Grieving on the loss of a loved one
Death is something that changes lives, breaks hearts, opens up families and shifts priorities in life.
Today 26th April 2024 was a heavy day. It started with a call from my brother breaking the sad news which is the death of my step mother. His voice was shaky and low on the phone.
With pain and sadness in my heart receiving the news, the first thing crossed my mind was: My father. What he is going through?
I immediately rushed to the hospital to meet the family and help with any pending processes. Upon reaching the ICU, I can’t forget the moment we entered her room to meet her and see her face before she is covered. My father approached her, placed the palm of his hand on her head and started crying. It shrinked my chest and throat and tears rushed through my eyes. Nothing I could do to ease the emotional pain of my father except holding his hand and patting his back. That good bye moment was very hard to experience.
Everything went so fast from the hospital, condolence home and funeral. I still can’t believe she left so fast. The last time we met was in Ramadhan when we had our iftaar meal together, chatted and spent time together. Who could think that it was the last time we could talk to her and that she is leaving us this soon.
At night I arrived at my dad’s home. I entered the living room, the dinning room, the kitchen and I just felt she is there, sitting on the sopha and chatting with us like she always does. It was hard and tears just rushed again.
When I hear people blaming the doctors, asking about what happened and finding all the excuses she shouldn’t have died this fast, I remember this: We actually don’t belong here. This is not our place neither our home. Yes we are alive here and we exist. But we exist here as guests in the earth hotel. It is a temporary life. And our death date can be any day, any month, any year, with or without a reason regardless of your age, health, fitness level and condition.
I pray for her soul to rest in peace, all her sins to be forgiven and a forever life in heaven filled with joy and comfort. And I pray for all the family to receive strength, support and wisdom during this difficult time.