and withdrawn dark-eyed boy we first met in Baghdad more than a year ago . It has been almost two years since masked men in Baghdad doused Youssif , then just 4 years old , in gasoline and set him on fire . His mother still does n't sleep at night . `` I still blame myself . I should have protected him . Sometimes I say to myself that I wish it had happened to me , just not to him . '' Zaineb says , her voice starting to quiver . `` If only I had n't let him go out to play that day . '' Today Youssif plays freely , without fear . `` Let 's race '' he shouts to his friend Brandon as the two boys dash across the schoolyard . A couple of minutes later the two are playfully jostling over a rubber ball . Youssif shrieks and bursts into laughter as the two play catch . `` It 's like this weight has been lifted off of me , off of him , '' his father , Wissam , says . `` It 's like we 've left this dark , depressing
Editor 's note : Since 2007 , CNN and CNN.com have followed the story of Youssif , an Iraqi boy disfigured when he was burned by attackers . Today , CNN 's Arwa Damon catches up with the boy and his family , now living in California where Youssif is undergoing treatment . Today Youssif goes to school in California and continues to have treatment to help his scars . LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Youssif stands on stage beaming as he belts out `` Jingle Bell Rock , '' his tiny burned hands waving in sync with his classmates at Hamlin Street School . His mother , Zaineb , stands at the back , cradling his little sister , Aya , tears rolling down her face . `` I am so proud of him , '' she says . `` It reminds me of what he was like in Iraq when he used to sing in kindergarten . I felt for a moment that none of this had happened . My son was back , without fear , strong . '' Youssif spots us , and waves wildly . Little appears to remain of the sullen