Brenda Stardom [ Heart Warming Portuguese Story of A Boy From Aceh ]

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2-6-2005 - Heart Warming Portuguese Story of A Boy From Aceh

12:04 GMT

UPDATE: 5-6-2005

It's difficult to write when I'm surrounded by nothing but bad news. This morning Mr. S asked if I remembered the little boy who survived the Indonesian tsunami for 19 days all by himself. I sure did. He was wearing a Portuguese futebol shirt and captured the hearts of not only the country, but of the futebol players themselves.

He's now in Lisboa, visiting local schools and some of his favorite players. He's going to appear at the world qualifier Saturday, holding the hand of the Portuguese squad's leader, Luis Figo. People can say what they want about the national team coach Luis Scolari, but he spearheaded buying a house and land in Indonesia for little Martunis, his father and grandfather, with whom he was reunited in a hospital. Sadly, his mother and the rest of his family were swept away by the tsunami. The house was furnished thanks to a gift from Paços de Ferreira, a small futebol team

Not only were they presented with decent living accommodations, the futebol federation of Portugal is giving them 40,000 Euros. I believe his attending the match will be the tough little 8 year old boy's most favorite "present". One thing about the Portuguese is they have heart, even now in the toughest of times. If someone needs something, no matter the hardship of another, they happily give what they can. I was grousing about the cost of a cervical pillow I needed to a friend, and though she's going through hard times herself, she offered to pay for it. I was so touched by her most generous offer, but I have too much pride and couldn't accept. But that's how they are here. The world could learn a lot about the Portuguese way.

I went searching for more and imagine my surprise when I saw one of my own reports listed, which goes into detail about Martunis and the promises of the Portuguese Futebol Federation. That was written January 26 and now goes to show the speed in which they came through with their promises. Link.

He arrived on yesterday on National Children's Day, where he was a hero at a Lisboan school. I missed the news last night, but it would have felt real good to see him. I will definitely tune in Saturday night to see him and his father arrive at the futebol stadium. Here's hoping Portugal wins so he can witness the amazing display of national unity and be able to temporarily forget his great tragedy and cheer with the fans. What a kid! What a country!

Brenda Stardom
Portugal

UPDATE: Portugal won and Martunis entered with Rui Costa, not Figo, and was kissed and greeted by both sides on the pitch before the game began. It was wonderful to see Martunis so happy.

RELATED REPORT: http://www.brendastardom.com/arch.asp?ArchID=603