Zul Ilyas

Spending time with the extended family has always been great. I especially love hanging out with my lil cousin Ilyas (isn't he such an angel in the photo above?). Today, he cried for not being able to play Pictureka with me as I went to grandma's rather late (he was about to go home). At the end of the day, a kiss on his head, a light squeeze of his hand and the comforting words of "don't cry, you're a big boy now right?" did the trick. Next week, I promise, ok lil fella?

Hmm, it may seem odd to the rest of the extended family that the eldest granddaughter can bond so well with the youngest grandson! To be honest, kids sometimes just need some attention and someone whom they can have an intelligent conversation with (they are like sponges that absorb and hold on to your every word!). Sometimes parents or the older siblings are distracted with other pre-occupation to give them that time. In my mind, occupying them with digital gadgets is convenient but what kids truly need is that enriching human interaction.

There is a saying, "The greatest gift you can bestow upon your child is your time and undivided attention". Indeed, it is not what you leave for your child (material), but it is what you leave in him (character). And to develop good character needs constant parent-child connection. Wa-Allahu a'lam.

Realisation

I can't help but post this photo of Hamzah Yusuf next to Johhny Depp. Besides the fact that these are two good looking men, the photo actually reminded me of dad. When I was very young, I used to be amazed at how dad could artfully snip/shave his moustache, soul patch/mouche and goatee/beard - he looked good. And I recall how he would nuzzle me a goodnight kiss (it tickled!). The more I look at the photo above, the more I realise that I actually adore the soul patch/mouche, uhuh... that inverted triangle just below the bottom lip. I think its charming on a gentleman :)

Grandma

Hearing the story from mum - how grandma was weeping, reluctant to leave her brother's hospital bed, made me weep inside. It pains me to imagine what she is going through...

Its just been less than 6 months since she lost her husband... and I could sense that although she puts on a brave and happy front (as though everything is ok now), the vision of her weeping as she kissed her husband for the very last time stuck in my head. I can't imagine, being with someone for more than 60 years and then to find yourself alone.

And now, the thought of her elder brother leaving her seems too much for her 78 year old frame to bear. O Allah! Bestow upon her the courage and patience in this time of trial, aamiin ya Rabb!

Kudos

AlhamdulilLah! Heartwarming to know that one of our brothers has decided to change for the better. May Allah SWT keeps him on the Straight Path and may his contributions benefit the Ummah, aamiin ya Rabb! I'll end this short post with a song I really like (back then), written by another brother, Taufik Batisah, and sung by Hady Mirza - simple melody, accompanied by meaningful lyrics, sung with deep sense of sincerity... and have you seen the video on dzikr? Subhaana-Allah! Go google it :)

Heroes

Masya-Allah! Just last week, on 1 Rabi'ul Akhir, the extended family welcomed the great news from cousin Adni on the arrival of her baby boy Muhammad 'Aqil Darwisy. And today just before swolat zohor, another cousin, Hidayat, welcomed his firstborne, also a baby boy, soon-to-be-named (I hope 'Said' is a name up for consideration... I miss grams alooooooooot). O Allah! Love them and love those who love them, aamiin Allahumma aamiin! Can't wait to meet these lil fellas, Luqman's playmates :)

P/S: A birthday shout out to Ryan in Canada... I've not forgotten you ;P