Home is where the heart is.

Posted on

April 6, 2017

I’m not the best at telling stories. I believe this picture does a much better job. This is me arriving at the hospital directly from the airport for almost the final goodbye to my Dad.

Few years ago, he had to leave his own country where he lived most of his life. He couldn’t make it home again. As for me, there were many challenges in order to visit my Father in his new home.

Well, I did it… but it was the last visit!

I don’t know if he was crying because he finally was able to see me or because of the words he was whispering in my ear then: “I wish to die in my own home and to be buried in Syria!”

Like many other Syrians, his wish didn’t come true…

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Perspectives

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Comments

152 responses to “Home is where the heart is.”

April 30, 2017

Sanchi Saxena

This story is very touching,it makes me sad thinking about all the lovely people I have lost.May his soul rest in peace. ❤

Reply
1. April 30, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  May the souls of all our beloved ones rest in peace in paradise. Thank you Sanchi for your kind words.
  
  Reply
May 4, 2017

Namagiri Sridhar

Very touching post. I am sorry that your dad’s wish did not come true.
Thanks for liking my blog.

Reply
1. May 4, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  You’re most welcome and thank you very much for your kind word, Namagiri.
  
  Reply
May 4, 2017

Ellen Hawley

I grieve with you that he couldn’t have died in his home.

Reply
1. May 4, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  Ellen, thank you very much for your visit and I appreciate your kind words
  
  Reply
May 4, 2017

readrantrockandroll

This is such a beautiful and touching post. It brought me to tears. I pray that your father is finally home now, in a better place…

Reply
1. May 5, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  Amen! Thank you very much Mischenko for the sweet words and feelings…
  
  Reply
May 6, 2017

rashmiprasad

So Very heart touching.may he RIP,I am sure he is in a better place.

Reply
1. May 7, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  Thank you very much for your kind words and wishes. Yes, I hope he is in a better place now.
  
  Reply
May 13, 2017

improvises

I carefully studied the picture since I love people.I want to offer my condolences. On the other hand both pictures show peace.A sense of calm and relaxing feeling.A bond, a very special bond.I have a feeling that you are a continuation of your dad.The love, the feeling of both of you looking so relaxed and so peaceful.Those are beautiful pictures to treasure because all I see is love.Through you the knowledge, the memories, the traditions and your dad’s stories will continue in your beautiful stories.

Reply
1. May 13, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope I can write the second chapter of this story but with happy ending. Thank you again. Your words mean a lot to me
  
  Reply
May 18, 2017

Steph McCoy

The photo does tell a beautiful story and so do your words. So bittersweet and lovely at the same time. I’m sorry for the loss of your dad.

Reply
1. May 18, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  Thank you very much, Steph. Your kind words are as sweet as your good self. Unfortunately, some stories might be beautiful in spite of all sorrows they contain! This is life…
  
  Reply
  1. May 18, 2017
    
    Steph McCoy
    
    You are very welcome. I’m so glad I came across your post.
  2. May 19, 2017
    
    Mohamad Al Karbi
    
    The pleasure is mine. Thank you, Steph.
May 29, 2017

A Plus Attitude

So very sorry for your loss and that your dad was not able to be buried in his homeland. My heart goes out to the Syrian people. There has been so much tragedy and loss. I can’t even begin to imagine what you and your fellow Syrians have been through. Although we are from different parts of the world and our cultures are different(not that that is a bad thing), there are certain human experiences that are universal to all and in this particular case it is the loss of a loved one. I lost my father 4 years ago to dementia. I adored my father and it was hard losing him, but I was thankful that I got to be at his bedside when he passed. Sending heartfelt peace and love to you and your family.

Reply
1. May 30, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  I’m sorry too for the loss of your father. Yes, being beside our beloved ones in such cases is the most important thing. Life is not easy… Thank you very much for your kind words and sweet wishes. I’m glad also to meet you and visit your wonderful blog.
  
  Reply
June 6, 2017

Mann

Very emotional. May his soul rest in peace.

Reply
1. June 15, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  Thank you Mann for your kind words. I appreciate it…
  
  Reply
June 16, 2017

Penny Wilson

I’m sorry for your loss Mohamad. Losing a parent is heartbreaking. I’m glad you were able to say a final good bye to him. Thank you for sharing this touching story.

Reply
1. June 16, 2017
  
  Mohamad Al Karbi
  
  Thank you for your sweet words Penny. They mean a lot… This is life
  
  Reply