Absence Makes the Heart Grow…

…fonder? Not always true. Unfortunately, life is not so simple. There are actually times when the absence of a person is a chance for those left behind to heal and recover from gaping wounds. …calmer? That is more akin to the reality my sons and I have experienced over these last six years. Having beenContinue reading “Absence Makes the Heart Grow…”

Father has Gone for Milk

I never knew about the phrase above until my sons made me aware of its meaning. For the last six years, we have managed to buy our own milk and returned many times, Alhamdulillah. Tomorrow is going to be a pensive day for my sons as father is finally returning for a short but unwelcomeContinue reading “Father has Gone for Milk”

Ramadan Resolutions

Alhamdulillah, we are halfway through Ramadan. It has gone by quickly. Even more surprisingly, it has gone by almost effortlessly, Alhamdulillah. This year, like many others, I have not felt the physical toll of fasting. My own theory is that it’s because I have learnt to be distracted with other things such as the dailyContinue reading “Ramadan Resolutions”

Table for One

It is quite often that I am reminded of the fact that my youth was some time ago. It’s not anyone else who reminds me of this fact. I know it myself. There are the usual physical manifestations of the ageing process which we all know too well. Like many people, I have also succumbedContinue reading “Table for One”

Goodbye to Procrastination

Everyone in their lives is on their own journey of discovery – of things, people, places and ideas.  In trying to make sense of things, some people take longer than others. Nobody should be chastised for not ‘keeping up’ with their peers or for not seeing something that may appear glaringly obvious to another person.Continue reading “Goodbye to Procrastination”

The Dichotomy Women Face

There’s not denial that the rate of divorce has reached unprecedented levels in modern times.  An average of one in three marriages never make it to “death us do part”.  A sobering thought. Even more interesting is that this is not a Western phenomenon.  It is a sad fate that is familiar to those inContinue reading “The Dichotomy Women Face”

The Future in Focus

Last week, I wrote about my attempts not to lapse into an emotional quagmire of the past. In a conscious effort to avoid that, this week I have busied myself in other things. The first of those is a full focus on my own ‘children’.  I use that word ‘children’ in its loose sense sinceContinue reading “The Future in Focus”

Aiming for Perfection

Five years ago, when I was just emerging from the ashes of my marriage, I recall a few friends telling me to keep myself occupied.  The idea was that being distracted would prevent me from sliding down the slippery slope into the past and into despair.  “Easier said than done,” I thought as I silentlyContinue reading “Aiming for Perfection”

Sick of the Sycophant

There are several lessons I have learnt in the last few years since I started life out on my own with my children.  All of them have been rude awakenings and the one I want to focus on today is no exception. Despite my best efforts to tell – or rather, show – the worldContinue reading “Sick of the Sycophant”