This memoir tells the story of myself, my brother, and my father. My brother, Ahmad Zahir, is an Afghan music legend. My father, Abdul Zahir, made his lasting impression in Afghanistan as both a doctor and politician. My story? I am a survivor.

My brother, Ahmad Zahir, is one of Afghanistan’s legendary singers, songwriters, and musicians. He was selected as one of the 50 greatest voices by the National Public Radio (NPR) and recognized as one of the musicians who made an international mark. He and his music have cemented their place in history alongside legends such as Plácido Domingo, Nat King Cole, and Roy Orbison.

My father, Doctor Abdul Zahir, was an American-trained doctor at Columbia University. He then returned to Afghanistan and practiced medicine before climbing the political ladder. After befriending the King, he served in several roles, including Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Speaker of Parliament, and the Prime Minister of Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion. 

My father and brother reached the top with hard work and talent; however, they both fell with the fall of Afghanistan. 

I am the survivor, an Afghan-American woman. I rebuilt my life in the land of opportunity – the United States. From New York to Washington D.C, I went back to school, started multiple businesses, eventually finding myself cutting the hair of the President of the United States. To top it all off, with the help, guidance, and generosity of my friends and the American public, I was able to return to Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban extremists to rebuild girls’ high schools. 

This is my memoir. My life’s hard work, achievements, tragedies—my survival.