day 13 of fortythree

Aloha:)

I would love to dedicate this time in space to a dear friend, role model and gracious human, my beloved friend Abdul "Abid" Al-Shamma. Abid and his wife Ibbie, and their little Jack Russell Pikey because dear friends of mine while I was living on Kauai. I started out as a personal assistant type, helping with all things around the house. Abid had recently experienced a stroke and was always living with the changing and somewhat challenging effects of Parkinson's. I spent more time taking care of Abid as his condition progressed. Three days a week I was able to spend time with my friend. He was such a wise, gentle and loving soul, we all just loved being in his presence. Our routine consisted of reading books and poetry, mostly Rumi, listening to beautiful soft music, watching the news and I would read him the newspaper as well. We shared smiles and laughs, jokes and comments about life and love. Before the Parkinson's kept him downstairs, Abid used to join me in the kitchen and we would make Dolma together. I would put the rice mixture together as Abid would tell me childhood stories. We would make our way onto the lanai and spend the next hour stuffing our grape leaves, zucchini, onions and tomato's and talkin story.

I wasn't able to share daily life with my own Grandparents although I hold infinite and unconditional love for them. Abid and Ibbie felt (and feel) like family to me. I felt a peace and love in the home they made on Kauai, even though the days were filled with visitors and errands, cooking and cleaning. Life existed there. Love existed.

I feel it is very important to honor our elders and honor their passing. We are all connected and woven into this most intricate "lineage of lessons". Abid was a man of integrity, courage, diplomacy and the best smile I have seen. I am grateful for all he taught me and will carry his love in my heart forever.

I would like to ask you (if there is any "you") reading this, to please take a moment and hold your parents and grandparents in a place of love and gratitude. They signify more to us than we realize on the daily and they love us more than we realize on the daily:)

Mahalo Abid:)
Kipona Aloha - Deep love