Souvenirs

 

Anniversaries were epic celebrations:

Candlelit gourmet meals, gifts wrapped up in ribbons and crepe paper and love.

Vacations were unforgettable:

Venice was magical; Marrakech was dreamy and vibrant.

And she was grateful.

But it was the humdrum she missed.

Munching on samples while Khalid got the tires replaced.

Searching for fresh figs and a 3 pack of Drano together, checking off items in the coupon book. 

In short she’d give her life to relive one last trip to Costco with him.

Who knew that it was the fights she’d remember the most.  

Yelling about an open window. How could you? The AC is blaring.

Are we made of money, are we?

You picked canary yellow for the ceiling paint?!

It's your turn to sort the recycling.

Must you listen to Qawwali ALL

THE TIME?

Can't you finish this fruit. Who eats half a banana. 

If the movie has already started, we turn around and go home again.

 I don’t like butter in the popcorn, you know that. 

But one would have to read between the lines. Find the affection amongst the rants and the requests.

Do you ever put gas in the car.

And please clean out the lint tray. Yes it IS palak for dinner again.

Will these socks walk themselves over to the laundry basket?

I know you hate romcoms but watch this one with me. 

Will you help me with this email- you're good with words.

I almost got knocked over near Jamarat. Thanks for holding onto me.

Sorry for squeezing your arm but the turbulence is so bad on this flight.

Would you unclog the sink. I'll love you forever for that one.

Thirty-two years of this.

There had been decades filled with Birthday parties, weddings and festivities.

But it was the mundane that was etched into her brain.

As tangible as a tinkly souvenir from an airport gift shop.

Tedium is familiarity is comfort is love. 

Though she’d never forget that weekend in Edinburgh where they saw the Queen!

But the mundane memory of  praying Maghrib in a Maggiano's parking lot with a leather jacket jaanimaz and a water bottle wudu is etched in her mind forever.

Anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations are tough.  The muftis were right all along. Best ignored. 

But remembrances, stories, anecdotes are priceless treasures.

They inspire my children, comfort us, keep us moving onward and forward to create new memories.