just a little over 2 weeks ago, I entered a new phase in my life. I am officially  someone’s mother-in-law, for the first time, as my youngest son married the love of his life.

In spite of living in different continents, in my attempts to jointly organize the wedding, from the hall to the caterer, the menu to the wedding favors, the shopping for a dress that fits and finding the right pair of shoes, alhamdulillah (thanks to God), it was all smooth sailing.

 

 

As the day drew closer, thoughts about my mother and my sister were constantly with me, the fact that they were not going to be present to witness and share this special day.

How I wish that my mother had been with us, to guide and support me, the advice, the long chats, her smile reassuring me that it is all going to be just fine, her wise words of advice to my son as she would lovingly smile at him, my sister’s unconditional love, her gentle and kind nature; without a doubt they were missed, they were such a big part of his life, now a young man taking this enormous step in his life.

It is milestones like this that makes us appreciate what we have in our lives, yet remembering the losses we have experienced.  They say that time is a great healer, but it hasn’t gotten any easier nor does it take away the sadness or loss.

Suffice to say that the support from my husband, my father, my brother, my children and my extended family saw me through the challenge of trying to organize a wedding from thousands of kilometers away.

It was a small and intimate affair.  Welcoming the young lady  into our family was such a pleasure, the look in my son’s eyes, said it all, I am grateful for the way she makes him feel so happy.

“To Waseem,

My Bebézinho, the youngest of my 3 beautiful children, always smiling, very personable and charming young man.

Where do I begin?  how does one sum up the years ?

A lifetime that’s unfolded before me and one I’ve had the honor to be a part of and will forever cherish.

I’ve been trying to write this for the last 2 months but every time I try to type this little note,  I start crying and have to put it down.  But today, on your wedding day, the tears will just have to flow as I type….

Despite my very flawed parenting abilities, you’ve turned into a pretty awesome young man.  Saying that I am experiencing mixed emotions would be an understatement, sadness and joy, sadness as one of my greatest roles in life shifts gear – yes mothering you! as a mum I am expected to work myself out of my “mothering” role, a tough one indeed, yet as I watch you become the husband to a wonderful young lady, I am consumed with joy as you move on to start your own family,

My hope is that you never grow tired of hearing me say “do come and visit me”, “I miss you” or “I love you”  for when I say these to you they speak volumes and I mean it…

To this day, I can close my eyes and see you sitting on the living room floor with all your Legos and your gongs (marbles) scattered around. Indeed “I love you” comes with a flood of wonderful memories and there is nothing you can do about the fact that I love you and always will, I will never stop being your mother, yet today I open my eyes to see  – a young man I’m so proud of and extremely happy for.

Waseem, my sweet Bébé, this girl you’ve picked… I cannot think of anyone who could be more perfect for you, indeed Allah (SWT) is the best of planners.

In the brief encounters that I had the pleasure of connecting with Yumna, she seems to have a personality that compliments yours. Inshaallah, your common personality traits will help contribute towards lasting happiness in your marriage.

My advice to you:
Above all remember Allah (SWT) and always be grateful.

Don’t let anyone tell you that Marriage is 50/50. It most certainly is not! You have to give 100% to your marriage and that’s a tall order. My Bébé, rest-assured it is not a job to take lightly as it requires a lot from you, such as:

. Sacrifice
. Grace
. Gentleness
. Compassion
. Comfort
. Compromise

My prayer for you both is that Allah (SWT) blesses your marriage, a marriage that will last a lifetime, filled with love, joy, compassion, understanding, trust, hope, health, wealth all wrapped in HIS mercy and light, always guiding and protecting you and your family.
I also pray that Allah (SWT) makes it easy for you to go through the trials and tribulations of married life and that you are blessed with beautiful children, full of piety and respectful, who will make you as happy as you have made me.

 

It would be remiss of me not to thank all my family members who have extended a helping hand in one way or another, towards making this joyous occasion.
Once again, Yumna, sweetheart, welcome to the family and to everyone else who made the effort to join us in celebrating Waseem’s and Yumna’s wedding.

WASEEM, LIFE CHANGES FROM THIS MOMENT ON….
Your Mama”

Have you had a similar experience? if so how, how did you handle it?

Please do share your experiences with me as I would love to read about it.

Look out for my next post on how I co-planned this wedding, whilst living  continents apart….