She was lying there, wrapped up in a warm blanket. Her hair was completely white, and was braided so prettily at the end. She was way over 90 years old, perhaps even in her hundereds. Not one tooth remained in her gums, and she was blind in one eye, yet could still open them both.
I stood there, silently reflecting on her state. How she couldn't speak, couldn't see from one eye, couldn't interact, couldn't move with ease... and had been that way for the past 12 years. Everyday her family cared for her, changed her, and gave her fluids to drink as she wasn't able to eat any solid foods. Even though she was so weak and feeble, beauty was apparent on her face, especially in her eyes. I began to imagine how beautiful she must have been in her youth. She would rub her eyes every few minutes, like it hurt to open them, and when we gave her Salaam, although she heard, she was unable to respond.
My younger siblings found her so adorable. And she was indeed. smile emoticon
I kissed her forehead and then left the place with a lump in my throat and tears prickling my eyes. I was extremely humbled. Seeing a person in such a state reminded me of the great blessing of health and of youth. The blessings of being able to speak, see, walk, move, eat, drink, change and interact so comfortably, and so easily.
It was such a beautiful, timely reminder. A reminder that me and my siblings needed. It awoke our hearts to the reality of this life, the blessing of our youth, and a huge reminder on being grateful for our many blessings.
As Allah says:
"Allah is the one who created you from weakness, then made after weakness strength, then made after strength weakness and white hair. He creates what He wills, and He is the Knowing, the Competent." (30:54)
Today, she inspired us. Taught us to cherish our youth, to treasure each moment, and to always be grateful, for every blessing, big and small. May Allah love her as He loves His righteous slaves. heart emoticon
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