This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

The Hero Next Door

Very few people know much about the owners of the Sen Sen Cleaners on Rock Rd, Shahla (Sheila) and Fereydun (Sam) Samali.

Every day so many people walk in briefly to drop off their clothes at the Sen Sen Cleaners on Rock Rd by the Boro Hall train line, however very few know much about the owners Shahla (Sheila) and Fereydun (Sam) Samali.  

I happened to be one of those few, who over the last year became very close to the couple, sort of part of their family, a close friend.

Both Sheila and Sam are deeply routed in Bahá'í religion, which was founded in 19th-century Persia , and emphasizes spiritual unity of all mankind. I learnt that Both, Sam’s and Sheila’s families had to run away from Iran to escape Islamic prosecution. 

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you were to get to know Sam, you would find how optimistic and hard-working he is. Maybe he appreciates life more now because he almost died in a fire one day, trying to save his friend. 

I learned from Sam, that back in Iran he had a factory, which was producing highly flammable cleaning products. One day the factory went on fire. Everyone came out, but Sam’s friend.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sam says that he built the factory and knew every exit, while his friend was not that familiar with the floor plan. Risking his own life, Sam ran back in and rescued his friend. In this accident his friend lost his arm, while Sam ended up in a coma for months…

Sheila is courageous too. Not such a long time ago she jumped with a parachute! And what a creative seamstress she is. And besides, her latest hobby is making custom upscale and teen jewelry, every piece being unique, and infused with Persian art.

So, when you have a minute, stop by and chat with Sheila and Sam.  And maybe I will happen to be there to greet you too.

Eugeniya Hilzinger

Health Essentials LLC and WalkingOnMusicNotes

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?