3September2010 Harami

She screamed "Harami!" over and over while running frantically down the road.  Cars stopped, neighbors peered out of windows, shop owners rushed into the street wondering what in the world was going on.  She looked back to make sure her children were staying on the sidewalk but continued running until she reached the corner.  "HARAMI!" one last time but it was too late.  He was gone with her purse and house keys.  A lady, completely unknown to her, stopped.  "Get in!" she said, "We will go catch him together."  But she couldn't leave her children.  Her children!  She looked back and an elderly neighbor was holding their hands, comforting them, giving them candy.

A shop owner, the man she had just purchased vegetables from, flew past her, taking up the chase.  She was tired, scared, angry, yes, very angry but there was something else....what was it....gratitude.  Kindness in the midst of chaos.  She walked back to the store and collected her children.  A stranger had picked up the bag of vegetables that fallen to the ground when her purse was ripped from her hand.  Her little girl was crying.  Scared of being along, scared of mommy yelling and running after the man, just scared.  The little boy was oblivious, someone had given him a water balloon to play with.

She went to a friends house and used their cell phone to call her husband.  Through gasps of breath and gut wrenching sobs she recanted the events but instantly she felt better.  His voice helped and he was coming.

"Harami" is the arabic word for thief and today D used it fluently when a robber grabbed her purse and ran.  In a flash she experienced a flood of emotions but the one thing that overshadowed them all was Providence.  Yes, she lost the equivalent of $8 and a set of keys to a lock that cost $4 to replace but she gained so much more.  A new appreciation for our community.  For strangers that without hesitation come to the rescue of someone in need.  For neighbors whose first priority was protecting her and her children.  For chilvalrous men indignant at the thought of someone mistreating THEIR guests.  For street cleaners that thought nothing of tackling a thief and calling authorities.  For police that were there in a flash and had the guy handcuffed and in the back of the car.  For a husband who made everything better with just a hug.  For a Father that, through love and supreme wisdom, allowed this all to take place.  The Harami didn't get her money and certainly did not steal her joy.  We are thanking God for that tonight!