Today is the anniversary of the death of my mother. She was diagnosed on Valentine’s Day, she had surgery on March 21st, to remove the cancer from her body; April 6th, when she died; May 10th, her birthday. No matter how busy I am, I find myself hurting more during these months. What makes it more challenging is seeing what is happening in Palestine.
These last nights of Ramadan, we should be focusing on our faith, how grateful we should be for all that we have and share some of our blessings with others who are less fortunate. I admit I haven’t been as focused this last month and not because I didn’t want to be, I love the month of Ramadan, but because of the intense sadness and loneliness I feel.
However, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Qur’an 2:286). No challenge to big, no calamity to harsh and no loss too much to bear. It’s difficult, for sure. but at the end, your reward will be as big as your burden was. As easy as it was to write that, I am not ignorant to the fact that it is more challenging to understand it.
My brother-in-law went to Saudia Arabia and did Umrah on behalf of my mother. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. This is something I have always wanted to do, but never got the chance to do it. I share this because, my intent was there, so Allah found someone to make it happen. I did not ask my brother-in-law, in fact, he never met my mother.
The last time my mother and I were in Palestine together was when I was a kid. There isn’t much I remember about our time together. I wish I could recall the memories. As an adult, I pray that one day I would have a mini-me and we would go visit our country and where our family roots were. Inshallah, one day, this will happen.
Until then, I want you all to remember that no matter what struggles we are facing, no matter how much it hurts, there is still so much good that we can do. In honor of my mother, two scholarships are given every year in her name. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate her life than to support others.
Just remember, it is normal to grieve. It is normal to be sad, but don’t let that consume your life and deter you from the chance you have to make good in this life, in hopes that Allah will shine that light on you in the hereafter.
In honor of my beautiful mother, Karimeh “Kiki” Rizek May 10th, 1960-April 6, 2013).
#adventureswithnursejamla
