Reflection 31 – My Lovely Sister And Two Sweetie Nieces

We were always good buddies! Given our relatively narrow age difference, we were pretty close to each other. As kids, we loved to play wrestling during our study breaks. Both of us suffered on different occasions from our mom’s amazing aiming abilities using her flip-flops . I don‘t remember ever getting with her into any major disagreements. Our close relationship meant that we shared secrets and so on, and of course snitch at each other whenever needed! My sister always viewed me as her little nerd brother, who would make her study life usually unpleasant because of the (unnecessary) comparisons that were usually made. Anyhow, she survived!
As we grew older and both of us got married, we began to share more commonalities in terms of raising our kids and so on. But that didn‘t last for long since I was mostly living abroad from 2008 until 2017, during which I did my PhD in the USA followed by a couple of years of work at Qatar University. Throughout this period, and thanks to Skype and other platforms, we remained in touch though at a more superficial level. I would say that our relationship was mainly rediscovered with my return to Egypt and my ALS diagnosis, and more specifically as my health condition began to significantly deteriorate. As with my parents, I was reluctant to share much details fearing the emotional shock on her. I remember her once coming to ask me with tears in her eyes about a limp I had in my right leg. I believe the quick changes happening to my body made her not fully grasp what was happening to me. However, it was Allah‘s mercy these changes were rather gradual, which made her build more strength and resilience throughout. And that was evident in the last year or so.
My deteriorating condition meant we got closer. She was very keen to always check on me and help whenever needed. We began reviving our old relationship and discussing different family matters. But I really saw the peak of her love and sacrifices exemplified in the period during which I was in the intensive care. For almost close to three months, she would commute daily from three to four hours to spend time with me and to be beside me in that tough situation. This meant that her husband had to take care of their kids along with other house – related issues due to her prolonged absences. But she, like my father, has a tough grit in achieving things. After returning home and my usage of Tobii, we were able to maintain our healthy relationship and share our thoughts on various issues.
But my happiness with this device has even multiplied as I got to have easy access to my two sweetie nieces. During my last year, my relationship with them was rather shallow because of my deteriorating speech. Now, things have radically changed! It has become our family weekly routine for them to come and stay over. During their stay, I do enjoy not only their company but my ability to exchange stories with them and learn about their latest news. Tobii also opened a new venue for me to keep in touch with them remotely via texting. I’m extremely happy to nurture this relationship that I was missing with difficulties in communication. even their little brother gets to talk with me and even
asking Tobii questions thinking it being similar to Siri . Despite all the ALS challenges, I‘m very pleased with how things worked out and my strong bond I am able to maintain with my lovely sister and two sweetie nieces. LOVE YOU!