Sana's Beautiful Soul"

Finding Comfort in Sana's Beautiful Soul Today is Idris’s mother’s birthday. For her, it is a bittersweet day, filled with love but also with an unspoken sadness. Sana was her only granddaughter, the first grandchild, and the light of her life. She adored Sana, who in turn was a beacon of love and care. As a child, Sana was always drawn to her grandmother, forming a bond that only deepened over the years. When I called to wish her a happy birthday, she became emotional, unable to hold back her tears as she spoke of how much she missed Sana. Together, we consoled one another, reminding ourselves that Sana is in a better place. Yet, that thought does little to truly ease the ache of her absence. It’s strange how grief connects us to others who have endured similar losses. As parents, we hear of tragedies—other parents losing their children—and feel a pang of sorrow for them. But then, life moves forward, and we return to our routines. When I was younger, my cousin was tragically killed by a disturbed neighbor. She was the same age as Sana when her life was cruelly taken. I remember witnessing the profound pain and trauma that her parents and siblings endured, but I didn’t truly grasp the depth of their grief. How could I? It was impossible to fathom such loss until it became my own reality. Today, memories of Sana’s beautiful soul keep surfacing. During my time here, I have witnessed a bond between Maya and Luigi—Maya, the loving big sister, always looking out for her younger brother. It reminds me so much of Sana and Maahir. Sana was Maahir’s protector, his guide, and his unwavering source of love. She would often look out for him in the way only an older sibling could. The photos of them together tell stories of this deep sibling bond—Sana with her arm around Maahir, her smile filled with affection, and her eyes radiating pride. It’s these small, yet profound, memories that I hold close to my heart now. We often take these everyday moments for granted, failing to recognize them as the very essence of who our loved ones are. But now, I find myself clinging to them, replaying those moments of kindness, love, and connection that made Sana such a beautiful soul. Life, as relentless as it is, continues forward. Yet, for those of us carrying the weight of loss, it moves at a different pace—one punctuated by memories, by moments of longing, and by the hope of reunion. I hold onto the belief that one day, I will see Sana again. Until then, I’ll continue to find solace in these memories, cherishing the person she was and the love she gave so freely to all of us. While it’s easy to overlook these beautiful traits in the rush of daily life, I find myself now cherishing and reminiscing about all the things that made Sana such a remarkable and loving soul. Life moves forward, but I hold on to the comforting belief that someday, in another time and place, I will be reunited with her.