Lost Families – Abdikarim Ahmed Abdikarim is gone

The headlines screamed at me, “Murder Suspect freed: ‘It’s like he died again.” Below the title of the front page article is a photo of a woman weeping. I gulped when I looked at the headline and also read the story. I feel their deep grief. What can we do to let these folks know that we care?

Abdikarim Ahmed Abdikarim is gone. He was 18 years old when he died on March 14, 2008. Two security cameras caught his assailant firing shot after shot into him. The shadows covered the murderer’s face – just enough that this past week the Crown Attorney had to let the suspects go free. Everything points to their guilt – there is not enough hard evidence to convict them. So they are free and Abdikarim Ahmed Abdikarim is gone and the Abdikarim family has been destroyed.

The Abdikarim family came to Canada from what I have gleaned in 1989. They joined us to make Canada better. Knowing a little of their country of origin’s history – I am assuming they came to be safe. They came to enjoy a life that would be free of oppression.

I have had flash backs as I have followed this story.

We lived and worked in Scarborough, Ontario one point in our lives. We were right in the middle of the horror that was developing. I witnessed the ethnic hatred between people groups from afar. They not only brought their suitcases filled with what little “home stuff” they could bring along – but often brought their ancient hatreds. This was not done intentionally – it just happens. It is part of family unfortunately.

I have watched so many tears fall in the court hallways as young boys are trapped with their parents in the Canadian Maze of justice.

The Abdikarim family have been there in their new setting. Their son is gone… and now the killer is not known.

Most Canadians will be now waiting for the next headline of the next Big Story. The Abdikarim family are not waiting – they are reliving and reliving and never moving on… at least for a long, long time.

The Abdikarim family is a victim of crime. And with that simple knowledge WE AS CANADIANS – need to be aware. No it is not Victim’s Awareness Week – some time set aside to think about them. This is every day – every week – every year – from now on.

I will think of the Abdikarim family a lot in the days to come. I will pray for them and not forget Abdikarim.

~ Murray Lincoln ~
www.murraylincoln.com