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What gives you hope?

For many refugees rebuilding their lives in Washington, the answer is simple: their kids.

Photo: Gillian Peckham/̽����ѡ

Asha is the mother of three young girls and this year she celebrates her first Mother’s Day in the United States. She and her husband, Abdihakim, are from Somalia. After fleeing violence in their home country, they spent 10 years in exile before having the chance to come to Seattle in October 2016.

Asha’s journey hasn’t been easy. Her eldest daughter, Sabrin, was born with cerebral palsy, and lack of access to medical care in the early years of her life negatively impacted her health and development. To Asha, nothing is more important than her kids’ wellbeing. “My children are like my body,” says Asha. “If they feel pain, I feel pain; when they are happy, I am happy.”

Photo: Gillian Peckham/̽����ѡ

Asha is her children’s biggest advocate and she is grateful that Sabrin now has access to quality healthcare. Asha attends all of Sabrin’s frequent appointments and manages her care, while also looking after 3-year-old Ismihaan and 2-year-old Salma. Abdihakim marvels at his wife’s ability to care for their family with such grace and positivity: “She always has a smile on her face. I am happy when I look at her.”

Mother’s Day, the holiday, is not celebrated in Somalia. While the holiday is new, Asha doesn’t find motherhood in the US to be all that different than in her home country: “Mom is mom. In Somalia, I am mom. In America, I am mom.” No matter where she is or what challenges she faces, Asha’s kids remain her number one priority.  

Many refugee parents, like Asha and Abdihakim, have overcome extraordinary circumstances to give their children something we all strive for: the opportunity to live a healthy life, free from harm.

“We love this country. We are so happy we are here,” says Abdihakim.

We are happy you are here, too. Happy Mother’s Day, Asha!