The drive was long and slow. I was being driven from downtown Toronto to the airport. And it was rainy. My driver was on time and spoke with an accent. Most times, I sit quietly and watch the world pass by but on that morning, I engaged the driver in Conversation, by asking where he was born. From then on until I got out of the car, we talked. I asked question after question. And the time just flew by.
He was born in Iran but emigrated to Toronto after he graduated from University. He could see no future in Iran. That was 1990 and he was 24. He spoke not much English but eventually opened a successful Pizza restaurant. And he thrived. He married a lady in Iran, an arranged marriage, and they moved to Toronto. Their only daughter, who is now 23, was born in Toronto. She has just graduated from University and is organizing for graduate school. My driver and his wife are separated.
The year before Covid he sold his business and started driving for a company. He said that he was trying to figure out what to do next. But Covid came and no one needed to be driven anywhere, so he decided to visit his Mother and Father in Iran just to spend time with them and help them at home. He was pleased he was there because when he was home, his father died so he helped his Mother.
The day he was coming home to Canada was the day that the protests began in Iran. He was fortunate he got out when he did. All internet communication has been cut off. Also telephones too so he has not spoken to his Mother since he was home. She is an older lady who mostly stays at home so she is safe but several hundred people have died in the protests.
The conversation was interesting and I was delighted to hear first hand about the situation in Iran. Incidentally, he does not believe the government will fall but he thinks they will make changes. We will see.
No comments:
Post a Comment