حنبلي

*****

Mais

My eldest – oh how she changed the meaning of life! Being in a hurry and popping up in our life just about 9 months post-marriage this became one of Mais’ well-know traits; always one step ahead! I will never forget how Mais waited for my return from a business trip to come into this world (can’t say the same for her son though fooling me & making an appearance just as I left the country – but that’s another story!), immediately stealing my heart and earning herself the proud title of “all time favorite girl”

From the moment Mais came into our lives everything changed – so much joy and love, such a good-natured young lady never causing any trouble and being so well mannered; if only her sisters could learn a thing or two! Can’t say the same for her financial requests, such high maintenance – all those shoes & bags but hey, what’s all that money in front of that beautiful face huh??

There are many proud moments in Mais’ life, and they all mark a first for me – the first time I heard the word ‘baba’, first run into my arms, first KG graduation (and primary school, and high school, and university, and masters), first broken heart, first love, first wedding, first grandchild, first time I heard the word ‘jido’ and the list goes on and on – I’m telling you, she’s been doing a fantastic job keeping that title.

Over the years Mais became known as ‘Sukkar’ to me as in her I see a lot of me, and for her I wish better than I do me – she is my “Sukkar” and always will be , and I can’t wait for the many, many firsts life still has in store for us!

*****

Samar

BUBOSH, this one popped up unexpectedly into our lives, having only discovered her well on her way. Despite her middle child syndrome she has always made our life easy and her independence and strong will, made her into the ever successful diplomat she is today, I can’t wait to see how far she will go (career wise, not distance).

If I passed any part of my DNA to her, it would be the sense of fun and enjoyment of life while you can, including spending money, travel and generally having a great time socialising. She has a tendency to wander off to far-flung places such as South Africa, Australia, Japan and soon the USA, always finding one excuse or another.  But, like the “Prodigal Daughter”, she always returns to the fold and fills our hearts with joy.

Having not been around for her birth we’ve made up for lost bonding time across many continents. Our favourite pastimes include watching soccer and tennis, taking strolls, cinema nights and eating popcorn. I am her Number One life coach and advisor. One of my greatest accomplishments was teaching her calculus, which she never uses but it enabled her to get a degree in life!

If I had a favourite daughter, it would be her.

*****

Sara

Sarsoura… aaaah our last edition and the most special one! You know what they say, third time is the charm! Well Sarsoura was also a mistake as it seems Hana and I were never good at family planning. I knew she had a special place in my heart from the day I first held her in my arms and she gave me this side look of quasi-disappointment saying where the hell have you been? It is then that I realized that despite her tiny body (and her small size now) she would always hold life lessons.

Growing up Sara was the kindest and most sensitive in the house but deep inside I always knew she was the strongest. She is growing up to be such a fine young lady , well on her way to mastering the Mickey Mouse world. Despite this, I will always see her as the young chubby girl that would not stop asking questions. If anything her obsession with ET is a testament of her weirdness. I will forever cherish the memory of my baby girl who won’t let go of my pinky and refused to go anywhere unless perched on my neck… her highest place and my happiest.