In loving memory of Samar Al Ansari: a loving daughter, wonderful sister, and great friend.
Since they were born, I always had a very special
relationship with my children. They had no doubt that the best thing in my life
was having them and that they are my top priority. My children also knew that I
am the rock that they can hold on to, the friend they can always turn to, and the
only person who has unconditional love for them.
After my daughter, Samar passed, my two surviving children came
to understand that a mother’s love to her child continues after his/her death. They
witnessed how I have been dealing with my loss all these years. They came to know that, they and my love for
my deceased daughter are the oxygen that I need to start each day and go on.
This year, and as my son’s wedding was approaching, my
family, relatives and friends were apprehensive about how I will be on that special
day. Since my daughter passed away I had not attended any weddings except my
nephew’s and two nieces’ weddings and these weddings were outside the country.
In the eight and the half years of her departure, my son’s wedding would be my
first public appearance at a wedding in my country.
I was not worried about how I will react on this special day,
since I was confident that my love for my children is stronger than any other
feeling I have. It was my son’s special
day and one of the happiest occasions in my life. I wanted to give him my love
and support, and not allow my sadness over Samar’s absence from the wedding to overshadow
this happy event.
As the day was approaching, I assured myself that I should
not worry and that all would go well. I knew that I would still miss Samar, I also
knew that I am a strong person, and will not allow anything to go wrong on this
joyful occasion. On that special day, I woke up for the Morning Prayer even without
hearing the call for prayer or setting an alarm. My internal clock woke me up. I
prayed and asked God to give me all the strength that I need to portray the
love I have for my son. Although I was confident that Samar was going to be
with us, I prayed that she would be by my side during the wedding and let her
spirit embrace her brother on the happiest day of his life.
The wedding began. Not a single tear dropped, not a sigh! Everyone,
including my son and his bride, saw the glow in my eyes and my radiating love
and joy spreading all over the hall. I felt
Samar’s presence throughout the evening. She was by my side and helping me to
offer a spectacular evening full of love to my son.
I was the happiest mother on earth that day.
