The Kindness That Healed Me: Finding Family in America
How one woman’s journey from Afghanistan led her to unexpected love, support, and belonging in the heart of Ohio.
When I first arrived in America from Afghanistan with my children, my heart was heavy with uncertainty. I was escaping not only war and trauma but also years of feeling isolated, judged, and afraid. I had no idea what to expect. I feared rejection. I feared loneliness. I feared that, once again, I would feel like an outsider with no one to trust.
But instead, something extraordinary happened. The people I met welcomed me with open arms, without judgment or hesitation. I was embraced not just by a new country, but by its people—kind, generous, and full of love. Among them was a woman named Ruth, who became like family to me. Ruth’s compassion, her consistent presence, and her genuine heart have been a source of healing in my life.
She has shown love to me and to my children in ways that are hard to put into words. From the very beginning, Ruth treated us as equals—not as strangers, not as refugees, but as human beings deserving of dignity and care. She listened to my stories, encouraged my dreams, and stood beside me in moments when I felt I couldn’t stand alone. She made sure I never felt left behind.
Ruth became more than a friend. She became a sister, a guide, a light in the dark. She helped me navigate a world that was so new to me—teaching me about the culture, helping me with my English, showing me how to access support systems, and simply being present. Her kindness reminded me that good people exist everywhere, and that love does not depend on race, nationality, or religion.
Living in America, I realized that discrimination is not universal. Here, I have felt seen. I have felt respected. I have found community, not separation. I have met people who don’t just tolerate differences—they celebrate them. And Ruth is the best example of that.
What makes Ruth’s kindness even more powerful is how consistent and natural it is. She never asks for anything in return. She shows up, time after time, just to be there for me and my children. Whether it’s helping us find a soccer field, inviting us for community events, or just listening when I need someone to talk to—Ruth is always there.
I know not everyone gets to experience this level of love and support after moving to a new country, and that’s why I feel incredibly blessed. Ruth has helped me rebuild my self-confidence. She has shown my children what it means to be valued and loved, even by someone outside our family. Because of her, I feel less alone. I feel hopeful.
If you are reading this and wondering whether your kindness matters—believe me, it does. Small actions can change lives. Ruth’s example has inspired me to offer the same love and support to others, especially to other women who come from situations like mine. I want to pass on the light she gave me.
To Ruth, and to the people like her who show compassion without condition: thank you. You have made America not just a place to live, but a place to heal, grow, and thrive. You have reminded me that, no matter how far we travel, kindness is a language we all understand—and it can feel just like home.
“Today, I can confidently say that America has become my second home—a place where kindness and humanity have helped heal the wounds of my heart and given me and my children hope for a brighter future.Here, not only did we find an opportunity for growth, but we also learned valuable lessons about life and love.
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Comments (2)
God truly sends the right people at the right time - Ruth was a beautiful example of that.
Thanking God for his light that shines into our lives. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 16 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) شما نور دنیا هستید. نمی توان شهری را که بر کوهی ساخته شده است، پنهان کرد. ۱۵ هیچ کس چراغ روشن نمی کند که آن را زیر سرپوش بگذارد، بلکه آن را بر چراغ دان قرار می دهد تا به تمام ساکنان خانه نور دهد. ۱۶ پس بگذارید نور شما همینطور در برابر مردم بدرخشد تا کارهای نیک شما را ببینند و پدر آسمانی شما را تمجید نمایند