Sana’s Mail: A Window into Her Life

Sana’s Mail: A Window into Her Life We recently received a bundle of Sana’s forwarded mail. It had been sent to my nephew in New York, and he finally sent it on to us. When it arrived, I couldn’t bring myself to open it, so Idris sifted through it instead, his heart heavy with each envelope. Among the letters were credit card statements, hospital notifications, and a few checks. The checks were addressed to a joint account with me, making them accessible, yet depositing them feels strange. They represent Sana’s hard-earned savings, money that now feels devoid of purpose without her here to enjoy it. Sana lived life with a larger-than-life attitude, and while she loved to shop, she always approached it with a sense of balance. She was mindful of her budget, keeping a watchful eye on her monthly limits. Her spending was never frivolous, just thoughtful, and her generosity knew no bounds. She never hesitated to spend on others, always putting their needs ahead of her own. What I admired most about her was her independence. Sana managed her rent and expenses entirely on her own, never asking us for support. She was proud of her self-sufficiency, and so were we. She loved finding deals and was a balanced shopper who cherished her hard-earned money, investing it in things that genuinely brought her joy. Now, going through her mail, I can’t help but reflect on the impermanence of life. We spend so much time worrying about expenses, planning for the future, and sometimes denying ourselves little joys, all in the name of prudence. But who knows what tomorrow holds? Sana, with her pragmatic yet joyful outlook, reminds me that it’s okay to indulge a little, to enjoy life while we can, as long as we stay within our means. She left everything behind—her savings, her carefully budgeted life—for us. It’s a stark reminder of how little material things mean in the end. What truly matters are the moments we share, the memories we create, and the love we leave behind. As I think about her, I can’t help but picture what could have been. If this tragedy hadn’t happened, she would be right here with me, shopping along Michigan Avenue, her eyes lighting up at a good deal, her laughter echoing down the bustling streets. Sana was my angel on earth, and she continues to teach me, even in her absence. Life is fragile, fleeting, and precious. We can’t take anything with us when we go, but we can leave behind a legacy of love, joy, and generosity—just like Sana did.