Tribute

You were a fountain of knowledge, a veritable sea of experience. Your departure from this world signals a profound loss of our history and our lore. I’d always test you, intentionally asking you questions on many things, even names of animals and plants which should be foreign to us. But you would always answer with full confidence. Indeed, I had my doubts at times, but your confidence was as unwavering as solid mountain. Through you, I’ve learned many things. Experienced many more. And I regret that I didn’t make the effort to learn even more. For your legacy lies not in the material world, but rather in the experience you’ve gathered throughout your long life.

Of all things I will miss about you, I will greatly miss the times when I would bring you to the market in the mornings, to buy fish and fruits and vegetables to feed the rest of the family. You were never one to hold back when it comes to buying food for us. Perhaps it was coincidence, perhaps it was something more, but you had never bought as much as you did on our last trip to the market. I knew you cared for us; despite that gruff exterior, I can sense the contentment you feel at seeing us work our way to finishing off the last of the durians you bought for us that last trip.

I am glad that I was able to spend some time with you before you left us. I am glad for all the times I’ve spent with you over the years.

My dear Grandfather, we will always miss you, we will always remember you, and we will always pray for you. May your soul be blessed by Allah. Al-fatihah.