Hello December 2022 - 2nd December 2022 - 81 (Eighty-one) months on - Oh, Dearest Mum Bathqyomo Marine Khoury-Issa......... ???? ??????? ??? ??????

Hello December 2022 - 2nd December 2022 - 81 (Eighty-one) months on - Oh, Dearest Mum Bathqyomo Marine Khoury-Issa......... ???? ??????? ??? ??????

Something I read this month that reminded me of what my Mum used to say to us 'Do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return and you will never be disappointed.'

Having a good heart, and doing everything with a good heart expecting nothing in return, was not only a saying that my Mum would say, but this was her way of life, always guided by the Holy Bible.

So, hello, hope December 2022 will be a good month. Please always remember, ten awesome things money cannot buy: manners, morals, respect, character, common sense, trust, patience, class integrity and love.?These, in my opinion are planted in the human being through the dedicated parents, and the warm loving environment that they create for their children, and the community that surrounds them.

Here I come again to publish my monthly article on the 2nd of the month as on the 2nd of March 2016, life as I knew it changed and changed forever. It was the day when my beloved Mum Bathqyomo Marine Khoury-Issa went into her eternal sleep. God repose your soul oh Mum. It is the pain that I felt, and continues to feel in my heart... But, I felt that pain made me stronger, and the tears made me braver, the heartbreak that I experienced on that day made me wiser:

Indeed, it is difficult, and continues to be difficult, but memories of what Mum taught us and spoke with us are assisting, as I recently read something that reminded me of what Mum taught me, which strengthens me in the most difficult times of our lives:

Always pray for God’s blessings. Believe in God’s miracles. Focus on God’s promises. Rejoice in God’s goodness. Trust in God’s timing. Wait for God’s answers. Relax in God’s presence.?

Indeed we always pray for God's blessings and wait for God's answers, as we recall what we read in the Book of Numbers that was always a wish that Mum would say to us as we hit the road:

Indeed, mothers are the first school for everyone - and my Mum was that special very important school in my life. This month's calendar carries a poem that speaks on my behalf about my brilliant Mum:

Mum, words seem to fall short in describing how much love and respect I have for you. [... and still growing...]

My fondest memories are all sustained with of your sweet and devoted love.?Your sacrifices, love and guidance showed me how to live my life, to seek my dreams and to find a full and meaningful life.?You encouraged me over and over again with relentless love to the discovery of who I am. [I would not have achieved what I have achieved without the ongoing support and encouragement from you Oh Mum...]

You are [and continue to be] the sweet loving wonderful person in my life, I call Mum. [Oh Mum...the sweetest ever]

Now that I am older [and you are not among us physically], I can see it takes someone very special to be a good mum. It is the hardest job in the universe and you continue to deliver a first class performance. [no matter how much I write, I will never describe how great, brilliant and unique you are Oh Mum...]

Thank you for being my Mum. [And as I usually say, I am proud to be called your daughter].

Yes, and I recall how you always strengthened me and encouraged me to be my best self. Well, another poem by an anonymous in this month's calendar under the title 'Become your best self' that would describe how you used to encourage me:

Become your best self

Dare to dream the very best and embrace your destiny.?Once you understand your power, with all your strengths and potential, there is a knowingness and a sense of confidence about what you can achieve.

Take time to reflect on everything good within you.?Confidence comes from deep within, so use it to envision what your heart desires.

Life offers exciting opportunities, and with a positive mindset there is much you can create.?Life is what you make it, and you only get ONE.

Never give up, never doubt, and never take yourself for granted. The power lies within you. Stand tall, smile at your future, and get ready to become your best self.?

Your encouragement generated that confidence. Thank you Mum...

Every minute of the day you are on my mind oh Mum... but I know that you are watching over us and I know something that you taught me 'God is watching over me - Amen'.

In the usual manner, we continue to pray on daily basis throughout the month, and there were some commemorations this month - we seek supplications of the saints for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the safety of the living:

Indeed, November 2022, was the third month of Spring, and your garden oh Mum... continues to be generous:

In the usual manner I conclude this entry with this Syriac hymn that was shared earlier, received from Touma:

Again, and again I am forever thankful and grateful to God the Almighty who honored and blessed me to be the daughter of Bathqyomo Marine Khoury-Issa, and thank you all for taking the time to go through this article.

On behalf of the Issa Family

Your Eldest daughter

Theodora Issa

PS:?Theodora acknowledges the sources used in coming up with this entry including the Issa Family archives for Mum's image shared in this entry, also some collected beautiful flowers, trees and other plants in the garden images that Theodora photographed this month, the two calendars of this month 2022, Lamsa Holy Bible, and the Department of Syriac Studies.