Papa's 85 today!

My darling Papa is 85 today! What a guy!
Papa had a hard time during the Algerian war against the French. (1954-1962)
Our farm was used as a meeting place for the Freedom fighters. The French authorities got to know about it, but although none of the fighters was caught, Papa ended up in concentration camps at the edge of the Sahara for about three years and then exiled from our "départment" for another three.
My mother, bless her soul looked after us five kids with my eldest brother's help.
When Algeria got its independence, Papa came back home. I was too young to understand what he had gone through. Seven ribs broken during interrogation, a back that is still black and blue after all these years and untold psychological trauma
He went back to his job as ambulance driver at the local hospital and worked there until his retirement.
The gentlest person I have ever had the pleasure to know, Papa has always got time for people especially children. He always keeps a supply of sweeties in his pocket to hand out to our young neighbours.
I honestly cannot recall hearing him complain about anything.
Well, actually maybe once. At the end of lunch one day he said to my mother: "You should use less oil in the cooking."

Nowadays he spends his days meditating at the local mosque* or going for gentle strolls around our small town where everyone knows and respects him.

Have a great day, mate.

*A funny anecdote


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