Celebrating Maahir’s Engagement: Finding Joy Amidst Grief

Celebrating Maahir’s Engagement: Finding Joy Amidst Grief This week, our home was filled with a mix of emotions as we celebrated Maahir and Serena’s engagement. It was a simple ceremony, followed by dinner, but it was so much more than just an event. It was a heartfelt attempt to bring some joy into our lives, even as we carry the weight of grief. Planning the ceremony was a journey in itself. A few friends explained the cultural customs to me, and I was eager to honor them. I needed to gift Serena a small piece of jewelry, a new outfit, and something sweet to eat as part of the tradition. While sorting through the locker, searching for the perfect piece of jewelry, my eyes landed on a pair of gold butterfly earrings. They were Sana’s. A wave of emotion washed over me as I held them in my hands. These earrings had been her favorite when she was younger. I had forgotten about them entirely until that moment. It felt like a sign, a quiet nudge from Sana, to include her in this celebration of her brother’s happiness. With a full heart, I decided to gift those earrings to Serena. The small ceremony was ar hone with the four of us. Although it was a joyous occasion, I couldn’t help but feel Sana’s presence. I imagined her teasing Maahir, poking fun at him in her usual playful way, and celebrating with the same enthusiasm she always brought to family moments. Afterward, we went out for dinner at a restaurant that, coincidentally, served Sana’s favorite cuisine. It felt like another subtle reminder of her, as if she was still weaving herself into the fabric of our lives, even in her physical absence. Maahir and Serena spoke about their plans for a small engagement party in India, where Serena is excited to embrace Indian traditions and wear Indian clothes. This trip to India will be different for me—it’s the first time I’ll be shopping for someone else’s engagement attire. In the past, it was always about shopping for Sana. Every experience, every decision, feels deeply connected to her, as though she’s still guiding us. As I prepare for this trip, there’s a part of me that holds onto an impossible hope. What if, somehow, she could come back to us? It’s a fleeting thought, born from the depths of longing, but it’s there nonetheless. Balancing grief and joy as parents is one of the hardest things we’ve had to do. On one hand, we celebrate Maahir and Serena’s love and the beautiful life they are building together. On the other hand, we carry Sana’s absence like a shadow. Yet, even in the midst of this duality, I feel her presence—through memories, through signs, and through the love that binds us as a family. This celebration was more than a ceremony. It was a testament to love, resilience, and the enduring bond of family. It reminded me that even as we grieve, we can find moments of joy and hope—and that Sana, in her own way, is always with us, celebrating alongside us.