She was to turn 17 today, had Allah desired her to. But, instead of celebrating with balloons, cake, and crazy things that 17 year olds do, I pray that shes celebrating with her Lord. I pray that her only gift for being born is being able to spend an eternal life in bliss, reminding herself that whatever happiness she experienced in this life cannot be compared to that which she will be experiencing. Today, her friends and family didnt celebrate another year of her life. Today, were celebrating the impact that she left and continues to leave on OUR lives. If it wasnt her smile that could lift up any frown, it was her wise words that would make your problems seem so insignificant. If it wasnt her respect for her parents that made you strive to be a better daughter, it was her love for her brother that made you strive to be a better sister. Previously, when things would get rough for me, I would start remembering Gina and become even more distressed, wondering whether my efforts for tomorrow would be worth anything if I might not even live until then. I would think of all the goals that Gina didnt live to accomplish and would be this much closer to giving up. But recently, and with everyday that passes, every time I remember her or someone mentions her, that distressful and depressing feeling slowly goes away. Instead, I smile, with her picture perfect smile on my mind. Its as though she never left, and will never leave my side when I need her support. Now, when things get rough, I would start remembering Gina, but have come to realize that every effort I make is worth it, if I dont lose sight of my ultimate goal. Perhaps one of the greatest wisdoms behind Allah choosing her is that shes closer than shes ever been to me, as my greatest reminder in this life. Yes, today, 17 years ago, she was brought by her Lord. But just like that, she returned to Him. While we remember her especially today, I refuse to choose solely this day to honor Gina, as it would do an injustice to the impact that shes constantly leaving on my life. I pray that we remember her everyday, through our prayers, thoughts, and the good deeds she inspires. My cousin is a beautiful gem that should always be cherished, so cherish her, especially in your prayers
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 03:17:00 +0000