My Uncle

Mohamed Naseer 

For each and everyone of us, our families are very important for many reasons. In each family there would be a great entertainer, comedian, wise person, goody two shoes, know it alls, best chef and so on. We love our family members unconditionally and sometimes, we are more attached to some of them.  

I'm going to tell you all about my uncle, Thuththonbe. He is my uncle from my mother's side and his name is Mohamed Naseer. I just came back from his funeral. He passed away last night at the age of 67. 

I remember when I was about eight years old, he visited us one night. I was already in bed when he came, but I went to greet him. That night he taught asked me about my bedtime routine and whether recited the shahaadha and recited ayatul kursi and some other surahs. I told him that I had because I already knew them by heart and then he taught me this dhuaa that he said would help learn. I still recite it before I sleep every night and I taught this dhuaa to my daughter as well. 

Thuththonbe would visit us every now and then and he would tell us stories and give us advice whenever he visited us. His presence meant so much for us because whenever my grandfather was fatally ill or needed help, Thuththonbe would always be around.  

When my grandfather passed away in 2004, he visited house even more. He took care of my grandfathers youngest children like his own. He was a constant source of inspiration, good advice (especially when we needed it), unlimited love and entertainment too. He would come at around eight o'clock and tell us stories about his training in Sri Lanka (he was a former policeman) and some horror stories about shadows and ghosts, and we were hungry for more every night. 

When I had a very horrible experience (it's hard to explain), Thuththonbe was the only person who was able to fully understand what was happening to me and help me. Some people would not believe what I felt, saw and experience and perhaps, may laugh at me. I don't care! All I know is that it was real and whatever Thuththonbe has given me did save me. For this reason, I would forever be indebted to him. If my grandfather was alive, he would have done the same for me. 

In 2007 he visited me in the hospital when I had my daughter. I would never forget what he said the first time he held my daughter. He told Maly that he was her grandfather. I was so overwhelmed because that would be the exact words my grandfather would use if he were around when I had children. 

I visited him in 2011 when I knew I was pregnant to personally tell Thuththonbe, it was around December. Yes, he was very happy for me and even more happy that I visited him. I wish I had visited him more often because lately, I'm so busy with work and taking care of my children that I hardly go any where.  

Yesterday at around 1 pm my mother and I were in the kitchen and all of a sudden we thought of him and spoke about him. I realized that the last time I saw him was when Beebi was admitted in hospital about 4 months ago. I thought of calling him and checked my phone, I didn't have his number and thought I'll get his number and call him later. 

And then at night at around eleven thirty Beebi called me with the news that he was no more.I hurried to the hospital and there he was. I stood there beside his bed looking at his face knowing that I would never be able to hear his voice again. No more horror stories or advice when we are about to make an important decision. 

I felt as sad and lost as I did when my grandfather passed away because Thuththonbe is very dear and special for many reasons. I've known him all my life and he is not just a family member (name sake), I know him and he has done so much for me that I would always remember him and pray for him.