My Mother: A Legacy of Strength and Love

Everyone believes their mother is the best in the world. And for them, she is.

Like any child, I believe my mother was the most extraordinary person to ever exist—strong, funny, and pure of heart. In her short time, she raised a good-hearted and resilient daughter. (Though I admit, I’m not always as strong as she was.)

I owe my mother everything. Her life story, a testament to strength, willpower, and unconditional love, guides me daily. She always wanted to write her story, saying, "I should write a book about my life," and "People wouldn't believe what I've been through." If she had written that book, it would seem like fiction. No one could endure what she did and remain as kind, strong, and hopeful.

This is my mother's story—a story of strength, hope, faith, and pure love.

Mum, I will write it for you. It won’t be perfect, and I can’t fully capture your essence. You should have lived longer and written it yourself. (I’ll try to keep it light-hearted, so forgive any unexpected jokes.)

Chapter 1: The Strong Kind

Mum loved telling stories, and I loved hearing them. As the youngest and only girl, I knew her best. I had the patience to listen to the same story a thousand times, always asking questions. She had a beautiful voice and a contagious laugh.

She was lively, talkative, and hilariously funny. Her stories weren't about bragging; they were about inspiring and teaching.

Trust me, it was better to listen to her stories than to face her wrath. Her stories always ended with smiles and laughter.

Mum was a middle child in a large, loving family. She was close to them all, especially her father, whom I never met but always longed to. My grandmother, however, was the epitome of kindness.

Mum had a happy childhood, surrounded by family and living a simple life. She aspired to work, move to Amman, and buy lots of shoes. She always looked stylish, even in her school uniform.

Her father instilled strength in her, saying things like, "You're the daughter of a man, no one can scare you," and "I trust you." I understood why she adored him.

My grandmother was incredibly kind, always helping others and feeding everyone. She was known for cooking endless meals, ensuring no one went hungry. I loved visiting Jerash for her hugs and delicious food.

My grandfather taught Mum to be strong, and my grandmother taught her to be kind. She was both—the "Strong Kind," and a fantastic cook.

Chapter 2: Proving Her Strength

In sixth grade, Mum had a gland problem that stunted her growth at 160cm, a source of playful teasing from me. Her comebacks were legendary.

When I called her "shorty," she’d give me a look that said, "I'm going to kick your ass." She'd retort, "My height stopped in sixth grade, but I still passed the year with flying colors. What can you say, you tall pine tree?"

After graduating, she moved to Amman to work, living with her sister. She adored her nephews.

At 22, she married my father. She felt pressured, but she trusted her father's judgment. She was always carefree.

She'd tell me stories of her wedding day, like taking her nephews to the first cinema in Jordan and buying shoes from Italy. Her stories always twisted into something funny or uplifting.

Chapter 3: That Kind of Strength

Mum was an incredible working mother, friend, and healer. She woke up early, made breakfast, got us ready for school, and still looked amazing for work. She was like a magician with five kids.

She had me when she was 42, so she was 50 when I was 8. She had health issues, but it never showed.

When she was seven months pregnant with my third brother, she had a brain stroke after a fall. She went into a coma, and doctors thought she was dead.

Miraculously, she woke up with only memory loss. She couldn't remember the fall or her pregnancy.

She faced harsh judgment from the family, especially regarding my brother, who was raised by my grandmother. Mum loved her mother deeply and couldn't bear to upset her.

She missed her son terribly, and when he finally came to live with us, it was hard for both.

Chapter 4: Miraculous Strength

Mum had herniated discs but still moved, walked, and ran after us. She never let her pain stop her.

She had my fourth brother and me, even though doctors advised against it. She wanted a girl.

When I was in eighth grade, she was hit by a bus. I saw her dying, but I told her, "You're going to be alright; I need you," and she came back.

She was my miracle.

Chapter 5: Strong Enough, But Not Enough

Near-death experiences showed us what truly mattered.

Mum started having stomach pains. She was diagnosed with several serious conditions.

The details were heartbreaking.

She finally felt at peace, ready to leave.

Chapter 6: In Strong Memory

Her last two days were a testament to her greatness. She was surrounded by family.

She held on for me.

She gave up her life for us.

I asked her to let go, and she did.

She faced life's challenges with unwavering strength and positivity.

She was kind, loving, and beautiful, inside and out.

She believed God tested those he loved most, and she always said, "He must love me the most."

I remember her in everything I do.

She was a strong woman, gone too soon.

She lived a life without giving up.

She smiled through hell.

Kindness was her guiding principle.

I hope to be a fraction of the mother she was.

I’ll tell my daughter all about you, Mum.

You were born strong, lived strong, and your memory remains strong.