Somewhere in Bolivia, 1966

My dearest Aliusha, Camilo, Celita and Tatico,

I write to you from far away and in great haste, which means I can’t tell you about my latest adventures. It’s a pity, because I’ve met some very interesting friends through Pepe Caiman. Another time …

Right now I want to tell you that I love you all very much and I remember you always, along with mama, although the younger ones I almost only know through photos, as they were very tiny when I left. In a minute I’m going to get a photo taken so that you know how I look these days – a little bit older and uglier.

This letter should arrive about the time Aliusha has her sixth birthday, so may it serve to congratulate her and hope that she has a happy birthday.

Aliusha, you should study hard and help your mother in everything you can. Remember, you are the oldest.

Camilo, you should swear less as in school you shouldn’t speak like that and you have to learn what is appropriate. Celita, help your grandmother around the house as much as you can and continue being as sweet as when we said goodbye – do you remember? How could you not. Tatico, you should grow and become a man so that later we’ll see what you make of yourself. If imperialism still exists, we’ll set out to fight it. If it is finished, you, Camilo and I will take a vacation on the moon.

Give a kiss from me to your grandparents, to Miriam and her baby, to Estela and Carmita, and here’s an elephant-sized kiss from …

Papa

Unfortunately, he never had this vacation on the moon. And imperialism still exists.

Why? Probably because he was taken away so early and not too many men like him came around.

Ernesto "Che" Guevara died on the eve of a crucial year in the second half of the twentieth century, 1968, when for the first time everything seemed possible, and for the first time the youth of a large slice of the world engaged in short-lived but far-reaching revolts that "Che", more than anyone else, would come to personify.

"Che" Guevara’s death gave meaning to his life. Without his execution at the hands of Lieutenant Mario Teran in the dark and damp schoolroom at La Higuera, he would still have achieved epic feats and lived a glorious life, but his face would not appear on millions of T-shirts decades later.

He never asked for it. All he wanted was freedom and equality.

Was it too much to ask for?

I guess back then it was too much. And today it’s even more.

Revolutionary greeting.

When You Thought Forrest Was Dumb

And look at what he's achieved. What you never thought of. He's achieved what the brightest people with the highest IQ's could never achieve.

Was it just a movie? Maybe. But at least it was a good message.

A true masterpiece written by novelist Winston Groom and then adapted for the screen by screenwriter Eric Roth. Directed by Robert Zemeckis. And one of the greatest acting performances of all time by Tom Hanks. Two thumbs up.

Forrest Gump was released in 1994 for eternity. A 142 minute journey of a man who was slow in the head, who knew how to love and to whom life opened its arms wide open.

Do you want to know why I'm writing about "Forrest Gump"? No. Not because if feel like him. Sigh.

Yesterday I watched it for the 42nd time. Yeah. You heard me well. 42 times.

When I first watched it in 1994 I knew I was going to watch it many more times. Therefore I started counting. Oops. I think I am like Forrest Gump after all.

Forrest loved Jenny Curran (played by Robin Wright Penn). Remember?

"Run Forrest. Run.

They had a son together also called Forrest. One of the best scenes? When Forrest Senior knew about Forrest Junior. He had tears in his eyes and asked Jenny:

"Is he ...

He wanted to ask Jenny if Forrest Junior was quick and not slow like him. Waw.

Even more. Forrest was a Vietnam hero. A ping pong champion. A millionaire. He ran across the United States. To count just a few.

But.

He still thought Apple Inc. was a fruit supplier when he received a letter from them and their logo was on top of it.

Finally. I just want to remind you about what Mrs. Gump (played by Sally Field) always told her son Forrest:

"Life is like a box of chocolate,
You never know what you're gona get.

No. I'm not at the Kodak theatre in Hollywood presenting an academy award. I wish though.

Guys. It might be bitter today but sweet tomorrow.

Run ... Run.

It's Been 25 Years

People had tears in their eyes when they first saw him (my sister was one of them). It's been 25 years since he last came here.

Yes. You heard me well. A quarter of a century.

One of those people who devoted their lives for a cause: the freedom and independence of his country. Respect.

A true revolutionary. Listed by his enemies on top of their assassination list. They tried to kill him numerous times. And they failed.

I was so happy to see him about one month ago in Jordan. When we separated, I asked myself if I would ever see him again. How many occasions could possibly come up? Not too many. If not at all.

A month later, my mother tells me that he's here. Waw.

He had left the country for some political reasons and came back, 25 years later, for the purpose of his good old memories. One of his first destinations: the American University of Beirut. Where the whole journey started.

This man who can barely hear (because of his enemies' determination to have him killed) has an ocean of feelings and memories inside. He's been to some places.

He has made history for himself, his family and his country. There are not many men like him around. He deserves a 24 hour standing ovation. It's my honor to be related to him.

I'll see you soon Bassam.

Independence and prosperity to the Palestinian people. Your lifetime cause.

Peace on earth.