 |
| In Dubai - Allif, Mummy & Asad |
Since he was small, Allif just could not wait to grow up. When he was two he acted like he was 5, when he was 7 he acted like he was 12 and now that he is 11 he is acting like he is 18. I suppose growing up mostly on our own without a man in the house has resulted in him growing up at an accelerated rate.
When we were in Yemen, there was not a moment that I would be without him. He was my constant companion - my translator, my protector, my negotiator, someone I would talk to for deicisions. I could even depend on him for going to the biqalah (sundry shop), supermarket or even pay our bills and he was barely 10.
Now that we are back in our homeland, he continues to be that man in the house. One of the things that he has taken responsibility for is the happiness of his brothers. Always trying to make sure that they are happy - buying them toys that they want, buying them sparklers and fireworks to have some fun for eid - and all this out of his own pocket money - acting like a father would for his children. Recently his brothers wanted to buy PSP GO from their EID money collection, but were short, but Allif offered to top up for whatever was short, just as long as his brothers are happy.
Not only is he kind to his brothers, but also to me. As a single mother I tend to get stressed up and sometimes easily get angry and annoyed. I know it is not right, but sometime Allif gets the brunt of it, but subhanallah, he is such a wonderful son - so understanding and always calming me down and explaining to me things in a nice manner with patience and understanding and NEVER in a high voice - this to me is such a commendable trait for a son, who is only 11 years old.
I suppose Allif has had to grow up fast in the circumstances that we were in and he somehow just had to take up responsibility of man and father at the same time. I can see how when his elder sister comes home, he feels some relief of this burden as I think he feels that the responsibility is somewhat shared between them.
Apart from being responsible, Allif is also a very soft hearted person. Whenever people that are close to us come and visit and has to leave, it is always very hard on him. I am not sure why, but I suppose the people that come and visit us are like family to us and when they leave, it feels like we are alone again.
Sometimes I forget that Allif is only 11 and that he is still a very young boy with a young boys desires. I am so grateful for this son of mine - truly a gift from Allah swt. He has truly been a son that has kept his mother strong and standing in trying times, even at a young age.
Mummy loves you so much and pray that you will first and foremost grow up to be a good muslim and if that is achieved, all else is achieved.
