A Greeting That Saved Agha Bozorg’s Life

Back when Agha Bozorg was stronger and could walk, he used to go on foot to the neighborhood bakery once or twice a week in the morning. He’d get some exercise and bring home fresh bread. Sometimes he took me with him. I remember how warmly he greeted everyone on the way, even people begging at the side of the street. Once he asked me, “Why didn’t you say hello to that poor man when we passed him?” “I didn’t have any money in my pocket, Agha Bozorg. I was embarrassed to go near him.” “Kindness doesn’t always mean money. Even a greeting and asking how he is might lift his spirits more.” Then he told me a story. “When I was younger, I worked in a large ice-making and water-purification plant. It was part of a bigger factory with many workers and employees. “One afternoon, after I’d finished work, I went into the cold room to check the temperature. I wanted to make sure the refrigeration hadn’t stopped and the ice wouldn’t melt before we returned the next day. But I was careless, though I don’t know why. The door closed, and I was trapped. “I shouted, pounded on the door, and called for help, but no one heard me. Almost all the workers had gone home. I was terrified. I was sure I wouldn’t survive until morning. “I don’t know exactly how long it was. Hours later, when I had almost no strength left and my teeth were clenched from shivering so hard, the door opened. I could hardly believe it. The factory’s old guard called my name. “I threw myself into his arms. ‘Thank you for saving me! I was trapped. But how did you know? Everyone had gone, and checking this room isn’t part of your rounds.’ “Do you know what he said? “‘I’ve worked at this factory for more than thirty-five years. Hundreds of workers and employees come and go every day. But you were one of the few who said hello and good morning to me every day, and goodbye and have a good evening when you left. So many others passed as if I didn’t exist. “‘I heard you say hello this morning, but I never heard you say goodbye. “‘I got worried and searched everywhere until I found you here.’” That day, Agha Bozorg survived because every day he’d made someone else’s day brighter with a simple kindness. Let’s be kind to the people around us. Let’s care for them and treat them with respect. Let’s try to leave even a small, positive mark on the lives of friends and strangers alike. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Long live Iran. Long live the Shah.