18.11.2020

 

It’s a significant date. Has been for the past 40 odd years. Since I knew him and more so when we became life partners in marriage. But he is one person who is not into birthdays and celebrations. To him it is a non-significant event. His family never made it significant. So initially I just played along as he wished. The children came and it become an important event for me to celebrate them. Not on a large scale. Sometimes just a wish but all the same we try to make it a special day. 

Well eventually he joined in with the wishes. But still it is of no significance as far as his birthday goes. 

So, yesterday I thought of a story board. I wanted to capture his journey through life by posting pictures of him at the different points in his life. His school years, his varsity years, his family , his children and his grandchildren. Well going through the pictures brought back wonderful memories of the past. Sweet, bitter sweet, happy, eventful… it’s a potpourri! . at this age when everything kind of slowing down, it was quite an effort to put everything in place. I have used the apps before but yesterday I couldn’t figure out how to manoeuvre it . it was lots of trials and errors until I could get it right. I thought I had it game, set and match! But early this morning I discovered a slight hiccup. So it’s  a last minute touch up before he wakes up for his tahajud prayers. 

So, I posted it just in time before he got up. Waited for him to open the message box. No, didn’t expect before suboh prayers. But after suboh perhaps? No . It didn’t happen. 

Then off for our morning exercise at the lakes. He was looking through the messages. But still no words. Was  about to tell him to open his message box that I send him. Then he said… is today the 18^th?

He smiled. I thought he had read my message. Oh, my ex student sent me birthday greetings. So I echoed him. Yes , today is your birthday. I could not wait any longer. I was getting all stressed up. Dear woman, just keep quiet and let it be a surprise for him. And before I knew it, the words were out ! can you open your message box? I send you something. There! What a relief!

He smiled. And he said. Can I give you a kiss? Why not ? 

So Happy 67^th year since your birth. Well it is a sad knowledge that his twin by the name of  Shamsiah died when she was about 2 weeks ago .

 

So, dear husband of mine.. now that we are both retired from our careers, you must agree with me that there is more quality time spent.Alhamdullilah . It is not the length of life, but the depth.

Dear suami ku, please know that there is no feeling in the world like knowing you have a partner to face whatever life throws at you. Thank you for being part of my journey. I love you and like the  English say , just like fine wine, we grow better with the years.

( Looks like I can't upload the video here because it exceeds the maximum limit.😢)