He notes that many of the young men who were in rehabilitation with him returned to fighting, but he managed to escape and finally come to America, where he went to school and finally wrote about his experience. During his rehabilitation, the people working with him would tell him what happened was not his fault. One social worker said, "None of what happened was your fault. You were just a little boy, and anytime you want to tell me anything, I am here to listen" (Beah 160). Her encouragement helped him overcome his fears and his self-recrimination, and helped him move along the road to true rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation takes time and patience, and this woman, "Nurse Esther," had both. She is largely responsible that Beah was able to assimilate back into society and live a normal life.
She helped him realize that he could not feel guilty about what had happened, that he had to move on with his life and live the best life he could....
He has become an advocate for children's rights, and has spoken widely about his experiences and the exploitation of children in civil wars such as the one he lived through in Sierra Leone.
Beah's story is an inspiring tale because it shows that a child can recover from a terrible experience, and make something good and decent out of his life. His story gives hope for many of the children caught up in struggles like this around the world. It also shows that the tireless work of rescue and social workers is something that makes a real difference in the lives of many of these children. It is good that Beah got to share his experiences in this book. It makes the reader understand what a good and decent life most of us are lucky enough to lead, but it also gives hope, even in the worst, nightmare situations.
References
Beah, Ishmael. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007.
