On 10 May 2021, Heaven recalled my soulmate and beloved life partner Amira. I do not say that death claimed her, because there can be no death for the faithful; they simply shake off this ephemeral body we wear as strangers on this earth, and enter into everlasting heavenly glory. The soul departs the earthly body and dons a luminous one to enter in the presence of the Lord where there is no more sorrow, crying or pain.
I had to cross the tough, potentially shattering path of giving Amira up and proceeding on my own, in answer to the good will of the Lord and His wise fatherly providence. I could never have embarked on it safely had it not been for my faith in God, my full acceptance of His will, and my assurance that Amira has left me for a better place of comfort, joy and peace.
I attempt to pull myself together, embraced by family and friends, and surrounded by colleagues and acquaintances. My life with Amira unfolds before me in precious memories of a journey we began as friends in 1968 and crowned with life partnership since 1974. Today, I find I have to continue on the road alone, without her. I arm myself with faith in God as I sense her aura enveloping me, and her memories warming my heart.
I am eternally grateful to the Lord for having placed Amira in my life. I feel content and appreciation for the flood of emotions many have voiced following her passing, expressing how much she will be missed. These were no shiny, flowery words; but a spontaneous overflow of love that really moved me, since it painted Amira in light of the warmth she always spread.
“Amira, we will forever remember your bright smile, kind heart, gentle manners, and your positive attitude and determination as you faced life’s difficult moments,” wrote her family, the Sidhom Family [the family of Antoun Sidhom, founder of Watani].
“You lived with a pure heart, and your love and giving were remarkable. You departure was with angelic gentleness,” her brother’s wife, Amira Bushra, wrote.
“Amira [Amira is Arabic for “princess”], our princess of hearts, our childhood friend and lifelong dear one. You were an icon of love, giving and joy. You accepted God’s will in your life with content and optimism … We offer our love and prayers for your beautiful soul.” This was signed: “Your friends of childhood, youth, and a lifetime.”
“We will miss your kindness, your smile, your gentleness and good sense whenever you came to visit us at Watani,” Watani’s staff wrote.
“Ms Amira was gentle and cheerful; she won hearts, occupying a special place in them. She did not often visit Watani, but her presence was strongly felt through the stories Mr Sidhom used to tell about her. These exuded love, pride and regard, and made us feel as if we knew her and wished to get closer. Ms Amira may not have been physically with us at Watani, but she was there through Mr Sidhom’s fond words… She departed after completing her mission as the staunch supporter of her life partner and the best mother for her daughter whose moving words gave loving tribute to a great mother.” That was Watani reporter Eman Seddiq.
I will not say, farewell Amira; I will say let your spirit be with me always and your memories warm my heart until we meet.
Watani International
21 May 2021