes was love and the promise for a better tomorrow for me. This day 20years ago my path into the future was blasted by a land mine in Cambodia, and I had to start from afresh tracing a new course to follow. My compass was taken away from me at high sea this day 20 years ago. My torch was snatched from me at the darkest hour. I stopped being ruff, headstrong and disobedient because my protector and guide was no longer by me this day 20 years ago. My shoulders dropped, my head fell and my pride & energy were taken away this day 20 years ago. I became a different person with the same name but different energy or no energy at all this day 20 years ago. Humbled by death. My focus of becoming an army captain was blurred when my father image (NiAbram) disappeared from the radar.Every day I see how children’s lives are devastated by useless wars, as mine was this day 20 years ago. And they say “…Airforce Captain NDI CHO Abrahams… died during military operations with the united nations PEACEKEEPERS during the 1992-93 united nations transitional authority in Cambodia”. I have never had peace since the 5th of September 1993 because my light was taken away from me and I am groping in the dark. He was only 38 when he taken away this day 20 years ago. I thought my tears would one day stop, but today I know these tears remind me of him and make me strong for those who look up to me as I looked up to him. Could someone say a short prayer for all those children who are groping in the dark because of no cause of theirs? Could someone say a small word of encouragement in their heart for those struggling to stand up after being pushed down below ground level? Could someone join me in praying for the soul of my Father, Uncle, Friend and Guide CAPTAIN NDI CHO ABRAHAMS? He was my age today, 20 years ago, when my light was switched off. (every fool knows the rules, only the wise can see the exceptions) ABANDA JONES BAHFRI Esq INSPECTEUR ENQUETEUR DIRECTION GENERALE DES IMPOTS, DIVISION DES ENQUETES ET DU CONTROLE FISCAL, BRIGADE DES ENQUETES FISCALES. YAOUNDE, CAMEROUN 237 7767 42 09 http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mbudca_global/conversations/messages/8243