I remember hotel check-outs and Expedia log-ins...
I remember call center hold tones and airline change fees...
Online bookings and airport lines.
A disarray of packing and only later remembering to hope nothing was left behind.
Because who cares if anything was left behind.
Everything is transient. Never more so apparent than now.
Memories are the only true measure of time - and when it comes to memories, there's no choosing what to leave and what to take. And I want to take it all; the good and the bad - but what is bad about a memory? What is bad about remembering a beautiful person, and the way they touched your life? I will not refute your memory because it didn't fit in to my mold - I will embrace it because you set the standard.
Can a person be loved more once they are gone? I hope not, because it will mean we did not give you your just deserve while you were with us. Instead I will continue to love you forever, gasping for those memories like oxygen, dwelling in their possibility and never ever forgetting that you gave me so much more than just my name.
And I will never get on a plane again without feeling the presence of your soul and the sadness of your loss.
Rest in Peace Marouf Hasan Suleiman. You will be greatly missed.
My Grandfather left behind a loving wife of 57 years, 4 sons and a daughter, and 16 grandchildren that will forever honour his memory.
