Another short story...

A MYSTERY GIFT

Ronald climb into his small single bed. He had already said good night to his mom and dad and getting a kiss on his forehead. He looks around his room like any 5 year old kids might do before they went to sleep. It seems like he is looking for something. There were his a big box filled with a lot of toys in the corner of his room. He keeps looking at his toys with a bright eyes. At that moment, his dad seems like observes and watch what Ronald doing from outside the door.

“Are you still worry about that?” asks his wife.

“Of course honey, no matter how hard I keep thinking about this, it somehow feels so suspicious. I think I’m going to meet the detective tomorrow” he said.

“Okay then, I hope it was just a prank” his wife added. However, she also very worried with the strange thing that her family has been  encountered.

Early morning, a detective got surprised by the bell sound disturb him from his deep sleep. He wonder who on earth that needs him in this  early morning. However, with a lazy moves, he open the door.

“Good morning, Mr.Griffin, I’m so sorry for disturbing you, but I really need your help this time” a thirty year old man standing in front of the door with anxious face.

“Alright, please come in first sir. What makes you looks so insecure? And..what is that?” the detective look at the big box that bought by the man.

“Well, this is what exactly where the problem begins sir” he started to tell the story.

“For two years, I have been receiving these toys and money every month, and there was no return address or name on it, and so I got kind of a freaked out.”

“Hmm..I see. By the way, could you introduce yourself first?”

“Oh sure, I’m sorry. I almost forget about that Mr.detective. My name is Finn Hudson. I’m a specialist doctor of surgery. Now, I live in apartment with my wife and my son”.

“Oh, so you have child already”

“Yes, a five year old son named Ronald. My son is very happy that he gets these toys, so I don’t think that I could taken away from him. Now, I don’t know what to do sir”

“Hmm...then what about the money? How much did this strange man send you?”

“I got a million every month, and including this month, the total is about 25 million”

“What? 25 million?!” the detective got surprised. However he thinks this is very strange. Because no one usually give money that much voluntarily unless he or she have certain intention.

“Do you really have no idea who has been sending this Mr.Hudson?”

“No sir, no matter how hard I try to figure out about that. Moreover, it’s getting more suspicious when I received a letter today. Here it is. Please take a look” Finn Hudson hand a detective a piece of paper. On the paper there were written a very strange message, it says

“I have finished paying the $25 million. In exchange, I will come and get it!”

                “I have absolutely no clue sir, it was very terrifying”. Mr.Hudson can’t stop being worried. Mr.Griffin keeps thinking. Then, he is checking the toys one by one.

            “Wait. Mr.Hudson, why all these toys has named on it? Mmm...Harry? Do you know who Harry is?”

            “Is it? I don’t even realize there were a name mark on it. And..Harry? I guess that name sounds familiar to me. But where did I hear it?” Ron’s dad wondering.

            “Oh, I see!” he finally remembered.

            “That was the name of the little boy who was became my patient 3 years ago. But it was very unfortunate that he was died when I did his surgery. It was because too late that the boy came to hospital. Wait. Is it possible these toys sent by his father? But what for? And I think the sender of the flowers in my hospital is from him too, but, but..why?”

            “You got flowers too?”

            “Yes, the flower being sent once a year to the hospital”

            “Mr.Hudson, could it be...when the kid was died 3 years ago, his father couldn’t accept the truth? I mean..that his son passed away?”

            “Well, now I that you mention it. He was actually felt very miserable, because Harry is his the only child. He did also questioning why the surgery failed at that time”.

The detective’s face looks not so good hearing the answer.

            “Sir, where is your son right now?!”

            “It’s around the time my wife picks him up from kindergarten Mr.Detective. But, what this is all about? Could it be...”

            “Go call your wife immediately sir, right now!” command the detective.

            “Al..alright sir.” Ron’s dad getting more panic.

From the phone, a woman voice clearly can be heard.

            “What are you talking about? So it wasn’t you?! But the teacher said that his father picked him up already!” the woman yelled and cried through the phone.

Mr.Hudson’s face suddenly turned pale, his body shaking and he cannot say a single word. His lips was locked.

***

            “Here you go dear, a present for you”. A fat man wearing a brown hat give a set of robotic toy to the little boy. The boy looks very happy receiving that.

            “Thank you uncle, are you really going to take me to a fun place after this?” asks the boy looks very excited.

            “Of course. I’ll take you right away” the man smile. But then he whisper to himself

            “I’ll take you to where my Harry is, little boy. Oh, Harry..I bet you were very sad being so alone. Don’t worry, daddy will send you a friend right away” he started to take out something sharpen from his pocket. It was a knife. It looks like the man is going to kill a little boy in front of him.

            When Ronald was busy with his robot, the man carefully approach him. When he is about to stab him, suddenly a very strong kick attack his back. He was crumbled but then he get up and directly grab Ronald on his arm.

            “Don’t move!” he warn two men in front of him.

            “If you dare take a step, you will know what I’m going to do with this child, right?!” he begins threat the detective and Ron’s daddy by showing his knife in his hand.

Strangely, Ronald seems not scared anymore. He doesn’t understand what is happening. Since he still kid, he thought that men around him are playing with him. He even very happy to see his dad.

            “Dad! Are you going to join us too?” ask Ronald still with a bright smile.

            “Sure dear, but before that is it okay for daddy to join you play with that uncle? Daddy will play as a policeman” he pretend to make role play in order his son doesn’t get scared.

            “Sure! I glad that you come along dad”.

Mr.Hudson only smile. However, he feel very nervous.

            “So, it was you Mr.Shue?”

            “Yes, it was me. I thought you forget me already, doctor. I’m the father of the child whom you killed 3 years ago”.

            “That surgery was not my failure sir, it was too late by the time he arrived at the hospital” Ron’s dad try to explain the accident 3 years ago.

            “Shut up! How would you know how it feels to have your five year old son killed?! The only thing left was his memories and his life insurance money of 25 million, and all of those are very worthless compare to my son.”

            “So, that is why you sent him that money?” ask the detective.

            “That’s right! I sent you the money and the toys that my son liked. Now, it’s your turn to experience how it feels to lose son” he smile wickedly.

            “Please sir, don’t do anything to my son! Kill me instead!” Ron’s dad begging.

            “Oh, I get it!” suddenly Ron yell and turn around.

            “So, you were the one who send me those present uncle?” Ron’s eyes staring at the man. He looks very innocent.

            “I can’t thank you enough uncle. I was very very happy! I play with them all the time” Ron suddenly hug the man. At that moment the man was very surprised, he suddenly remember his son’s face. A little kid who still very innocent. He feels his heart burn, and at the same time he is crying. He suddenly feels very evil and curse himself as a bad father. How could he please doing this? He is sure that Harry won’t ever like he become like this too.

            Finally, he put off his knife and keep crying while hugging Ronald.

            “Harry...Harry, forgive your dad dear..” he mourn.

            “What’s wrong uncle? Why are crying? Did my dad say something bad to you?” ask Ronald.

            “No, dear, not at all. It’s not your father fault. It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry dear, I’m so sorry..” he is very regretful.

            “Sorry for what uncle? You’re a kind man. You always send me a gift. No need to say sorry” the man, the detective and Ronald’s dad smile hearing Ron’s statement. They were touched.

            “Well, I will call the police” said the detective.

            “Wait Mr.detective. Please, don’t let the police know about this”

            “But he tried to..”

            “It doesn’t matter anymore sir. I forgive him already”

            “Mr.Shue, I just want to clarify that your statement before was wrong. I do understand how you feel sir. I’m not only a doctor, but I’m also a father” said Mr.Griffin to Harry’s dad.

***

Sorry for the late post.. :)

Eid ul Adha : The Story of Great Trial of Sacrifice

Eid ul Adha is one of the precious moment for all Moslem. This is the best moment for them to share, to sacrifice, and bring the happiness toward others. Even though most of Moslem have been waiting for the celebration of Eid ul Adha, we’re pretty sure that some of them don’t know yet about what is actually the spirit of Eid ul Adha, the story behind it, and why do Moslem  need to sacrifice certain animal to commemorate this? To answer those questions, you need to check this information!

The History of Eid ul Adha

The history behind Eid-ul-Adha follows the story of the faithful Prophet Abraham (R.A). He was instructed in a dream by Allah  to raise the foundations of  the holy Kaaba, a black stone, the most sacred Muslim shrine in Mecca. Immediately responding to the Lord’s call, Prophet Abraham (R.A)   set off for Mecca along with his wife and son, Ishmael. Prophet Abraham (R.A) had to face a lot of hardships in his way . However, he supplicated Allah’s commands uncomplaining. In a divine dream, he also saw himself sacrificing his son Ishmael for Allah’s sake. When he told this to Ishmael, the latter immediately asked his father to carry out Lord’s commands without faltering and assured that he was completely ready to give up his life for God. Abraham could not bear to watch his son die so he covered his eyes by a blindfold. When he cut Ishmael’s throat and removed the blindfold,   miraculously enough  he was astonished to see that Ishmael was unharmed and instead, he found a dead lamb  which was slaughtered, And this is what Abraham ultimately sacrificed.

In remembrance of this outstanding act of sacrifice (qurbani) by Prophet Abraham(R.A), people sacrifice a lamb, goat, ram or any other animal on Eid-ul-Adha and give the meat to friends, neighbors, relatives and the needy. People who are away from the holy pilgrimage, Hajj, also carry out this traditional sacrifice.

 The spirit of Eid ul Adha

The spirit of Eid ul Adha is a direct result of the amount of sacrifices we make prior to it. In other words, investing our time, money, and wealth translates into not only self-contentment but also to a successful and joyous Eid.Thus, it is not surprising that even though we do not put in as much effort as we should in the month of Ramadhan, the little that we do has an impact on ourselves and makes us feel deserving of celebration when Eid ul Adha comes around.

 Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

 What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?

 On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.

Finally, by knowing the spirit of Eid ul Adha, hopefully , we as a moslem are aware of the meaning of our sacrifice, and having an eagerness to help others so that they can also be joyous on this occasion of Eid.

“We wish you a  very happy and joyous Eid”

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The Importance of Writing Academics Articles for University Students

Writing is an essential element of a strong undergraduate education. It contains the necessary and innovative features for the students to develop their academic skills. Since most of university students are required to make thesis as their passing grade, automatically, they are demanded to have knowledge of writing as well. Therefore, the students need to practice their writing skills from the simple thing in advance. One of the easiest exercises is writing the academic article. Writing academic article is a good beginning for the students not only in improving their writing skills but also in developing their academic argument as well as in conveying their aspiration trough it.

First of all, we have to know why writing an academic article can improve the students writing skill. Writing an academic article is not that easy as everyone can do it. However this is also not too difficult for university students to begin with. The main important thing that the students should know is the basic concept of writing. They should be able to organize good sentences so that they are able to make well organize article. In doing this process, the students should have a lot of vocabularies knowledge and mastering certain aspect like grammar and structure. Thus, by writing an academic article, the students are triggered to learn on how they can develop their vocabularies and making some ideas based on grammatical rule and well structured sentences. Finally, when they have those abilities already, their writing skill will be improved and getting better step by step.  

Second of all, writing an academic article also helps students to develop their academic arguments. In writing articles, the students not only expected to give their own opinion about certain issue, or showing their idea without logical analysis. That is why, they are also demanded to have ability in exploring their ideas and analyze an issue critically. Under this condition, it triggers the students to gain information as much as possible from many literatures, books, or other beneficial resources. They read a lot so that they have expansion of knowledge and finally, they are able to show their ideas and opinion intelligibly.

 Last but not least, writing academic article can be an appropriate media for the students to convey their aspirations. Since university students tend to like criticize something, writing an academic article is a smart way for the students to express their opinion and criticized certain phenomenon around them. For example, when they want to criticize government policy about education, they can express their feeling appropriately trough writing an article about education.  Instead of doing demonstration which cause a chaos, articles is more acceptable for society or government to get the message and values of what the students want to deliver so that government and society are aware of what exactly happened in their circumstances.

In conclusions, writing academic articles is a good way to get students to expand their knowledge, to improve their writing skill, to think seriously about the meanings of common elements in daily life and to frame academic discussion around them.