Immigrant’s story warmed reader’s heart

The well-written true story of Fred Abdnour's journey from Syria to the United States via Mexico and Canada warmed my heart ('An immigrant's story,” July 8). It had such a happy ending, with Abdnour finally reunited with his mom and officially becoming a U.S. citizen.

I was moved, in a positive way, by the actions of his mother, the Mexican family who brought him to Texas, his uncle who brought him to Cedar Rapids, the Rev. Joseph Kacere, State Sen. Frank C. Byers, real estate broker John B. Finney and U.S. Rep. Cyrenus Cole.

I also was inspired by Judge Thomas B. Powell's favorable ruling, as well as the help received from attorney B.D. Silliman to reach the French Consul in Canada where he received his passport which allowed his re-entry to the U.S. He also thanked The Gazette where a reporter had written of the family's situation. Rev. Kacera had informed The Gazette of Abdnour's problem.

The only person I didn't feel admiration for was the 'someone” who 'reported the family to immigration authorities.”

Sue Dirks

Marion