Eulogy for my Father: Dear Dad, I missed you.

 

In March 2007, My dad Sheikh Osman Gaacuur died in Mogadishu. My father was a religious man and a very kind person. He was energetic, always happy, and rarely got mad. He raised all his children to follow his ways and we were blessed to have him in our life.

I lost someone I admired most in my life. He was an inspiration for me and my siblings. We learned so much from him. He used to tell us that life is always a struggle, and we can overcome it if we fight harder.

Before his death, life was simple. My siblings and I  used to go to school and Quranic Madarasa ' daily except weekends.  My mother used to care for us, and control our daily lives , while my father checked on us and fixed our needs. 

Our life has never been the same. His death happened just before the Ethiopian military took over Mogadishu. We were forced to flee and move to Jowhar. This has changed our life. Leaving our home after the loss of our father was a painful experience.

I would always refer to myself as daddy's girl. There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss him. I always wonder what my life would have been if he was still alive.

I never recovered from the loss of my father.  I never seemed to get along with my life since I lost him.  I had to push through difficult times and aim forward with my life.  I learned how to live my day-to-day life with a big smile on my face because I know that my father wants me to overcome every struggle like he did. I know that everything will be alright.

The loss of my father made me a strong person. I have realized that as long as I don't dwell on the past, and focus on my bright future, I will be alright.