A deep and personal sorrow fills our hearts. Daddy has silently closed the door of life and departed from us. Our lives will be empty in many areas he had so brightened for us. His sense of humour and laughter, which was contagious, has fallen silent foever. But I thank God that he gave us so much to live for, including some of the timeless virtues he was known for by his kith and kin.
We carry in our minds and hearts precious memories of a special Dad. He was one of the most gentle, thoughtful and charitable men whom I have ever known. His kindness and warmth attracted many people to him, forming good relationships that he sustained and protected over the past 97 years of his life.
I have come to know and believe that he gave us the greatest gift of a father to his children – his belief in us. As much as Daddy was free-going, he was also a strict disciplinarian. I'll always remember Dad's love for his family. The security he wrapped around us made us sure that we were loved.
Albert Einstein has said “the value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive”. Daddy was a man who gave. He gave much to his family, work and society as a whole. That is why, as we bid goodbye to him, I would like to speak in celebration of his life. Here was a simple life that demanded very little, a life that exemplified diligence with humility, a life that lit up so that others' paths were illuminated.
We will continue to live his name and make him proud even as he rests peacefully with the Almighty. I believe that he was called for a greater reward which he deserved for his good work. I am consoled that he was called by the creator to grant eternal peace and joy. We feel truly blessed and privileged to have had him for so long in our lives.
I don't want to cry anymore. I don't want to yearn to hug my Dad one last time, long to see his smiling face or hear his cheerful voice. I wanted all the people who loved my Dad to be around, so that I might feel his presence through sharing memories of him, sharing tears....and maybe even sharing some laughter.
Thank you Daddy for the wonderful and generous times you have given us and the affection you have shown us. They are forever etched in our minds.
May Almighty Allah grant you the bliss of Jannatul Firdous.
Deena Burton |
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