Because the hospital itself was - and is - under threat, he was transported to another nearby country, where the original diagnosis was modified. He would not become a quadraplegic – merely a paraplegic.

He is 20 years old and the primary support of his mother, brother, sister and their families.

Other people, in a distant land not involved in the conflict, heard of the story and offered help. Messages were exchanged. Government officials contacted. Medical specialists consulted – all to no avail. The single bullet had severed the spinal cord and as yet, there is no known medical surgical remedy. Perhaps, the government of this distant land may contribute a wheel chair and maybe even some funds to pay for rehabilitation therapy. Perhaps – but such decisions must go through the proper channels.

Meanwhile, in the expectation that the government of the distant land might help, the family went to see him in the nearby land to wish him well on his journey to recovery.

Their house was empty while they were visiting him – so it was called abandoned and unoccupied. Therefore, it was destroyed.

Just one story among many. Not unusual. Not important – except to those who know it – and endure it – daily.

Paul V. Rafferty