In March, the world celebrates, women’s international day, teacher’s, and mother’s day. I personally start the month celebrating the birth of my eldest daughter the joy and pride of my life. Then again the birth of my son fell upon me in the same month. These two events taught me a lifelong lesson.

Lou,lou,lou,leesh, (Ululation, a high pitched tongue trill) is what we read on a telegraph that was sent to us from Lebanon back in the 80s, this was the only means of communication during the Lebanese civil war. After long contemplating the meaning of this phrase, we finally understood that it was a “زلغوطة” , a cry of total bliss and happiness from my husband’s aunts and my in laws. Their love to all of us was so precious and can rarely be repeated, may their souls rest in peace.

My mother’s voice still echoes in my heart when she announced the news to me and started running in the hospital’s corridors with both her hands held high pointing out it’s a Boy.

Many years passed and to this date, everytime cut my son’s birthday cake, i recall the song that my mother invented: عمورة يا عمورة بتسوا اميون والكورة It was only a matter of time that she decided to adjust it because she didn’t find it was enough: عمورة يا عمورة بتسوا كل المعمورة

The love of the elderly is priceless, they are the angels in our lives, usher in their love and respect, it pays off in time. حينما يتكلم كبير السن… انصت بشغف فانه قرن من الزمان، وبحر من التجارب وجبل من العواطف وبقية من الحياة

The unconditional love that the grandparents give is the foundation that leads to a confident  well routed generation. Build on it and reap in time a healthy family and eventually a citizen of a better world, as I did.

With love, Jahna