Munira Premji

Shayne BookmarkI remember the first time I saw Shayne…

I was in awe and wonder at first sight.  He took his time to appear in the world, and finally arrived at 4:25 AM, after I had been in labour for 12 hours.  The minute Dr. Ross put him in my arms, he stretched in my direction, craned his neck and looked right into my eyes.  And I knew right then that my life would never be the same again.  That tiny little boy had completely and absolutely captured every inch of my heart.

And I made many promises that night.  I promised that I would love him.  That I would protect him.  That I would take care of him.  All 5 lbs and 6 ounces of this precious baby with beautiful brown eyes.   And for the next 6 months, Shayne and I were companions.  We hung out together and spent time doing stuff.  I enjoyed carrying him in this blue baby pouch sling that I wore in the front of my body.  Shayne would nestle in comfortably and I could hear his heart.  I remember speaking to him constantly.  I would tell him everything I could see as I carried him – the street, flowers, McDonalds, a bus, a red car – and he would listen intently, almost as if he was absorbing everything I was saying.  And I would sing to him songs from Mother Goose and Sharon Lois and Bram, and he would reward me with gurgles and chuckles.

IMG-20150727-WA008Shayne, today is your birthday and you are 29 years old.  I don’t know where the time has gone.  I still remember you as a kid playing baseball for many years.  It was such a pleasure to watch you and everytime you hit the ball or fielded the ball cleanly, I would yell, “That’s my boy!”.   That’s how I feel everytime I see you Shayne — I  just want everyone to know that I am your mommy!  You make me so proud!

I love your big, bright yellow energy, and how you fill a room with your personality.  I love how smart you are, and how you send me cool stuff to read everyday.   I love your stories and the life you have created for yourself in Nairobi!  I love how you took Daddy shopping in your closet and got him to stop wearing “Dad Jeans”!  I love how you introduce us to your music, and the latest fashion in clothes.  I love how you like to hang out with us by choice!  I love how your faith guides your actions.  I love what a great “brother bear” you are to Sabrina.  I love your Emogies (even though I don’t understand most of them!).  I love how you challenge me to live a Big Life and to think about where I am spending my energy.   I love how compassionate and caring you are.  When I was in the hospital, the nurses would often tell me how you would visit me late at night after work, and sit with me for a couple of hours while I slept.  Most of all, I love how you open your life to us and allow us to be a part of it.

And you will be pleased to know that everytime we pick up something unhealthy, we have you in our conscience!  Gone are the days of Chocolate Dipped Donuts and Big Macs,  Now it’s all about green smoothies, protein powder, tahini, almond oil and berries.  And, even though I was mad as hell at you for putting us through this health kick journey, you should know that you’ve been successful — we now eat healthy, even though you are not watching!

Shayne Aman, your name means “Gracious Gift and Protection of God”, and that is how I think of you.  Until you came on the scene, I had no idea what it meant to be a mother.  I learnt by interacting with you.  You have easily been one of the best parts of my life, and I know that God danced the day you were born.

On your birthday, my dream is to see you happy, healthy and fulfilled.  My hope is that you live your life fully and fearlessly, with no regrets.  I wish for you a life of love, enduring friendships, exciting adventures, many travels around the world, strong faith to guide you and success in everything you do.

I know that you are all grown up now, but I remember how, for many years, when I put you to bed at night I would sing to you:  “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always.  As long as you’re living, my baby you’ll be.”.   Love you forever, Shayne!

Happy Birthday, Shayne!

ZK 85th Birthday 115

11 Comments

  • Anonymous , September 15, 2015

    The first time I saw Shane was at the training centre at Scotiabank where
    his mom, Munira worked. He was given markers and a huge piece of paper and was encouraged to draw something and keep busy while Munira was working. He was a cute as a button.
    Happy Birthday Shane
    From Lynda and Dave

    • Munira Premji , September 16, 2015

      This is the cutest response ever! I will make sure Shayne reads it. This brings back such wonderful memories Lynda…..where does time fly?

  • Rashida Tejani , September 14, 2015

    Hello Munira …it has been some time I haven’t seen your blog…glad to hear you are doing well..we met last in Toronto at someone’s funeral by fluke…and I was so excited to meet you personally ..we even took some pictures for your blog….I would like to send them to you so we can keep the connection when you visit Vancouver or when I visit Toronto . I try to come once a year to visit my family…masi..bhabhi..niece..nephew and a sister …so I love my visit to Toronto .
    Is it possible for you to send me your email address…mine is
    rushinajet@hotmail.com
    Happy birthday to Shayne 🙂
    Lots of love
    Rashida Tejani
    604 447 4775

  • Anny Nasser , September 14, 2015

    Muni, that is a beautiful tribute to Shayne! Your words so aptly describe the mother/son bond and reading your words just made me cry because I feel the same about Arif! Please wish Shayne a belated happy birthday for me. I remember when he was born. It really does not seem that long ago, does it? What a wonderful gift and blessing our children are and how lucky we are to be mothers. Sending you lots of love!

    • Munira Premji , September 16, 2015

      Anny. I knew you would resonate with this. Isn’t it amazing how I saw Arif and you saw Shayne only days after they were born. Yes children are a blessing and we are lucky to be mothers….

  • davidanderika.mcmullen@sympatico.ca , September 13, 2015

    Hi Munira – a wonderful and most heartfelt posting.

    Best regards, Dave and Erika

    • Munira Premji , September 13, 2015

      Thanks Dave and Erica. I am excited to have Shayne read it! He would have been asleep when I posted it!

  • Parin Sunderji , September 13, 2015

    What a wonderful tribute to your 29 year old son. I can tell it comes straight from the heart. Every mother who reads this will totally connect with your words. Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings.

    • Munira Premji , September 13, 2015

      Parin. You are the best! It felt so good to write a blog after so many months! Nice to hear from you……

  • Elizabeth L. , September 13, 2015

    Wow, Shayne is 29? Do you remember the wonderfully detailed picture he made for me, that I had in my office for several years, captioned “Felix the Cat”? It was, of course, the Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Felix Potvin. I bet Shayne is no longer perfecting his butterfly in Nairobi. I send a huge hug to you, Munira xo

  • Anonymous , September 13, 2015

    Happy birthday to Shayne!

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