One Last Sunset

On August 16th 2025, the sun would set one final time on a planet that housed a wonderful family. My last surviving great uncle passed that day to join his brothers, sisters, and parents.

The amount of love that family had for one another, combined with the amount of love their nephews and nieces had for them, combined with the amount of love their grand-nephews and grand-nieces had for them, makes for a very very special family, and a very special type of love.

Most people don’t understand when I express that my great aunt Saniyyi was one of my favorite people to hang out with, joke around, and learn from. Her hugs were always the warmest and some of these hugs and conversations definitely shaped my view on how unconditional and extensive love can be. She passed away early last year.

Similarly with my great uncle Ibrahim, he was so tender. It’s so easy to think of him and instantly see a smile, a laugh, and a warm warm heart. I don’t even have to close my eyes. He’s there, buried deep into my heart. He was very pragmatic, wise to the deepest extent of the word, and truly a hustler. He always felt like a badass. He reminded me a lot of his brother, my great uncle Suheil, who always made me feel so loved, special, and made me look forward to visiting him in Beirut.

My grandpa Ahmad was and continous to be one of my lifelong inspirations. My conversations with him as a child shaped my stoic nature. His “I love you Jeddo”s were so unique. His quiet nature, periodically broken with genius comedic lines, was just signature him. He showed me that less is more, that love can withstand space and time and travel oceans, and that love doesn’t have to be grand, but be real and meaningful.

These siblings made me feel so special growing up, they inspired me to becoming the man I am today, and their love always felt endless. All the while, they were battling the world. Most of them have encountered unbelievable losses, extremely difficult circumstances, and being forced away from their homes and children. Yet they had more love and hope than anyone I knew.

Back to my aunt Saniyyi, that incredible woman lost 3 children. Three. One of her children died in a plane crash on the way to his dad (her husband)’s funeral. Yet, she was the most joy-filled, loving, caring, hopeful person I knew. Anyone that knew her would say the same. She left me no excuses not to try to make the best of my life. She made me feel like there’s always space to love some more, and to gather ourselves and push.

There’s so much more to say. But for now, we grief. Today, great uncle Ibrahim will be laid to rest. The world will never be the same again, but their love and soul live on in all the people they touched.

Hug your loved ones.

Talk more to your elders.

Forgive.

Cherish every moment.

I miss you all. Rest in peace 3ammou Brahim.