Dr. Sabiha Saadat

Now is the time to say-‘Good bye’-soon you will be leaving me and in a way forever! After all kids have to leave their parents to pursue their careers and life too! May you get what you want and may the Almighty guide and help you. Right now I want to go down the memory lane…wish it were pensive..so that we could watch it together!

I am reminded of early 80’s when as a young ,naïve, shy and a modest person I ventured into my professional field without any anchor to support me or anyone to guide me…we were advised to have a distance with mothers…could not talk to her so freely and the situation is more or less the same even now! I sincerely hope that my precious experience will give you a suit of armour that will help you in warding off the problems that you might face…though I sincerely pray that you do not have to face anything.

Oh Baby! I want to brew a potion more stronger than Getafix’s  that will strengthen you when the first crush comes along, or a heartbreak! Surely there will be and I want you to be prepared.

It was 1989 when there was a signal that I was going to be a mother. We were confused, surprised that you were there…our child.. and my eyes would smile. I used to see you swimming on the ultra sound screen and see that cardiac flicker which is fresh in my mind. How I used to love to listen to your heartbeat…it was in harmony with mine.being a doctor I must not believe that, but it was…! Oh! those joys were remarkable and and feelings unspeakable!

You gave me discomforts I was not used to. Morning sickness, loss of appetite, fatigue and not to mention the “Kicks”…At the same time you are the first one who taught me how to be a woman who is blessed to bear a child! We used to fight over names. We thought of so many and finally decided that if it were a girl we will call her S…..

And there you are a young lady ready to sail the blue oceans and I want you to lead your ship so that you can wisely avoid all the storms and wrecks and reach your destination safely. There is Almighty to guide you always…

When you were small I always advised you to be moderately modest. Now I want you to realise the feeling and importance of elegance and poise and have the essence of being the most-cherished-after thing in the world….that is being a female…for whom wars were fought, battles were lost and “Trojan” horses were built!

Be proud of your existence, be bold of your decisions and be sure in your actions. But do not flinch in the eyes of men most likely a boy! Live like a jewel, preserving your character, strength, and clarity. Do not let your heart which is a treasure that holds your dreams, secret wishes, and aspirations become a Pandora’s Box.

Do not let fear find a place in your existence. Because fear might soot you and keep you from shining. Walk with firm steps.I know you can stay in rain and still not be wet! I am sure you will come out of fire without a singe on you……such is my trust in you, and I am pretty sure you will live up to my expectations. Cast off failure and humiliation as they are a Homo Sapiens worst enemies.

Next I would like to talk about friends…Choose them wisely and carefully. When you are with them please them, but do not come under the peer pressure and if suddenly you feel uncomfortable in their company, consider them meaningless acquaintances. In this case,its better to march alone and believe me there is definite dignity in doing so.

In your course of life you will find many friends, coming from any back ground, colour , cast, creed and sex. Some will be angels, some devils and some not so angels and some not so devils. Choose carefully, my love, as the old saying goes…a man is known by the company he keeps… Although some of them won’t like you for your goodness, generosity, only  you and you ALONE should have the commanding strength to follow what you have been taught….BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.

I know this is huge and perhaps too much to digest at this place and time. Sometimes in the future, when you will have a question, you will remember these words……. my words which today seem unfitting and uncompromising. I cannot predict what might come your way but I know my child, you will survive. You will have ( I sincerely hope not many) scars on your heart but I do not want scars on your saintly soul. But all this is a process of called ‘Growing Up’.

And when you grow up you will be a much more saner, sensitive and serene person. Be understanding towards peoples’ feelings and above all-Be Wise, my child….

I feel I am now!!
Allah is with you….