My paternal grandfather died four years ago this month. His name was Zuheir. He was and still is the greatest man I know.
It was through his example that I saw the true meaning of 'rajul'. There is no real English equivalent to this Arabic word- man with all that word should connote. He was strong but not aggressive, brave but not foolhardy, proud but not arrogant, humble but not passive, protective but not controlling, charitable but always discreet, responsible, smart, generous, kind, funny and very very compassionate.
And he knew how to love. Without limit, agenda or expectation. With his heart and soul and everything in between. His love for my grandmother was the most moving love story of my time. To try and recount the ways in which he demonstrated these qualities would fill books and would surely still fall short of doing him justice. Suffice to say, he has earned my admiration and the adoration of all who knew him tenfold. There are still things we learn of him and from him today.
My grandfather was a noble man. He lived and died that way. Even in his final months when he was plagued with dementia, his eyes were soft and gentle, his hand ever ready to hold and be held.
I am very proud to have been his granddaughter, somehow, however small, a part of him. I do aspire to be more like him every day. I miss him every day.
You will never be forgotten Jeddo. Until we meet again...
It was through his example that I saw the true meaning of 'rajul'. There is no real English equivalent to this Arabic word- man with all that word should connote. He was strong but not aggressive, brave but not foolhardy, proud but not arrogant, humble but not passive, protective but not controlling, charitable but always discreet, responsible, smart, generous, kind, funny and very very compassionate.
And he knew how to love. Without limit, agenda or expectation. With his heart and soul and everything in between. His love for my grandmother was the most moving love story of my time. To try and recount the ways in which he demonstrated these qualities would fill books and would surely still fall short of doing him justice. Suffice to say, he has earned my admiration and the adoration of all who knew him tenfold. There are still things we learn of him and from him today.
My grandfather was a noble man. He lived and died that way. Even in his final months when he was plagued with dementia, his eyes were soft and gentle, his hand ever ready to hold and be held.
I am very proud to have been his granddaughter, somehow, however small, a part of him. I do aspire to be more like him every day. I miss him every day.
You will never be forgotten Jeddo. Until we meet again...
