by A. Aynaaz Zaneefer

He, undoubtedly, will be glad to read this, as his (choice of) preference is reading. She, I pray, although no longer among us, is protected in the land of the peaceful with plenty of God’s mercy and love. My appreciation I’ve shown them, many a time, in many ways, but in this instance, I chose to do so, in a very different manner, due to the untimely circumstance.

It is said that `action speaks louder than words’, but when loved ones are far away, it is words that would speak a thousand thoughts; thus, this initiative to pen my gratitude in black and white... for two awe-inspiring beings, who gave me the vigour and the courage to walk this amazing journey.

They filled my childhood with their unconditional love and evenly showered it, among eight. They instilled in us, values like compassion, kindness, and love, of which an immeasurable amount thrived in their own hearts and which we subsequently inherited.

At some stage during the adolescent years when the pangs of guilt hit me, for not being up to their expectations, they put me right back on track with their constant support and comfort. It was to her, I ran, whenever I needed a shoulder to lean on.

That enthusiasm for reading in him and his obvious passion for writing, paved the way and developed my interest significantly in this continuum, which I regard as my favourite pastime. Their astuteness that guided me and my siblings, moulded us into what we are today, unpretentious adults.

Their inspiration helped my every endeavour and to pursue my dreams, (though some of it was fairytale fantasy.) When onto a new threshold I stepped, I put into practice a number of their guiding principles to cope with the complications and challenges of life. While handling my responsibility herein, I acquired a better sense of understanding her role as a woman and everything that she balanced with it, the task she effortlessly and unselfishly carried out.

At times when darkness overshadowed, I did not fret, as they taught me to endure patience and bear them with a non-judgmental attitude.

I let go of the pessimism that would sometimes grip me and moved toward the positive as we were often reminded of that this journey is only once. I am indebted to them eternally, for directing me in the right path, a path acquainted with their incalculable values...

Today I send this gift, an endowment of words, enveloped with love and admiration to this wonderful beings my father and my mother, whom I miss dearly, whose sweet memories I cherish forever. In the course of my prayers I offer to god, I ask him to send them to heaven.

From a devoted daughter
 

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