I have a huge list of special people in my life because I come from a family where loving and seeing each other grow is a priority. We love each other so much, and it is beautiful to watch three generations bond so well with one another.
Every one of my family has impacted my life one way or the other, and I can't love anyone less. I spent my childhood at Grandma's home around my aunts and uncles, who treated me like their child. They cared so much for me that I didn't feel the absence of my parents, who were working effortlessly to make ends meet. When it was time to settle in with my parents, I found it a bit challenging not seeing those faces always, but my parents filled the gap perfectly.
My parents are amazing people, as they raised me to be who I am today and also blessed me with amazing siblings, my best friends. I love everyone equally, but when it comes to my immediate family, I can be very partial, which is normal since they hold a more special place in my heart.
It's hard to choose only one special person in my entire life as a favorite, but for the prompt, that would be my dad. Writing about him now makes me happy because he is a great man, but I feel heartbroken seeing him struggling with his health for a while now.
He started feeling sick temporarily while I was in school, but we didn't think it was something severe until last year when he fainted and was revived at the hospital. Seeing him in this situation for months hasn't been easy for any member of the family, and we've been trusting in God while seeking medical help.
I am fond of calling him Appa, and he loves it even though he complains a lot about my K-drama obsession back then. Without any form of doubt, he is my biggest fan and source of inspiration; my dad would abandon anything in this world just to ensure he is present on my big days.
I remember clearly on my graduation, my dad showed up despite not feeling great, and I understand quite well that Mom can't be around due to her job; she needs every penny to keep her husband alive, so preventing her from working isn't a good one.
Dad could barely walk, but he went through the stress for me, wearing a big smile just to keep me going through challenges to achieve my dreams.
I enjoy listening to his stories and experience in life. Every time he speaks about the future, my wedding celebration is the first thing he talks about, and despite his deteriorating health, he still promises me to be there for me on my special day.
Throughout the fasting, I didn't ask anything from Almighty Allah other than granting him good health. I can't wait to see him move around to be the strong man I have always known all my life.
