“I just want you to know that I’m alive because of you.”

A few weeks ago, I sat in a nearby coffee shop to journal, and I struck up a conversation with my server, Vigan. 

He asked me where I was from, and when I told him the US, he started to tell me all about his love for New York City and 90s rap music. 

He was so exuberant and engaging. He explained how he works 2 jobs to pay his rent and also to help out his mom. 

Then he got super serious. 

“I just want you to know I’m alive because of you.” 

I looked at him, surprised. 

”My mom was pregnant with me in 1999 during the war, and she might not have survived if the US had not intervened.

Thank you so much. We are so grateful for you, and I can never tell you that enough.” 

Looking at him, I was close to tears. I had nothing to do with that decision, and yet because I’m an American, he is thanking me for his very life 26 years later. 

There are some things I don’t always love about America, but moments like this make me so proud. Because no matter what, we are a country that’s always been largely full of loving, generous people who try to do right by others. I don’t care what side of the aisle you’re on, I still believe one thing to be true: there are generous people in both camps. I know this because I know you personally. 

But I also think there’s something important we need to remember: Our decisions make a difference. Our choices to help those who are being persecuted or killed or harmed make a difference. And our indifference makes a difference as well. 

“My mom always told me that America saved us and that if I ever see an American, I should talk to them and thank them 100 times. 

We can never repay what you’ve done for us. Really. You simply have my gratefulness. Thank you, Thank you. I hope God blesses America.” 

I was fighting back tears by the end of my conversation with Vigan, and I asked him if I could take a photo with him and share his story with you all. 

“As long as you tell them, ‘He is breathing because of America.’” he said. 

The future could have gone quite differently for Vigan and his mother.  I’m so glad it didn’t.