July 20, 2013
-
I'm on a nine-hour layover, which gives
me some time to breathe on this space.
London has been uneventful. It's not all
that surprising, as our presence here isn't
to enjoy ourselves - this trip was for Nain.
Nain's funeral was beautiful. Damian
spoke on behalf of the family while
Niamh read from a poem she wrote
for Nain. She was the closest and
kindest to Nain in her later years.
Papa doesn't talk about Nain anymore.
Our drives have been punctuated with
silence lately. And I know that in such
moments, it is her that he thinks of.
My Dad is strong. He will pull through.
xx
images via boston.com
How other friends are observing Ramadhan.
Ten days in and it's been well, thankfully.
18 hours in London isn't at all bad either.
I doubt I'll be able to miraculously pull off
a full stretch this year, but strange things
can happen sometimes. We never know.
/edit: Spoke too soon.
xx
Met up with the Essex bunch at Canary Wharf
on Thursday. Shiv brought her younger son,
and Sulaimaan is so beautiful. Looks every
bit like Shareef with some of Shiv's features
thrown in, and Ya Allah, such a cool little one.
It was also Shiv and Shareef's third year
wedding anniversary (and most probably
their seventh year together) - still strong.
These two have come a long way since
Sainty Quay in 2005, filled with obstacles
you and I would pray to avoid. They were
brave, and I'm so thankful to see where
they are now. Blessed indeed, S and S.
Alhamdulillah.
Remmy has had a heartbreaking year.
She lost her mother to cancer earlier
in February, in the short space of a few
weeks. I felt so much for her but could
never in a million years imagine what
she went through. She left for Nigeria
on Friday, to break the news to her
larger extended family there and
manage her late mother's personal
effects. That Rems could still laugh
and go on with her days all these
months later is spectacular to see,
and testament to her quiet strength.
I learned a lot from Remmy's grief
in our short period of time together.
I keep her closer to my heart now.
xx
I received some messages from a
dear friend upon arriving in Dubai.
I felt terrible reading them, even
though he complied with what I
had asked of him. In part, I think,
this terrible feeling stemmed from
having to seek it at all in the first
place. Never thought I'd have to.
I shouldn't have to ask.
When certain simple gestures do not
come naturally to your friends anymore
it is a sign that the dynamics of an old
friendship has changed. As it does in life.
I have no more expectations.
It is only fair to him. I keep
reminding myself to be kind.
But the truth is, I am kinder
to my own heart. I need to be.
Because no one has the right
to treat me with insincerity and
half-heartedness. Not anymore.
xx
Be home soon, KL. I've missed you.
Recent Comments