This year for Eid I was able to give Zarha something super special. It wasn't an object or material. I learned a song for her. It took me months. I was obsessed with getting it right. I practiced all the time. I literally practiced a thousand times.
It was all I thought about. The song was stuck in my head. It played in my head all day and even was the soundtrack to many of my dreams.
I thought about the perfect way to give it to her. I thought about what I would say and what I would do. I thought about where I would give it, where Zahra would sit, what Yusuf would do, what Nooriya would do, how to make sure everyone was in a good mood, how to prevent any interruptions from our phones, that the camera had enough memory, and every other detail I could think of.
Along the way, I realized something. I started doing this completely thinking about Zahra. I was consumed with making sure that it was just right for her. I started out doing this completely for someone else. Along the way something unexpected happened. At some point, though, it became an amazing present for me. The present was getting to give and hopefully make someone else happy.
I read this post I wrote almost six years ago about 'The Giving Tree'. The story had a new dimension for me. Basically, the tree gives and gives and ends with the tree being happy. I understand the end part more now.
The Beatles said it, Zahra said it, and probably some other smart people too.
All you need is love.
Taher, remember how giving made you feel.
It was all I thought about. The song was stuck in my head. It played in my head all day and even was the soundtrack to many of my dreams.
I thought about the perfect way to give it to her. I thought about what I would say and what I would do. I thought about where I would give it, where Zahra would sit, what Yusuf would do, what Nooriya would do, how to make sure everyone was in a good mood, how to prevent any interruptions from our phones, that the camera had enough memory, and every other detail I could think of.
Along the way, I realized something. I started doing this completely thinking about Zahra. I was consumed with making sure that it was just right for her. I started out doing this completely for someone else. Along the way something unexpected happened. At some point, though, it became an amazing present for me. The present was getting to give and hopefully make someone else happy.
I read this post I wrote almost six years ago about 'The Giving Tree'. The story had a new dimension for me. Basically, the tree gives and gives and ends with the tree being happy. I understand the end part more now.
The Beatles said it, Zahra said it, and probably some other smart people too.
All you need is love.
Taher, remember how giving made you feel.
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