Losing a parent turns a person’s world upside down. The loss is beyond heartbreak. And at such a crucial time, it becomes tough to find words to express our grief and sorrow. But 13-year-old, Ryan Pourjam who lost his father in the Ukrainian Boeing 737, plane that was shot down by the Iranian government recently, gave a heart-melting speech at a memorial service in his university.
All 176 passengers on board were killed in the tragedy, reports News 18. A memorial service was organized at Carlton University where Ryan’s late father Mansour Pourjam studied back in 2001. In a heartwarming speech, Ryan remembered his father as a strong and positive personality and said,
“I can’t remember a single time in my life when my father, Mansour, had any trace of negativity in his voice or actions. He’d always tell me to stay positive through the dark times and through the good, when we’d get stuck in traffic or when I couldn’t get the coffee that I wanted.”
“I don’t want to talk about the bad things. Because I know that if my dad was alive and if someone else died in the crash and that he was right here giving a speech, he wouldn’t talk about the bad stuff. I won’t,” he continued.
Remembering his father who worked as a dental technician in Ottawa, Ryan said that he was a strong person as he has been through tough times in his life but stood strong.
A video of Ryan’s emotional speech is doing rounds on the internet. Have a look:
While so many of us struggle to find the words to express our sadness over the many lives lost in last week's horrific plane crash, 13-year-old Ryan — who lost his beloved father, Mansour — shows unbelievable poise in the face of extreme tragedy. We can all learn from Ryan. pic.twitter.com/L5fePoKiKN
— Catherine McKenna (@cathmckenna) January 16, 2020
Ryan’s emotional words have moved the netizens to tears. Here’s what they have to say about the brave little boy:
An incredibly brave young man. I love how he said he didn’t want to focus on the bad because he father never did. I was overcome with emotion watching him.
— Andréa ‘Drew’ Rousseau 🇨🇦 (@halffootrunner) January 16, 2020
Oh precious boy ðŸ˜ðŸ’”
— Shay (@Shay221608) January 16, 2020
This young man showed amazing maturity and a gentle nature for having experienced such a tragedy.
— B Brookes (@Traveldogs36) January 16, 2020
Wow…to Ryan…Mansour must have been a wonderful teacher, he taught you strength, dignity & grace. Thank you for sharing 💕
Condolences to your family and all families affected by this tradgedy. Much love to all of you.— MarilynShampoo (@ShampooMarilyn) January 16, 2020
I have no words adequate or eloquent enough to describe what grace, dignity & strength this young man has. The world will be a better place because of the gift his fallen father bestowed upon us all raising this young man. Deepest sympathy to him & all blessed to know his father.
— Dogmama (@1K9luvr) January 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/marshanfrommarz/status/1217641123637678081?s=20
https://twitter.com/marshanfrommarz/status/1217641123637678081?s=20
We pray Ryan and his family get enough strength to deal with the irreparable loss.