To Depart & Arrive

A young woman who accompanied our group in Jeddah wrote this poem and read it aloud at a luncheon before we left Jeddah. It is beautiful and she shared it with us via email when we left. I will always remember those who I was privileged to meet and talk with on this trip. After all the incredible sights and sounds have faded, the conversations will remain- and they have changed my life.

Some people depart from our lives
Others arrive
So, you must be strong
To accept the new
And learn more on your own

Your memories will guide you through
For, it is through who you were
And the life you lived before
That .. will give you hints
On where you'll go
And how you'll get there

So don't be scared
You will always find a reminder along the way
In everything you do
In every way you choose to go
With any one .. your fate takes you to
You will always remember those who departed
Yet still.. smile with the ones who just arrived

So smile and be compassionate
Every moment is an adventure
You will never know who will leave
And who will remain within your reach

So celebrate those you have around
Be gentle and nice
Tomorrow their smiles mixed with yours
Will form the memories
That will lighten up your soul


By: Haneen Mohammad Shoaib