During a brief errand, I visited a home I'd known for six years and left deeply affected. The head of the household, who used to recognize me as "Ayisha, so and so's wife," would inquire about my family and engage in heartfelt Hausa conversations. He was one of the few individuals in that household with whom I could comfortably converse in Hausa. However, today, the effects of dementia or Alzheimer's have left our connection fragmented and me shattered.
This year, as an ailment had consumed him for two long years, his speech had become slurred and significantly delayed. It took considerable time, and sometimes even his recognition was uncertain. Our usual simple conversations had become impossible, as he struggled to articulate words, leaving me standing there in bewilderment. I turned my attention to his wife, who had grown thin and frail from caring for him throughout these challenging years. This was just one of the numerous heartbreaking scenarios I've encountered.
It's incredibly distressing to witness individuals who used to warmly mention your name and embrace you whenever they saw you now struggling to recognize or remember you due to the gradual deterioration of their memories and essential mental functions caused by a disease. Many in our societies have faced similar challenges and regrettably been unfairly stigmatized. Whenever I encounter such situations, I can't help but fear for my own old age, if I'll ever live to see it.
Today, during my Eid Reflections, I choose to dedicate my thoughts to those who are battling to maintain their health. I remember the countless family members who stand by their side, providing unwavering support during their time of illness. These individuals often endure physical, emotional, psychological, and financial strains in caring for their loved ones.
May all of us, including those facing these challenges, find peace and tranquility in every aspect of our lives, wherever we may be in the world. May the trials we endure today return to us on the Day of Reckoning as accrued blessings beyond measure.
And I pray that as we navigate our daily lives, we take moments to offer prayers for those who cross our minds, extending kindness and empathy to those in need.
Eid Mubarak! May Allah accept from us. Aameen.
