The reunion of a woman with the man who helped her 24 years ago is what the internet is for
And it worked …
WE FOUND HIM!! A thread 👇👇
After 3000 RTs, 3 news articles, 1 video and thousands of wonderful messages from around the world, @Arjen78 made contact with the family!
Guys, I knew the internet was great but this is something else. https://t.co/H4qmL1uVqQ
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
Not only did I find him, but I've also had other refugees reach out to me and tell me that him and his wife helped them too! Their kindness has touched so many lives. One woman said "they weren't friends to me, they were family"https://t.co/xMFJiiwktp
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
Another influence from the past made contact.
AND someone else who worked at the camp got in touch, Sandra, she was incredible too, she helped me use a computer for the first time! I now work in tech!
More so than anything I remember these small kindnesses growing up, they helped shape me.https://t.co/RPdpNV2cMf
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
The preparations to meet happened at lightning speed, and Mevan’s excitement was palpable.
Later today, 24 years later, I get to meet him in person! 😍
Thank you to everyone who made that possible, to every single person who RT'd and to those who sent messages. Special thanks to @Janske1 @Arjen78 @ds_Zwolle.
I will update this thread with how it goes! WISH ME LUCK!
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
She didn’t want to turn up empty handed.
Umm so what kind of card do you buy the man who bought you a bike 24 years ago? Not sure hallmark make that one. pic.twitter.com/dtFsOodjdA
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
Ok I found the right one! 😂 pic.twitter.com/ndeUmFieAk
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
There was a fairytale feeling to proceedings.
I mean, at this point a rainbow on my way to see him just feels completely ordinary. Why not. Our car is being lifted by doves btw. pic.twitter.com/s1DvlUFbqi
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
This is it …the moment the internet helped to make.
This is Egbert. He's been helping refugees since the 90s. He was so happy to see me. He was proud that I'd become a strong and brave woman. He said that was his wish for me when I was small. He grows orchids. He has a beautiful family. He said it felt like I'd never left. pic.twitter.com/WlDWm2seVh
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
It can’t have been easy trying not to smile for this photo.
He thought the bike was too small a gesture to make such a big fuss about but he's really glad that it was the key to bringing us together again.
He says he doesn't smile in photos so we took a serious one together instead. pic.twitter.com/8UoaqLf1nI
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
Like so many others, Twitter user @RoAntonellis appreciated the value of this – and similar – stories.
In a world full of horror and evil. Its refreshing to read something like this. Random kindness with no thought of reward. We need more of these people and stories.
— ReapersChild (@RoAntonellis) August 13, 2019
Mevan’s response says it better than we ever could.
I guarantee you there are millions of these stories, mostly from people who lead quiet and humble lives, who are just trying to get by. I am not special. This story is not unique. For every terrible refugee story you hear there are thousands of positive ones. https://t.co/LPlht6ZPfC
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
Finally, a heartfelt “thank you” and an important message.
Thank you for joining me on this crazy 36 hour (!) journey. We are now coming to it's end. I am completely blown away by the love I have received online. The internet is what we make it. And finally…
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
Small actions can have big consequences. The kindness that Egbert and his family showed me will stay with me for a lifetime, and it continues to shape me as a person.
That's the magical thing about kindness, it doesn't cost anything and it changes the world one person at a time.
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
What a wild and beautiful ride.
Source: @MeAndVan