A Christmas Story… Let me introduce you to Mohamud Togane. - TopicsExpress



          

A Christmas Story… Let me introduce you to Mohamud Togane. The photo below is of the two of us outside a locale where we often meet – La Binerie, a popular counter-top Montreal restaurant that obviously specializes in beans. We’re very close. Indeed, Togane was my best man when Mary and I were married 15 years ago now. Togane is now a poet who was born in Somalia. Even though he is a Muslim, from kindergarten through university, he was educated by Mennonites. A bright boy, the Mennonites brought him to North America to attend school here in the 1960s, and he has been brightening many of our lives ever since. I think it was in 2001 that someone I knew was looking for a bearded type to play Santa Claus for some kids in a downtown church basement – and I was busy on that day. Jokingly, I asked Togane if he would like to play the part, and he surprised me by readily agreeing! With his jovial laugh, Togane was an immense hit, and The Gazette even ran a nice story about the event with a great photo of my friend all dressed up in Santa gear. Also, as a thank you for doing this, I drew the below cartoon of Togane fuelling up for the event in La Binerie. Most people were absolutely delighted with the event. However, a few grouches in the Muslim communities – Surprise! – took offense. Even now, all these years later, Togane will receive the occasional angry email about the matter. However, you had to love Toganes response at the time: He said to me, “You know Terry, when I’m with Muslims I act like a Muslim, and when I’m with Mennonites I act like a Mennonite, and when I’m with kids, I just like to have fun!” Happy holidays to all from Terry Mosher and Muhamud Togane.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 15:32:07 +0000

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