III
Preface
For Whom the Bell Tolls
We never know what it feels like to be with the Good Lord
where we have no more earthly care to worry about. I hope,
somehow, those who have left us to be with Him can see or
know that their past concerns are addressed their wishes
have been fulfilled.
What was worrying our beloved Abi at the last session in
the hospital consulting room, at the royal Preston Hospital,
Avondale unit where we were sitting for group discussion?
I clearly remember what the Psychiatrist said, “ I
am afraid your son’s case does not fit into a British
Black or a British white mental illness category”.
I can just remember my son abruptly getting up very angry
and rushing to the door, opening it and turning towards
me before walking out. I can still hear him saying “
You are wasting your time, Emamma, this people are dummies.
I have repeatedly told you that they do not understand my
case. I think that, if I ever get healed, I will help other
victims like myself. It will only be someone like me who
has been through such illness that can help those in similar
circumstances”. He was not only concerned for himself
but for all other in similar circumstances. He obviously
had a burning desire to be in a position to help those victims
of political conflict, political imprisonment, displacement
and other human suffering such as escapees, like himself,
from enforced conscription.
In today’s world we are told that some 20 or more
wars officially or unofficially go on in different parts
of the world. Therefore, there must surely be more and more
Abi’s whose pain, agony and depression and other related
mental health problems are not understood or dismissed by
the ordinary mental health services and psychiatrists.
Abi, very unfortunately, has suddenly chosen to leave us
by taking his own life. We will always feel hurt and up-set
and cherish his memory whenever we think how much pain,
agony and suffering have caused this action. But we can
still save many of them who are in his ?category’.
We, as a family, have felt committed to his cause. Within
our limitation we can, at least, address his concern by
setting up a Trust to help carry out research which will
result in attention being given and focusing on victims
of wars, political conflicts, political imprisonment, enforced
conscriptions and displacement as well as any direct or
indirect problems related to these situations.
Abi, who has enabled this concern to be addressed, is challenging
us today. May God help us to voice his grievances, be advocates
for his cause and promote ideas to challenge the mental
health institutions and psychiatrists, at all level, to
listen to voices of such victims and not be dismissive as
Abi’s Psychiatrists were. In his death he challenges
us alltoday, as we set up this Trust for all the neglected
and misunderstood thousands whose human rights agendas had
never been addressed in any meaningful way. Abi challenges
us even in his death. May God almighty let him know that
even though he is gone those who have suffered like him
will get a relief in the future- however few or however
many. May God make Abi’s dream a reality then for
him the bells will toll to congratulate him for including
us in his endeavor.
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