Graduation Day

Hi, my name is Rachel--and no, I'm not Jewish, though it wouldn’t bother me; people make that mistake all the time, because of my physical features and my name.  But there is one real Jewish student in my class, and that's Ruth.  She's cool.  I'm a student at St. Mary's Catholic School on the west side of the city.  I'm 10 and graduated two weeks ago from the 5th Grade, which means that next term I'll be in Middle School, which for the Diocese is 6th through 8th grades.  The Bishop thinks that 5th Grade is far enough to take Elementary School, and am I ever glad.

Allie--that's my best friend--and I were co-Valedictorians and were supposed to give a short speech at graduation that evening at the church.  We were gathered in our school that day to attend a special lunch that the cafeteria workers were preparing to mark the occasion.  The lunch was at eleven and it was just eight thirty when Sister Catherine started talking to us about how to act at graduation that night.  Like we don't already know how to behave: don't whisper, don't pass notes, don't pick your nose, and on and on.  I mean, we're not stupid.  But Allie is crazy about Sister Catherine, thinks maybe she'll become a nun when she grows up.

Everyone was dressed up for the special lunch. The food is pretty good at St. Mary's--for a grade school.  When we get into Middle School, then we can have burgers and fries, but for now we're stuck with mashed potatoes and roast beef and, of course, green beans.  If you ask me, I'm not looking forward to the change.  I'm sitting there checking everybody out, then remember to check my cell in with Sister.  Despite all the shooter drills and stuff at the public schools, violent incidents almost never happen at parochial schools and we aren't allowed to hold onto our cells during class, except during recess and at lunch.  Just then Allie walks into class and plumps down next to me.  I ask her if she wrote her speech yet, for tonight.

"Piece of cake," she replies.  She is so smart.  Even though we are co-valedictorians, she is way smarter than me.  I'm good at Math and Science, but Allie is an absolute genius and writing and speaking in public.  My Dad says Allie is going to be a U.S. Senator when she grows up, but my Mom says Allie can do way better than that!  She was still excited from the week before: to celebrate finishing first in our class, her parents bought her a puppy! A full blooded Basset Hound, with papers and everything.  I am so jealous.  My folks said we can't afford one right now; we don't have much money and receive a special parish subsidy to pay for my tuition.  Mom says to keep my grades up, else I'll lose the subsidy and then have to go to public school.  Ugh!  I suppose that Allie's family is well off; besides, she's an only child and my folks have three other kids besides me.

"You got your speech written yet, Rach?" ask Allie.  I frown, twist my lips.

"I'm working on it," I tell her.  She looks knowingly at me.

"You want I should come over to your house after lunch and help out?" I dissolve into a big smile.  Like I said, Allie is my best friend.

Out in the hallway there is a weird sound, like a cap gun exploding:

Pop!

Pop!

Pop!

It sounds just like the toy pistol my brother Franklin plays with.  Mom won't let him take it outside the house because she's afraid it will make other people nervous.  People in here are nervous now.  I look at Allie and then we stare at Sister, who looks really upset.

"Stay where you're at, children," she commands, then advances to the exit and turns the lock over.  Even through the locked door we can hear students running through the halls and shouting.  "Follow me!" she says calmly, but there is an edge to her voice.  She leads us back through the cloak closet and to a room that's used to store overhead projectors and DVDs and other AV stuff.  She reaches inside and fumbles for a second with the light switch, then stands aside and we precede her into the room.

She pushes the door shut, locks it and says, "Don't make a sound!" We stand around until Sister tells us to sit along the walls that are out of the line of sight of the door, so bullets won't get us.  Hurriedly, we comply.  God, what's going on? I wonder. Suddenly a girl starts sobbing loudly, but Sister silences her with a hand on her shoulder.  Through the closed door we hear more gunfire, closer now than before. Sister Catherine extinguishes the overhead light.  Moments later there is a loud crash against the door and someone is shouting.  This is too much: some of the other kids begin to whimper.  It doesn't matter now, he knows we're in  here.  We can't hide. 

Bullets rip through the wooden door, exploding into the opposite wall.  A calendar on the wall flutters to the floor. Allie reaches out and grips my hand.  I hold on tight.  But the door holds; that is, until the shooter unleashes a cluster of shots around the lock, splintering the wood.  With a crash the door flies open.  We sit, breathlessly, in the darkness, afraid to make a sound.  The light from the other room illuminates the shooter, first his arm as he reaches in to grope for the light switch, and then his face and torso as he calmly enters our hiding place.  Clutched in his hands is an assault rifle.

I recognize him!  I don't know his name, but I've seen him before, on the campus of the High School.  And he looks so calm.  I thought he would be a seething, snorting dragon of a creature, but he's only a kid.  And I can tell that Sister is reacting the same way.  Almost as if she wants to ask to see his hall pass.  Sister speaks first.

"Bradley....?  The shooter grins and winks at Sister and then shoots her in the chest.  Sister Catherine folds up like a toy balloon and crumples to the floor.  Allie lets go of my hand, jumps to her feet.

"Sister!" she shouts, after which the shooter fires into Allie's body--twice.  Like Sister, she tumbles to the floor.  I feel dizzy, as if nothing is real anymore, and am about to pass out when Delmar, the class dweeb, rises to his feet.  He's out of the shooter's line of sight and so the killer can't see Delmar as he draws a pistol from his jacket, points it at the shooter, and squeezes the trigger.  The shooter's whole head is vaporized and for an insane moment he continues standing there, gun in hand.  Then, like Sister Catherine and Allie, he slips to the floor and drops straight to hell.

 
Epilogue

 
That was two weeks ago.  Everyone skipped graduation; we got our diplomas in the mail.  The Diocese said that all the schools must begin active shooter drills as soon as classes resume.  It still doesn't seem real that Allie is forever gone.  Every day I think to text her but then I remember.  Everyone is like walking on egg shells around me and I hope that ends soon.  The shooter was a 17-year-old student from the High School, who had been expelled the week before.  

According to his parents, he had been "acting out" ever since. Some local political guy said Delmar is a hero and that it only proves that arming teachers and school staff is a good idea.  Allie's parents are beside themselves; they were on the news on TV.  They gave me her puppy, said they worked, couldn't take care of it, or give it the love it needs.  They said it was what Allie would have wanted.  I think it was too personal a reminder of the daughter they lost.  I named her Allie.

 

 

LORD YOU ARE MY SALVATION

Exodus 14:14 (AMP)- “The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm.” 

Lord, you have guided me to be still and listen for your words. The words that are within my essence come to life each morning. Upon waking, my thoughts are calm for no matter what the day may bring you will give me comfort. You have been my comforter and my guide in my times of troubles. My haste caused me much pain and discomfort over the years. Now knowing your heart for my salvation there is peace. Lead me to the still waters of your creation so my thirst is filled. Look into my heart and know my longing for your safety. The shadows of my past has been removed by your consistent deliverance of my troubled mind. For the battles I once faced without you caused my spiritual death. Being silent and remaining calm has restored my being. This is my eternal salvation and redemption by your son Jesus Christ who brought me life. Jesus' resurrection brought me into your Kingdom. There is no need for me to battle alone in the weariness of my mind for now the Kingdom of heaven is my eternal home. 

Prayer: May I remain silent and calm moment by moment. Knowing that your soft voice will bring me joy and rest from those who seek to harm me. May my words and deeds and actions reflect your heart in my daily walk. Remind me in moments of disharmony you have placed your shield before my heart. In your Holy name I pray.

Amen 

BRING ME BACK HOME 

Psalm 119:25-26 “I am worn out and weary; my heart is exhausted, but I will keep your law. Restore me, Lord, and give me new life, and I will obey your every command.” (NIV)

Oh, Lord I am your Faithful child, for You are my Heavenly Father. You renewed my Heart to Love You Forever. I have been given an experience of death to the world. While I was in the hospital, I nearly died to the world and You restored my Spirit. I have prayed to you since childhood. Now, at 67 years old, you have guided me back to your Salvation and Redemption. I have sought You and I have received Your Grace. Grace because of your Divine and Majestic and Mighty power to give birth to Creation. I’m a part of your Creation and have never been far from You. You never gave up on me. 

This restored Heart has given me life. My Heavenly Father whom I Love with all my essence. I have knelt at the altar listening for the whisper of you calling me, my Lord, for I’m dust. My spirit is now full of Glory for a life of joy and prosperity. Your plans for me to know Your precious Son Jesus the Christ. He paved the way for me to have everlasting Life in the Heavenly Kingdom.


Prayer: Divine Father of all of Creation I celebrate my sonship. I adore your Holy Son Jesus Christ, Who died on the Cross for my sins (and separation) from You. You have sought me since my birth. Decades have passed sitting before the altar of lights. Praying on my knees with tears fallen on the altar rail. My heart was lost and my soul was aching. Lost and confused seeking you. You called me while I was severely ill, giving me solace. Now in Your Heart I have returned Home. This life living in the Heavenly Kingdom in the here and now. In that very moment while in the hospital, I was born a new Creation in Your Being. 


Amen 


Advent Health ICU 2:00AM. 
Wednesday July 10th 2024

Aziza Saparbaeva, student of the 3rd stage of history education, Urganch State University, Faculty of Socio-Economic Sciences, winner of the state scholarship named after Navoi.


The event that happened in the life of Amir Temur and left a scar on him for life took place in Seistan in 1362. At the suggestion of Malik Qutbiddin, governor of Seistan, two friends go to fight against his enemies. During the battle, Amir Temur was seriously injured by a bow and arrow on his right elbow and right leg. As a result, he will be lame for life.

Amir Temur remembers this in his "Tuzukoti Temuriy":

"On my way to Baktarzamin and Kandahar, I stopped and built a village [2] when I reached the Hirmand [1] river. I stood by that river for several days to rest my soldiers. At that time, about a thousand Turkish and Tajik horsemen from the Garmsir [3] region and their troops joined me. In this way, Garmsir region came under my control.
Then I decided to travel to Seistan [4]. When this news reached the governor of Seistan, he sent gifts and greetings through the ambassador and asked for my help: "My enemies oppressed me and took my seven fortresses from my hands. If they cut the hand of the enemy from me, I would supply their soldiers with food for six months.''

After consulting on my own, I decided to march towards Seistan. Seeing that I took five of the seven fortresses captured by the enemy by force and anger, fear fell into the heart of the governor of Seistan, and he took his yesterday's enemies as his friends, and held such a council among themselves: "If Amir Temur stays here as long as I stay, it is certain that the property of Seystan will be lost from our hands", saying that all the Sipah and raiyats of Seystan united and attacked me.

Because the governor of Seistan did not keep his promise, I was helpless and started fighting against them. At that moment, a bullet hit my elbow and another shot hit my leg.

Even so, I won over them in the end. But I didn't like the climate of that country, so I left there and went to Garmsir again. I stayed in that region for two months until my wounds healed."

The Spanish ambassador de Clavijo, who traveled to Samarkand in 1404, wrote that Amir Temur lost many of his troops when he faced the cavalry of Seistan. "They also knocked Temur off his horse and injured his right leg. After that, he became lame for life and got the name Temurlang," writes Claviho. He also says that Amir Temur's right hand was injured, he was paralyzed, and then he lost his finger.
Because of these injuries, the Persians called him "Temurlang". Therefore, in Russian and Western sources, his name is given as "Tamerlan", "Tamerlain".

1) Hirmand - the Helmand River in the south of present-day Afghanistan.
2) Land means residence here.
3) Garmsir (Persian - hot country) - adjacent lands of Seistan and Baluchistan.
4) Seistan is a country located in the south-east of present-day Iran and south-west of Afghanistan. In 1872, it was divided between Iran and Afghanistan. The part up to the Helmand River passed to Iran, and east of it to Afghanistan.


In the first and second picture, we see the statue of Amir Temur and the state he built.

DESCENDANTS OF THE GREAT COMMANDER-AMIR TEMUR
                              
Kholikova  Marjona Usman’s daughter
               Student of the Faculty of Primary Education at the International University of Chemistry in Tashkent
           
ABSTRACT
This article provides information about the descendants of the  founder of the state, great leader, statesman Sahibqiron Amir Temur  and cultural life during the Timurid period.
Key words: Umarshaikh Bahadir, Mironshah Mirza, Shahrukh Mirza, Jahangir Mirza, Oqa Begi Lady, Sultan Bahkt Begim.

ANNOTATION
This article provides information about the descendants of the founder of the state, the great leader, statesman Sahibkiron Amir Temur and the cultural life in the diocese of Temurov.
 Key words: Umarcheikh Bahadir, Mironshah Mirza, Shahrukh Mirza, Jahangir Mirza, Oqa Begi lady, Sultan Bakht Begim.
Kill  someone  with a great  wrist, and  a  thousand   with  great  knowledge.
                                                                               Amir Temur
Introduction
Ibn  Arabshah, who  saw  Sahibqiran with  his own eyes, gave the following description  of  Temur’s  appearance and  features: "He  was a  tall  man, with  a  broad forehead, large  head, and  a meek  nature. His  face  was  red and  white, although  he  walked  a lot in the  open  air, he  was not  tanned  in  the  sun  neat   broad  shoulder’s  long  and thin  fingers,  long  legs  were  of  good    stature.

Do  not  be  afraid    of  death, even  of  your  life   even  at  the  end  (at  the a ge  of  69)  he  was  reminiscent  of  a  mighty  rock  with  a  clear  memory, courage    and  meek  nature. Although  he  was  limping  his  eyes  were  like  a  burning  candle, Temur  who  could  see  the  essence  of  the  matter   at  a  glance, was  observant  and  had  drunk  the  art  of   discussion  never  indulged  in  fantasy, and  if  his  dreams   did  not come  true,  he  did  it.  He hid it, he  would  not  sit  down and  change  his  plan He  could  tell  the   difference  between a  true  word  and  a fictitious   one  when  he  heard  it  and  he  also  made  a  sincere  adviser  a  hypocrite  with  his  arrogance, he  could  tell  the   difference   from  a fraudster  at  a  glance.”

Sohibqiran  Amir  Temur  (1336-1405)is  a  great  person,  an  outstanding   general   a  great  statesman, a  man  who  loved  his country   and made  him    famous  throughout  the  world.  He  had   4  sons  and  2  daughters:  sons-Jahangir  Mirza, Umarshaikh  Mirza, Mironshah  Mirza, Shahrukh Mirza;  daughter’s-Aqa Begi Khanim, Sultan Bakht Begim.

Jahangir  Mirza  (1356-1376)   was  a talented   military  commander    and  diplomat ,  a  scholar  of  religious   mysticism   well-versed  in  a  number   of wordly  sciences,  and a  prince  capable  of  becoming  a  crown  prince. He died  of  an  illness  in  1376  at  the  age  of  20.He  had   2  sons-  Muhammad   Sultan  and  Pirmuhammad  Mirza.

Umarshaikh  Mirza   (1356-1394)   was  a  great  military  commander, a  capable   political  figure, who  respected    the  spiritual   heritage  of  the  past, had   unlimited  respect  for  saints  and  elders. Umarshaikh  Mirza    took  an  active  part  in the  battles  in  Ferghana  against  the  Mongol   invaders. He  died   in  1394  during   a battle  in Persia.  He  had  six  sons-Pirmuhammad   Mirza,  Rustam Mirza, Iskandar Mirza, Saydi  Ahmad  Mirza, Boykara  Mirza  and  Ahmad  Mirza.

Mironshah  Mirza (1366-1408)  was  the  third  son  of  Amir  Temur  he  was  the  governor  of  the  regions  of    Western   Iran, Iraq  and  Azerbaijan.  He  is  talented.  He  was   a  military  commander    and  a political  figure  a  fearless  and  brave  warrior  a  talented   diplomat  a  deeply  learned  prince.  The  great  statesman    and  poet  Zahiriddin   Muhammad  Babur,  Mironshah  Mirza’s  inability   to  distinguish    between friends  and  enemies, and  his tendency  to indulgence  prevented  him  from  managing  the  territory  entrusted   to  him  with  justice.  

In   1408  on  April  21  Mironshah  was  killed  in the  war  with  Kara  Yusuf,  the  Turkmen  leader    of  Kara  Kuyunli    in  Sardrud  region  of  Azerbaijan, Mironshoh  Mirza  had  6  sons-  Abu  Bakr Mirza  Umar  Mirza,Halil  Sultan  Mirza,  Suyurtgamish  Mirza,  Lyjal   Mirza  Sultan  Muhammad  Mirza.

Shahrukh  Mirza   (1377-1447)was  the  fourth  son   of  Amir  Temur    and  was  the  governor     of  Khurasan,  Mozandaran, Seistan,   Western  Iran  Iraq  and  Azebaijan.    He  is    a  great   statesman,  a  skilled   diplomat, well    versed    in  wordly  knowledge, intelligent      to  a  sharp,  strong-willed,  perfect  person,  a  military   commander  and  a  representative    of  science   was  sponsored. Shahrukh  Mirza    had  6  sons;  John  Oglan, Ibrahim   Sultan   Mirza,  Muhammad  Mirza,  Suyurtgamish Mirzo, Ulugbek  Mirza.
Aqa  Begi  Khanim  (1359-1382)  was  the  eldest  daughter  of  Amir  Temur   the  year  of  her  birth  is  unkown. Aqa Begi  Khanim  married  Amir  Musa’s    son  Muhammadbek.  He  left  one  son.  His  name  was  Sultan Husain  Mirza  Aqa  Begi  died    in 1382  from  a  serious  illness.

Sultan   Bakht  Begim  (1362-1430)  the  second   daughter  of  Amir  Temur  was  born  in  an  unknown  year. Sultan   Bakht  Begim  was   married  to  Amir  Suleimanshah,  the  son  of   Amir  Davud   Dughlot. Amir  Suleimanshah   was  the  son  of  Amir  Temur’s    sister    Turkon. Sultan  Bakht  Begim  he  died  in  Nishapur  in  1430.

Amir  Temur  in  the  Middle  Ages   our  country  was  under   the  oppression  of  the   Mongols.  He  entered  the   political  field  as  a  far- sighted  statesman  during  his  troubles.  We  can  see  him  righteously ruling  during his  long  reign.
 
  List of  References:
1.	 Sharafuddin Ali Yazdi, Zafarnoma / Foreword, translation comments and indexes  by 	 Ashraf Ahmad, Haydarbek Bobobekov.-Tashkent: East,1997.Zafarnoma, Tashkent, 1997.
2.	The traps of Timor.   From Persian, A. Sog'uniy and H.Karomatov; Published by Jehovah's Witnesses but now out of print.
3.	Cultural and industrial Tashkent

My new Constitution!


Independence is the greatest honor,
In the wars, tears flowed from the eyes,
Everyone is under your protection!
My new Constitution!


I will express my opinion today
If I see freedom in my words,
He gave me the happiness to speak,
My new Constitution!

The development of society is yours,
How little to praise your name,
Equality of human rights,
My new Constitution!


I want my children to study.
May the country be blessed, everyone in prayer,
We are seeing the worlds.
My new Constitution!


Punishment is inevitable for the unworthy,
There are laws for traitors,
Taking measures and at that time
My new Constitution!


My religion is free, I live happily.
Nations are equal, here together,
He respected his equality
My new Constitution!


He has the same respect as your father,
He didn't forget his teachers either.
You are a spreader of knowledge,
My new Constitution!

Burning John for the Nation
I have to study and work today.
Pin the flag on the blue
I will be a pillar for my country!



Nukus State Pedagogical Institute, Faculty of Philology, Uzbek language and literature, 2nd stage student Pardaboyeva Adiba Shukhrat girl

New Uzbekistan

Every corner of my country
It is blooming
Changes are in full swing
The eyes are happy

The head of our country is the head
Support us
Change at every step
It will surprise you.

My country is rich in history
Every corner is sacred,
To such a great country
Many people like it.

Of great scholars
We are young people,
First at every step
Shakhdam takes steps.

This is my country in the world
There is no comparison, there is no equal,
Everywhere is rich in history
There are many holy places.

Sometimes this language is weak
One look is not enough
I will describe it again
I won't run out of words.


Mamadaliyeva Aziza is the daughter of  Dilshodbek.
She was born on October 19, 2006 in the city of Chust, Namangan region. Her first book "Joy of Youth" was published in 2021. Aziza is very interested in reading books along with writing poems. She is the district and regional prize winner of the "Young Reader" competition. A number of his poems are published in district and regional newspapers. Aziza Namangan has delighted many fans with her poems on television.

Spring did not wait for me?

I remember your many flowers
Your slaves are beautiful like tulips.
Your lands where smallpox grows,
I miss your ways.

Didn't you look at me?
Didn't you comb my hair?
Didn't you play with me?
Don't you miss me spring?

Can't find any job?
Aren't you heartbroken like me?
Have you not spared the likes of me?
Did you not look at me spring?

Didn't you wait for me all the time?
Didn't you swallow poison like me?
Didn't you hold my hands?
Didn't you wait for me?


Daughter of Ilhomova Mohichehra Azimjon, 7th grade student of Zarafshan city, Navoi region, school No. 9.