Mustafa is a different boy than what we think of when we think of a boy. Mustafa has been deafened by US missiles in Iraq that hit the house next door to him (and were very loud.) Not being able to hear is very challenging because of communication, but Mustafa uses facial expressions, and gestures to get his point across. Not hearing for Mustafa means not being able to talk. Mustafa still makes noises, but he just can’t hear them.

Mustafa was brought here from Iraq to get surgery which will help him hear. Though this won’t totally cure him, he will hear sounds which he will need intensive speech and language therapy to interpret. At three, Mustafa is pretty young, which is good, because this gives him more time to learn how to talk.

Today my mother brought my friend Elizabeth and me to visit Mustafa in San Francisco. The most special thing about Mustafa is his very unique facial expressions. I think being deaf can be frustrating but Mustafa has a very good way of communication. He also needs a lot of encouragement to communicate, like right after he does something he looks up at you with a face that says ‘is this right?’

Yes, Mustafa may be deaf but that does not mean he does not have the same need for love, friendship, and last but not least – the need for attention.