How to Handle Difficult Conversations?

It is not easy to have difficult conversations. From personal experience, I see them happen often when talking with my kids. I can’t forget this question when my 10 years old daughter asked: Mama, is my brother’s disease deadly? I told her: Yes honey. It can be. Then she paused for a moment and asked: What are we going to do if he dies? Her voice was shaky at that moment. I replied her: What about you honey? Do you know when you would die? She said: No. I don’t know.

The conversation kept going with me telling her: Keep praying and asking. Who knows what miracles Allah my bring for your brother’s health and wellness.

Lots of depth, intimacy and reflection happened in the conversation. I kept telling her: You never know the future. You can’t be certain what could happen. But you can take this for sure. Nothing happens in someone’s life for no reason or purpose. Your brother was given this disease (scoliosis and kyphosis) for a meaningful reason. And in every incident, always spot the little juicy blessings and support.

I believe this. There is this divine message that Allah wants us to get through illness or any crisis we face in life. It can be: Increase your faith. Keep believing. Hold on to your patience. Accept. Allow. Remember.

After having those hard conversations, I see all of us come out stronger and lighter.