Yesterday our younger son Abeer graduated from St.Andrews. Rashida has beautifully penned this for him and Amal.
When I look back to when my sons were born, 24 and 22 years ago I feel as if time has flown past… from being completely dependent on us and sleeping securely in our arms… the toddler years, when they tripped and fell and stood up to fall again… to running in the obstacle race in junior school in their red shorts and white tees… the changing moods, self assertion, curiosity, the innocence, the mischief, the gentle rebellions, the arguments, verbal matches, the regular and then occasional hugs…the friends, play dates, swimming classes, singing classes, tests, exams, report days… Gosh! It was a full life with so much to be grateful for!
As they grew into teenagers, the conversations changed, and I had to learn and make efforts to acknowledge and respect their individuality.
From deciding what they ate, what they wore, their daily schedule to letting go slowly, letting them take charge, letting them make their own choices…. It was a difficult transition with few steps forward and few steps back…
As parents we move from feeling that our children belong to us, to acknowledging that they are individuals in their own right with their own minds.
As in Khalil Gibran’s words “they come through you but not from you, And though they are with you they belong not to you, You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts”
Today on graduation day I feel grateful and happy that both my sons have grown into independent thinking individuals. We have hopefully lived our lives with them in a manner which has taught them the values which will guide them and hold them through their lives.
Though our children will always be precious to us and we will always have their backs, I believe the day they don’t need us anymore, physically, emotionally and financially is when we have achieved as parents.
I am ever so grateful for all the blessings….❤️
(Reflection by Rashida for her two boys….. )
It’s so true and beautiful…. Thank you ….
Indeed they are life’s longing for itself
Our journey of parenthood so beautifully described! Gratitude for life’s blessings 🙏
Beautifully penned and written from the heart as only a parent can do. Your boys are blessed to have such wonderful parents and im sure they will turn out the same way. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes always
That is so beautifully worded. Thanks for sharing.
The next stage is when you become grandparents!
God bless and much love
Exceptional message. Thank you Rashida and Vivek, immensely for penning these memories on parenting, so beautifully.
Ma, tujhe Salaam!
Very well put, Rashida. Congratulations, Abeer. You have done a good job, Vivek and Rashida, with your two boys.
Well said and inspiring Rashida
Well said and inspiring Rashida congrats to Abeer Vivek and you… this is indeed a proud moment. Wishing both the boys the very best for their future !
Well expressed Rashida.🙏🙏🙏
Can totally connect with what you have said
We have all been through this journey. You have penned it concisely and so beautifully.
With such wonderful parents as you both be assured they will shine brighter than you could ever imagine.
God bless you all, always.
Dear Rashida and Vivek 👏👏👏👏
Congratulations to Amal and Abeer and to both of you wonderful parents !
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Rashida on being there yet letting go, and celebrating life while embracing change! May you all stay Blessed!❤️