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| Abedin Avdiu while live on Report TV |
A story as true as it is unbelievable. Abedin Avdiu was found at the age of 13 amidst the Kosovo conflict. At that time, he and 20 other children were abducted, and from that day on, his family believed him to be dead.
It may sound like a movie script, but this is the life story of 38-year-old Abedin Avdiu, who appeared on the screen 24 years after his abduction, in search of his family. Thanks to the TV show "Pa Gjurmë'' (Without a Trace), broadcast on Report TV, the Avdiu family received the news that their youngest son, whom they believed to be deceased, was alive and well.
In a live connection from Italy, Abedin Avdiu was surprised by the show's host, Odeta Dume, who played a video from his father, Ramadan Avdiu. The 38-year-old, overcome with tears of joy, could hardly believe he had finally found his family.
Ramadan Avdiu: Abedin, my son, thank God. We've seen you on the phones...(teary). I mentioned your name night and day, Abedin. Your father hasn't been able to sleep at night or during the day, praying to God to find you. We thought you were dead, but thank God you are alive, my son. Come to your father as soon as possible.
Abedin Avdiu: Yes, this is my father!...(teary)
But the surprises for Abedin didn't stop there. His sister, Aishe, and brother, Sabri, had traveled from Mitrovica to be part of the show. They spoke to each other for the first time in more than two decades, and overwhelmed by emotions, words were few.
Sabri Avdiu: Brother, how are you?
Abedin Avdiu: I'm well, how about you, brother?
Sabri Avdiu: I can't wait to see you; I'm shocked.
Abedin Avdiu: I never believed I would find you all.
Aishe Avdiu: Brother, we all cried. Dad is waiting for you. We are so happy. Our brother, we're looking forward to your arrival.