When we are in our mother's womb, our first sense that develops is our sense of hearing. We hear our mother's and father's voices long before we are born and see the light of the world. When we are nearing the end of our life, our sense of hearing is the last to go. Rina's nurse Lucy said there are scientific studies that show this. My sister can hear every word we say. I am positive of this.
Today I'm going to make sure that every family member and close friend that wants to have a few minutes to talk to Rina alone, can do so.
Please tell Rina that I love her and will always hold her close to my heart. Last night, I lit the candle she gave me in October when she and David had lunch at my house. She has always been so giving and fun-loving. I miss her every day. I send blessings to your family and all of her friends. Kim E.
ReplyDeleteKim - I want to tell you that this morning I read the nice letter that you wrote to Rina. Thank you so much. My sister talked about you often and loved to hear your band play.
Delete~ Selina
Thank you so much for reading that letter to her. I sent that on Saturday before even knowing she was going to be in the hospital this week. She also talked of you and the family. I could tell that family and friends were most important in her life. With love, Kim E.
DeleteSeline - Please tell Ferdousi I will forever remember the powerful and once-of-a-lifetime experience we shared as we stood together on the Great Wall of China. I treasure the fun and sorrow times we spent together and will be forever grateful for her inspiration to me to run, run, and then run some MORE when you think you cannot!
ReplyDeletePeace and love to you dear Ferdousi!
Sue
Saki - you are amazing. I know all the messages and things people are saying are comforting her, and probably all of us as well. I'm sure she'd love to hear about happy times shared when people talk to her. I will always remember how she sat on phonebooks to drive her car in Platteville. An odd memory, right, but she used to laugh about it. A grown woman sitting on phonebooks! My daughter Allison said to me the other day that Rina is always so fun, and she even let Allison bunk with her when we were visiting last summer (which Allison LOVED!) She also frequently pointed out that it is impossible that Rina is older than me because she looks so young and beautiful! And, she is right :)
ReplyDeleteI know I've already said it a bunch of times, but please tell her we all love her. I know she will hear it. I pray for peace and strength for you and all of your family.
Saki - when you talk to Rina today, let her know how much I love her. I consider myself very lucky to have met her and to count her as a friend. Praying for you and all your family. Beth
ReplyDeleteI love you with all of my heart and soul Ferdousi. You will be in my heart forever.
ReplyDeletePlease tell Ferdousi that Lisa and I both love her and pray for her often. It pains me to not tell her this personally. I will always remember the time we spent working together and the time we spent as friends, the summer picnics and winter parties at her house in Nashotah, and the time I was able to visit her in Minnesota. Let her know that I truly feel blessed to have her as one of my friends.
ReplyDeleteKen
Saki: I'd like to talk to Rina for a couple of minutes via telephone, if that's possible. My home number is 650-689-5750 (my cell phone stopped working yesterday). I would call you, but I don't have your number. Thank you. Tara
ReplyDeletePlease tell her how much I have treasured our talks and all of her love and support over the last 6 months. I am so grateful to have spent the week there last fall and will forever keep her words in my heart.
ReplyDeleteLove
Chris
I know, too, that Paul treasureres her friendship immensely and is grateful to have spent the time with her before Christmas.
Selina,
ReplyDeletePlease tell Rina that I will always remember and treasure all the times she would listen to me when I had problems. She would comfort me and make me feel so much better. My life has been so much better with her in it.
Keith
Saki,
ReplyDeleteCan you please tell Rina that I am not read to say goodbye to her yet? I know this is very selfish because she is in so much pain, but I want her to get better so that I can see her again, talk with her again, hug her again, and have her be part of my life still. If this is simply not possible, then I want her to know that I have loved the time that I did spend with her. Tell her that it is entirely her fault that I am hopelessly addicted to curry dishes (well, OK, that's actually your mother's fault), that she spent so much time taking care of everyone around her and not enough time letting those around her take care of her, that she is one of the most selfless women I have ever known, stubborn, brave, loving, strong, compassionate, smart as a whip, beautiful both inside and out, and that I will always carry her with me in my heart.
Saki, I hope you can find some comfort somewhere; I know this is so hard to sit and watch. You also are brave, and so, so strong to be doing this. I pray that God sends you strength and comfort. I send Rina a hug and kiss and all my love and I send you a hug as well. Thank you for reading these to Rina; it means to world to me and to those of us who aren't able to be there in person right now.
Love, Laura (Dykstra) Thomas
Selina,
ReplyDeletePlease let Ferdousi know that her friends at Duncan are deeply saddened by her pain and the pain of your family. She has had an incredible impact in everybody’s work and life in all her years at Duncan. Her work ethic, countless working hours, strength and intelligence set the bar high for all of us. I remember during my interview how I felt in doubt about the place. Then Ferdousi interviewed me and I remember thinking – This is not so bad! She made our place look hip and smart! I will always cherish our lunches, after work drinks, our quest for art and culture. She was always there when you needed her, either taking you home when you felt sick, or babysitting in a short notice, or sharing her lunch, or just providing a shoulder when you needed one. My children share very warm memories of cozying up in David’s room, playing videogames with Ferdousi, who could so easily get down to their level.
I recently heard a very smart man saying that when we’re understood – we are home. She made everybody feel home! Ferdousi, We are so grateful for your friendship. Thank you!
With lots of love,
Mirela, Tony, Sentibel, Sebastian and Sidorian
Dear Ferdousi -
ReplyDeleteAll these messages from your friends are a testimony of what a wonderful person you are. (I could only imagine this many people wishing me well if I won a lottery. :)) What still amazes me about you is that you never had an iota of resentment, let alone hatred, even towards those who hurt you over and over again. You always rose above the man who seemed to have come up with one evil thing after another every time he recognized another side of you that the world admires. You talked about him, but you never said one bad thing about him. Not even when I was rattling insults left and right. You have so many reason to be in peace with who you are and what you have done. You are a big person who deserves the best. This illness that found you is some great mistake of this universe.
I want you to know that I will remember you forever and that I fondly remember the times we spent together.
With much love, Neda.
Ferdousi,
ReplyDeleteI miss your warmness, your sense of humor, your adventurous spirit, and your all-around enthusiasm for life.
You are an extraordinary friend and an extraordinary person.
Ferdousi,
ReplyDeleteYou are an awesome friend and have been for a long time. I just can't put it into words. I feel fortunate that I was able to spend quality time with you (and your parents). I wish I could do more but I will always treasure that we were able to get out a do some fun things together. You'll always be an important part of who I am. Thanks for the treasures.
Paul
Though I was never a close friend if rina's, I always admired her. She was always kind to everyone. I connected with her recently with Facebook and we were able to catch up a bit. I will pray For her and your family during this most difficult time. Kori Schumacher
ReplyDeleteDearest Rina,
ReplyDeleteFor such a tiny thing you have given the biggest fight. I am sure everyone asks why? Why such a wonderful beautiful person must struggle with one of lifes worst nightmares. It is truly unfair. I would say that you are blessed to have so many loving friends and family but it is your family and friends who are blessed to have shared your sunshine. I have thought about you many times over the last several months and praying for you now more than ever. Jennifer Klein Heidepriem
Dear Rina,
ReplyDeleteMay Allah bless you and help you. We all are with you and your family in this tough time. Our prayers are with you! Life is all about love and love is more powerful than cancer! We all love you! Get well soon! <3
Lots of Love and Prayers,
Mona and Niha
Rina - you and your family are in my prayers. As I look at my own family I am reminded of all the gifts in life. Those gifts include the many school memories that are treasured that involve you. Stay strong my friend.
ReplyDeleteBarb (Bruun) Baumgartner
Hey Rina afa, I am a world away from u right now, but I so wish I could be near u, hold u, and give u a big hug. I want u to know that I love u very dearly, and u aren't only my cousin but more like an older sister. I also know that u are among my true well wishers....U are just that kind of person...always been a generous giver, no jealousy, want everyone to do good. I am forever very grateful for many things that u have helped me with.... from reading and translating "To Kill a Mocking Bird" when I couldn't speak or understand much English, which I am sure wasn't fun for u, taking me to stores to buy stuff when I didn't have a car, explaining me home works very patiently, giving me ur car for me to drive to collage and pay back slowly, in fact very slowly when I didn't have the means to buy a car, being in MI in my collage graduation, keeping me entertained in my Platteville days when my usual weekends weren't much fun, and many other things that I can go on abt... I have tears in my eyes and regretting not being near u. Last few weeks u were so close to me and didn't visit u because I thought I was too busy with work...I am ashamed... May Allah keep u in peace...I will seat next to u and talk in ur ears in one week...salam.
ReplyDeleteShiblee
You have always been the big sister I never had. Every weekend you came over from Milwaukee just to hang out with us. You would take us to the movies, shopping, golfing, hiking, and fishing. You allowed me so many opportunities and let me experience so many things, I probably wouldn't have experienced(with my strict parents. LOL. I always had a good time with you. I will cherish our lifetime of memories together.
ReplyDeleteInshAllah peace and comfort will be brought to you. I pray every day for you to open your eyes. Yesterday when I got to talk to you individiually, I know you heard and understood me because you squeezed my hand gently. The necklace you once gave me says, "I will meet you in every dream". The funny thing is yesterday I acutally did dream about you!
I love you and I believe you will keep fighting through this. You are the strongest and most courageous woman I know and I know you are going to be a survior.
XOXO
Ismat
<3