A Decade of Loss

I vividly remember what happened exactly a decade ago. On the day I lost one of the most precious member of my family, a best friend, a role model, a beautiful soul, a father figure. Dad was gone too soon, I thought. I reluctantly received people’s condolences, showing a faint smile despite the sadness, and making a promise to be strong for everyone else who’s mourning. That’s how I sealed the growing pain in the deepest side of my heart and ran away from it.

But who am I kidding? The rest of the family turned out to be stronger than the teenage me who only pretended. Years later, I found out that true strength actually lies in embracing the aching grief. The strength grew from sharing the stories of losing, from showing the vulnerable side of me, and gradually setting myself free of the regret that followed.

Today, as my family gathered to remember his passing, Mom told us to also remember the kindness of family and friends who has helped us through the difficult moments. Islam is truly beautiful, and Allah is truly Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahiim. As He promises, “So, surely with hardship comes ease. Surely with that hardship comes more ease”. I’m standing here today, very humanly imperfect, striving, keeping dad’s legacy alive because there are those through whom Allah fulfills His promise. With that note, I offer my greatest gratitude to family, friends, and collagues, may Allah rewards you with kindness.

Lastly, to anyone who’s dealing with loss and grief, may Allah ease your pain and let you grow from the struggle. As one can’t help but to miss a beloved one every now and then, one can also learn how to deal with the longing feelings better as time goes by. Whenever the longing strikes, take that as a chance to make a du’a so that we’ll be reunited with our loved ones in the highest level of jannah.