LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Liberty, Kentucky man is telling his story of perseverance, hope and, ultimately, thankfulness.
Abdul Samad was just 13-years-old when he was seriously injured in a landmine explosion in his village in eastern Afghanistan.
"I was on the ground, both hands were gone, the left eye was gone," Samad explained.
It was a miracle that Samad survived, but he said that the catastrophic event was actually a turning point.
"Looking back that was a blessing because a lot of better things happened for me," said Samad.
It was through his injuries that he made his way to America.
Samad was plucked out of millions of refugees and brought to Kentucky to start a life of opportunity.
At the age of 17, Samad learned to read and write and he eventually went to college.
"No one knew me, but people here from Kentucky reached out and, you know, changed my life," Samad said.
After those experiences, Samad said he knows one thing to be true: there is just so much out of his hands. That reason is why, after years of people encouraging him to share his story, he titled his book just that.
"God is in control and whatever happens happens, and it's going to be okay," Samad said.
Samad told LEX 18 that writing the book was hard work and at times even painful. But, Samad said he is hopeful that it will now serve as an inspiration to others and a way to say "thank you" to those who have helped him get to where he is today.
"It is an achievement for me because I am overcoming disability and whether it be stress or physical, and so I am hoping other people will be encouraged by this," Samad said.
Samad is hopeful that through the proceeds of his book, he will be able to get a pair of bionic arms.
"Out of My Hands" is for sale now here.
Samad has planned a special book signing at The Bread of Life Cafe on Thursday at 6 p.m. The cafe is located at 5369 US 127, Liberty, Kentucky 42539.
