SHAMAMA ORAM continued
SHAMAMA ORAM continued from page 17 a matriarch who dispenses wisdom to all five generations. I sincerely respect how she has encouraged her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren of 110 and counting, to pursue higher education even though she did not experience the same opportunities.” Her family is growing exponentially. “My granddaughter Maryann is having a baby this November 2024, which will make it 111 grandchildren and I do not know who is pregnant next…” Shamama laughed. “This is what life is all about. God said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply.’” “As a mother to 12 children, she has demonstrated incredible strength and perseverance for her family,” said D’Agostini. “But most importantly, she has lived her life to be a faithful servant of Jesus.” A faithful servant of Jesus and her earthly family, Shamama took her values with her wherever she went. “While families in America are important, there is more emphasis on self,” Shamama explained. “In Chaldean culture, it is the opposite. One is expected to give up things for the family, family comes first always. “My beloved husband and I always taught our children that their word was their bond, God gives you your worth and work never killed anyone.” The most rewarding part of growing older, says Shamama, is growing up with her children and their offspring. “My children and many generations of grandchildren are the greatest joy of my 100 years on earth.” For now, she enjoys watching Wheel of Fortune on her TV. Modern technology allows Shamama to watch daily Mass from the comfort of her living room. “That is a true blessing,” she shared. She still doesn’t know how to use an iPhone. “Life is short and not easy, but it is created beautifully,” Shamama shared, “and we must always remember that every decision we make has consequences, good or bad.” Clockwise from top left: Six of Zia and Shamama’s 12 children. Back row: Hannah, Amir, and John. Front row: Ann, Randy (on chair) and Gary. Shamama and family were living the “American Dream” and posed for a photo with Detroit Mayor Coleman Young. Shamama and Zia with daughter Hannah and son-in-law Salim Dickow (at left) in 1967 in Southfield. Wedding photo of Shamama and Zia from 1937 in Telkeif. Shamama celebrates her birthday with her many grandchildren. Zia and Shamama attend the First Communion of grandson Mansour Oram. Shamama in 1967 standing in her home in Detroit house carrying her twelfth child, the only one born in America - Nancy Mary. 18 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2024
OCTOBER 2024 CHALDEAN NEWS 19
