Love Tag

Family, Humanity, Love / 12.04.2018

Fairly early last Sunday night, before heading off to bed, I had requested Damon be on the look out for a tired, crampy, menstruating Samita huddled in a cocoon-like shape in bed in the morning. “If I’m still in bed at 6:45, could you be so kind and take the boys to school?” I asked, knowing that on the rare occasion I’m asking for assistance, Damon will say yes. It’s always polite to ask even after (especially after) almost a quarter century into a relationship. “No problem,” Damon replied. “You rest.” The house phone was ringing and ringing and ringing. Leia answered. My...

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Growing Up, Love, Self Love / 29.03.2018

For decades I looked outward for signs of love, security, nurturing, belonging – home. A year ago my world didn’t fall apart but I did. This past year has gifted me countless opportunities to seek healing, therapy, healthy support, and tested my faith like never before. Broken, not knowing where to turn, and lost in darkness, the Light, which gave hope to my soul was found – within. The holy space - where Awe, Love, and Light reside - shone stronger and stronger, a beacon guiding me back to where God rests, where He never left – the seat of...

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Belief, Humanity, Love / 27.12.2017

His name was Benny or at least that’s what the stitching on his work shirt read. I don’t know her name. I guess I could ask my neighbor, but I relish the fact that we were total strangers, never having met before, and possibly never meeting again. As one of the few stay-at-home/work-from-home parents, I have the honor of not only retrieving my children after school but the children of two dear friends - five teenagers in all. Snack time is a must when “my kiddos” come home: fruit, veggies and dip, a sweet treat, chips and dip, fresh baked banana...

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Growing Up, Love, Mindfulness / 06.12.2017

“Bayta [child], how is this itchy if you haven’t even tried it on?” Umme [Mom] patiently asked as I, much like a miniature-Pakistani, George Washington- resolute and determined- stood at the crossing of the Delaware, which was a local dress shop Umme ventured into in Karachi, Pakistan. Umme says I was an easy child to raise, probably because she literally had a village of elders watching, guiding, and nurturing me for most of my life. I said my salaams [greetings], respected my elders, was diligent with my education, prayed my namaz, and read the Quran. There was one condition that I...

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Love / 04.07.2016

How do you wish someone a happy birthday knowing that it hasn’t been the best of years or even the best of lifetimes? Do you fake your way through platitudes, not expressing the reality of her condition- trying to “fix” her even though she just wants to talk? It’s taken me years, decades actually, to be at peace with just bearing witness to someone’s pain, their situation; holding a place of reverence for them while they are with me, not trying to “fix” anyone or anything, so I shall do just that- listen to her, love her and empathize with...

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