In 1994, Ghassan left his homeland of Syria and came to the Bay Area. At home he had studied Engineering and was equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. At that time, he didn’t feel that his English was proficient to work in the Psychology field. On this day,I think his English is excellent. He tells me that there are psychological terms and nuances that can be lost in the translation and he didn’t feel comfortable.

For several years Ghassan worked as a Salesman for a bakery and distributed cakes and cookies in the South Bay, but he longed for independence and a sense of connectedness.

In 2002, Ghassan and his wife bought Eddy’s Market.

I interviewed Ghassan on a warm September morning. I say his name incorrectly.

“It’s O.K. Just call me Jason.”

He tells me that many of his customers call him Jason.

“It’s easier for them to remember.”

I want to be able to say his name and I want know what it’s like to own a convenience store. He places his palm on the right side of the register.

“This is not everything. It’s not too much money, but you can’t have everything. I can educate my kids.”

I asked about the challenges and joys of a storekeeper.

“It’s long hours but very social. I have customers all day. It’s like the United Nations. Some days I have customers from thirty or forty different countries. Where else are you going to find that? This is why I love San Francisco.”

A television in the corner and the satellite dish broadcasts the Syrian news station. Customers wander in between questions. One man purchases hangers, another 2 cans of Sapporo, another in need of AAA batteries and a ponytailed girl in her twenties wheels her laundry cart looking for Tide.

I remind Ghassan,

“Do you remember the time my sister needed the wheel to her cart fixed?”

I don’t think he does, but he smiles.

“You wouldn’t take money and you fixed the wheel and tightened the bolts.”

He gazes at me with sincerity.

“In my Country you help people, especially older people and women, and always pregnant women. That’s what makes me feel like a human being.”

Syria is a traditional society and a great deal of importance is placed on family, education and respect.

Last Summer Ghassan, his wife, daughter and son visited Syria. Syria is an Arab country in southwest Asia bordered by Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and the Mediterranean Sea.

I asked what it was like to go home again.

“It’s a police country but I think it’s moving forward.”

Ghassan is an avid reader and enjoys Philosophy, History, the Sciences and Politics.

I want to learn to say thank-you in Arabic.

He coaches me.

“Shukran”

I think my pronunciation falters but I try again.

“Ghassan, Shukran.”

He smiles and waves and his next customer buys some candles.

There is illumination.