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Dear Friends:
This
message is a bit delayed because I left early Saturday morning (the
26th) to
be with my adoptees across the
Atlantic.
Ten years ago my childhood friend and her husband died within two months of each
other, leaving behind four children (grown up now) and no guardians. This was a
poignant memorial to my friends and I have just returned.
On
the two long flights there and back, I had loads of time to absorb the amazing
event on Friday which to me, was not just a book launch but a warmly sincere
gathering of my close friends and extended family. I know you were there because
you care. It was also an opportunity to meet many of you who I haven't seen in a
long time.
I
was very moved by every moment of that evening and I want you to know that I am
deeply touched by all of you - those who were able to come out and share in our
joy and those who could not physically be there, but supported me in spirit and
sent their best wishes. One of these loving and poignant messages is from Dr.
Abdulazia Sachedina which is attached below.
While
I was a bit dazed and not able to interact with all
of you individually, I was
totally awed by many aspects of that evening - all the pieces that made it come
together so perfectly.
Tony
balancing trays of food with one arm; the huge bouquet of flowers waiting for me
at reception from my adoptee Tia who had to leave for Pakistan; Saif hiding the
content of his introduction; Jehad's easy association of his name with my Jihad;
David's fascinating explanation of the Publisher’s name ; Karen's gentle ways
of making sure everything was perfect and that she pronounced everyone's names
right; Salima's stirring talk that made me cry; Tarek's thundering rendering
that scared a few people; Sheena and Gita quietly arranging the food at the back
of the hall; Felicia who was in bed with a back problem but came anyway;
Sushma who’s husband was in the hospital and she was there for me; the
powerful impact of Kiran's paintings of Abu Ghuraib which made the message of
the book much more poignant; amazement on the face of the police officer on duty
who actually purchased two books; all
this is embedded on my heart forever. At one point in the evening, as I was busy
signing a book, I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked up. My friend Alec
Epstein was standing there trying to say something, but all he could do was
weep! I knew what he was trying to say because his tears reached my heart.
These
are only a few unforgettable moments that I will cherish all my life. I won't go
on - but let it suffice to say that I feel truly blessed to have the support of
all of you. The tweak I felt for a second of being far away from my blood
relatives, vanished with your warmth.
May
Allah bless all of you with His Nur (light) and love in your lives and
hearts. Thank you once again for being there for me.
Peace
and Blessings always
Raheel
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