The Man Who Taught Me Life

My Jiddi Abu Ummi was not an ordinary person in my life.

He was the beginning of everything beautiful I know.

He would take my hand when I stumbled,

and laugh when I made a mistake, then say:

"Life does not punish those who learn… but those who stop."

He taught me how to face fear,

how to smile even on difficult days,

and how to draw the world even when it was painful.

I always sat beside him,

drawing while he watched me with silent pride.

I did not know that his presence…

was the greatest lesson I could ever live.

And suddenly...

His features began to change a little.

Weariness began to show in his voice and in his steps.

At first we did not understand…

but his condition was growing worse.

We took him to the Hospital,

and the doctor's words were heavy, cold:

"Entrust him to God… we have nothing else."

He returned to the House after a few days,

but he was no longer as he had been.

He smiled, yes…

but his smile resembled a farewell.