Suhbah

And on the days when I could barely find the strength to lift a finger, thank you for lifting me up. Thank you for the shoulder to lean on, the listening ears, the silent moments enveloped in comfort, and for reminding me that just because I can do it alone — doesn’t mean I have to.

Thank you for granting me patience during times I was not very lovable because I know there were many occasions when my being paralyzed by all that was happening and hollowing out left you feeling like you weren’t doing enough. But you were doing much more than I could have ever asked for.

Thank you for the spontaneous adventures and nights filled with conversations of love and life and remembering God. Thank you for the quiet nights too, of just filling space with reassuring silence. Thank you for being people who were at the ready to bask in good news but had arms wide open when calamity struck. For celebrating with me, grieving with me, and just being there when I wasn’t always there for myself.

Thank you for giving me a sense of family during my first year away from blood — and reminding me that family is wherever you feel most like home. And thank you for choosing me back as family, too.

—

Ya Rabb, please look out for them the way they looked out for me and have mercy upon them for they were there for me when I needed it most. Please grant them ease and whatever their heart desires so long as it is what is best for them — and if it is not, please grant them better in folds. Allow us to be people who remain close through love for you and be reunited amongst flowing rivers in the akhira.