Epistle to a grandfather
Dear Dada-Jan,
It has now been a year since you passed away, but it's hard to believe that it's been an entire year. However, I know that you're still just around the corner, and all your loved ones and I are just waiting to reunite with you, as this world is only temporary, really.
It's a shame you had to go so soon though. I have so much to share with you. For example, I have now received my exam results, and people are happy about them. But without sharing it with you, my happiness feels incomplete. Also, I'm taking philosophy for A-level (a subject that always interested you) and am settling well in my new school. Zayna is growing up so fast now, as are Yasmeen and Yusuf. There's so much more news to share with you. Also, now that I'm older, I would be able to understand all the amazing and complex concepts and ideas that you had, which earlier I was too young for you to discuss properly with me. I am sure that I'll be able to talk to you again someday, as will every one of your loved ones, and you can tell us what you've been up to.
Dadima is lost without you, but is keeping strong by praying for you. She has read the Qur'an six times in dedication to you already! Abbu and mummy are coping but are missing you terribly, and Zayna missed you an awful lot too. As for me, I don't think about the fact that you've passed away much, probably less than other people, because it makes me feel bad. So I've somehow pushed it to the back of my mind, not because I don't care, but actually because I do care, and therefore it hurts to think about it. Nevertheless, it's always on my mind, in my sub-conscious, as nearly every dream I have is about you. And when I remember it, it makes me feel down for a long time because I miss you a lot. However, I try to keep optimistic and carry on with life despite this, as I feel I need to experience the full quality of life and love it as much as possible, no matter what comes in the way, because I believe that life is a divine gift. And I'm sure you would agree.
I would like to quote a bit from a poem that a friend of mine shared with me, to help me feel better about you. It is a poem that he also uses to help himself feel better about the loss of his grandparents, and this poem also helped me to get started on this letter:
"Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are"
Death is nothing at all by Henry Scott Holland
May Allah bless you, and all those who have passed away. I know that we'll meet soon, and I hope you are happy and full of contentment in the world beyond ours. Rest in peace, Dada-jan.
Love from your grand daughter,
Zora
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