A Memorable Journey

    Just yesterday, my mum suggested that I go visit my relations (through my dad) and bid them farewell before going to school. At first i refused 'cos I couldn't imagine how it would be visiting them all alone but then I was reminded of the importance of keeping family ties so I finally agreed. That's how the journey began. I was supposed to go visit my dad's elder sister first but on arrival, we discovered she wasn't home. Fortunately, she was at my cousins place and that was our next destination. I arived at my favourite cousins house and was warmly welcomed alhamdulillah. I met my father's sister (his mother) and his wife (who is expecting....alhamdulillah ) and we all chatted easily. They congratulated me 'cos of my results and he teased me saying, "it seems you have taken after me and Nma (my elder brother)"...lol. I was introduced to my cousin (whom I never knew existed). I felt awkward for not knowing my cousin but actually felt glad getting to know him.
     It was almost time for me to visit some more relatives when my cousin came to meet me in the living room. He began saying, " I know this might make you emotional but I just have to say it. You know, I had an advantage over you all staying with daddy because I was much older than you when he died." I felt a hot lump form in my throat  but I tried to controll my tears 'cos I didn't want to be betrayed by my emotions. That worked preety well for me so I simply smiled and nodded. He continued, " During those days, there was something daddy always told me. I didn't take it seriously those days but only now do I realise  the importance." At this point I was eager to hear what my dad usually told him so I listened attentively. " he used to tell me these three things; be contented, be hardworking and be prayerful." He said when daddy gave him those advices, he didn't take it seriously though he practised it anyway. But now he realises that they are the keys to living. It has really gone a long way in making him what he is today alhamdulillah. He also gave me examples of those attributes in my father. Indeed daddy was a very patient and hard working man who always considered Allah first in all his affairs alhamdulillah. ( May Allah have mercy on his soul.. Ameen!) He also told me that before I know it, the seven years i'm going to spend studying medicine would pass by before I know it 'cos the thing with life is just to start. before u knw it u r done. gr8 words 4rm a gr8 cousin <3. He told me never to forget that advice 'cos it's going to help me a lot. ( btw i'm not planning to 4get such a great advice in my entire life insha Allah)
    The tym was due for me to go and visit other relatives and I was all set, with words of wisdom carved deep into my heart. I arrived at my uncles place and was warmly welcomed as usual. A bond was formed between me and my little niece (my cousin's daughter). For the very first time she spoke to me and we played together, only that she spoke to me in our native language. Though I could understand few words I felt soo left out 'cos even my little niece could speak fluently. Well, time flew past and it was time for me to return home. We returned to my cousin's place where my mum came to pick me up and we began the journey back home. All I could think of was my dad and how much I missed him. My mum brought up jokes that made me even hurt the more but I tried to strain a faint smile. I finally lightened up a bit and we chatted freely with the driver. I read 'From somalia with love' by Na'ima B. Robert through out the journey but couldn't help the drop of tear that almost rolled down my cheek. I wiped it before it was noticed....lol. It started getting darker so I dropped the book and adjusted to a more comfortable position. I only woke up when the car halted infront of the gate to our home. Alhamdulillah.... There is no place like home.
   This journey was a life altering one and i'm glad it took place :)   (31/08/2011)