Our dear friend Prof. Adugnaw Worku has lost his beloved father late last month. The loss of a parent is one of the most devastating things that could happen to any one. But what makes Prof. Adugnaw’s grief more bitter is the fact that he could not be in person at home in Ethiopia to bid his father the last goodbye because of his strong stand against the Woyanne regime’s human rights atrocities. There are countless other Ethiopians who have faced the same situation — the distinguished Ethiopian artist Ato Tamagne Beyene, to mention one. He, too, had to say goodbye to his father from 15,000 miles away. Such are sacrifices paid by true sons of Ethiopia who stand up for the their people.
In memory of his father, Prof. Adugnaw has a written a 5-page captivating story entitled “The Patriotic Farmer.” It is a story that should be read to every Ethiopian child in every school through out Ethiopia, because it represents our grandfathers who kept a united, free Ethiopia. Click here to read [pdf, Amharic].
(Prof. Adugnaw can be reached at aworku@puc.edu)
Listen below one of his poems:
FORUM | 6 Comments
Prof. Adugnaw,
The moral strength of your father is reflected in your character where readers can infer his stamina, endurance and wisdom. May his soul rest in peace
WM
[Reply]
May 5th, 2009 at 2:37 AM
It is a very touching story. The good news is there are countless patriot Ethiopians just like your father who are fighting at this very moment to get rid of this repressive regeme, and no doubt in the end they will be victorious. At this point in time our country is being tested in fire just like gold and she will come out stronger and united. And we the diaspora citizens have to form a united front and fight hard to shorten the suffering of our people. The only reason weyane is still in power is, we are divided and became intolerant to one another or one group to another and couldn’t fight as one people. It is very pathetic we give priority to our own self or group’s interest ahead of the very existence of the country.
[Reply]
May 5th, 2009 at 10:02 AM
May god comfort you in your time of sorrow
[Reply]
May 5th, 2009 at 12:09 PM
I like what George said above.We need to start realizing we are all in this together.All this judgemental attitude should stop and should start uniting.The way I see it we are divided by income status , educational status , age , sex , recreational behaviors , time spent outside the country and so on.It needs to stop right away for the good of all.
[Reply]
May 5th, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Dear Professor,
I’m so sorry to hear the death of your arbegna (patriotic) father, and because of the bad political situations in Ethiopia, you were also unable to be with him to close his eyes and say “goodbye” to him. Death at this age is natural and a blessing, but your absence when he dies will haunt you for a long time because you were unable to hear his last words to you, his well-educated, beloved, and successful son, his pride and the fruit of his hard work.
What is death? Death is separation, so when we left our country, we died even though we claim we are alive.
May the Almighty God comfort you and your family!
[Reply]
May 6th, 2009 at 12:25 AM
May his soul rest in Peace.
Great story,
Thank you Prof Adugnaw Worku
[Reply]
May 6th, 2009 at 1:23 PM