Tribute to my Father - 29th April, 2012

Seven years since my beloved father passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours. My mother was made to go into deep slumber by the angels when they came to take my father along around 7:30am. My mother used to wake up now and then and check on him. But at that time she slept like a log for half an hour. When she woke up her universe had turned upside down. She can never get over that sleep! That particular night I arrived late night from Lahore at 2:30am in the morning. I peeped inside the door of my parents and saw my parents sleeping. It was the last time I saw my father breathing.

I can only thank God Almighty for having my father with me for so many years, where we spent countless hours together, talking, laughing, enjoying his grandchildren (my kids), having myself being corrected by him in my late forties, going to the local mosque where people knew me because of him. Thank you, God for having my father's influence on me and my children for so many years.

Yes, we all have to go. I realized this especially so when I had my father left us seven years back. But the biggest consolation and guarantee is we shall be meeting again. It is but a matter of time. My father's passing away has further firmed my belief in the Hereafter. No one can at least tell me, 'There ain't no life after death'. How can I not meet my father who gave me all the goodness that I have in me? I pray God Almighty keeps him comfortable till we meet again after life and make us enter His paradise together - hands in hand.

The storylines are not over yet. I have yet to tell my father about his favourite grandchildren and what they are doing now. When Waleed got married to our dear Anoop! What Khalid and Ahmed are doing? He would be so so yearning to hear about them! Also about his beloved wife, my dear fragile and old mother! I have to tell him my dear Hureen is looking after her and taking good care. I at times don't see my mother and she asks me where I've been? I just reply inaudibly with a sheepish grin, but Hureen is there with her to exchange the happenings of the day. I have to tell my father that when Hureen takes my mother to the hospital for check-ups the nurses inquire if she is her daughter? When they come to know she is her daughter-in-law they smile admiringly. Why wouldn't they? They are young and find these relationships amusing! There is so much to talk about with my father.

Anon!

Allahummagh firlahu warrhamhu, Allahumma adkhilhul jannata maa al abrar.

Ameen!

Aamir Yazdani