This year, I have been surrounded by the love and support of family, friends and an entire community. My two primary caregivers have been my husband, Nagib, and my daughter, Sabrina. This post is for you Sabrina.
Sabrina — We shared the news of the cancer diagnoses with you over a difficult Skype conversation when you had just returned from Milan to Africa. The Skype connection kept getting cut off. We had to finally resort to a phone conversation and even then, the connection was unclear at best. In spite of the distance and multiple calls, the words came out, the reality sank in and we cried a lot. You made a decision to come home in spite of our protests. And I am so glad you did!
I remember the first words you uttered when we picked you up from the airport. After giving me a bear hug, you declared that I needed a best friend and that you were here to look after me. I really did not know what to expect. After all, in my world, it is the parents who look after their children, not the other way around. How can I thank you for what you have done for me over the past 10 months? You have been with me for every chemo treatment, every clinic appointment with the doctor, every blood work appointment, every test that I have had to go through as part of the treatment. You have stayed with me when I was hospitalized over many days. You have been there to help me deal with disappointments and to celebrate the happy moments. You have seen me at my best and my worst – when I was cranky, grouchy and downright egocentric. You knew when I wanted to be left alone, and when I wanted to be held. You knew when to be silly with me.
You instinctively knew what to say to make things better. You have loved me unconditionally. The truth is that you make me a better person for being with you. And I count every moment that I spend with you as a blessing. I am in awe of who you are and what you have accomplished. I am even more in awe of your spirit and your being – – your compassion, your capacity to love and your generosity.
You are now going back to Africa and we send you with all our love. Just know that I will miss your recommendations of books to read, new apps to try, cool websites to discover. I will miss the excitement of listening to your goals, your dreams and your projects. I will especially miss your hugs and cuddles. I guess we will pick this up virtually! As you leave for Africa today, I pray that God protect you and envelope you in his love. I pray that you continue to make a difference in the world. I wish for all your dreams, goals and aspirations be realized. I pray for your good health and vitality. I hope that you have the opportunity to share your talents and gifts with the world. And I wish for you to stand in your power and show up in the world! I feel so blessed to have a daughter who also happens to be my best friend in the whole, wide expanding universe.
– Your mommy and best friend.
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