My mother’s name is اجالا ( Ujala) which means the light of the universe. To her right is her best friend Lubna Aunty, they have been friends for 47 years, and a few years ago, Lubna Aunty was diagnosed with dementia. Gradually and slowly, I have been observing she is fading and forgetting names, places, faces, and the memories and moments that they built. It’s been hard for me to see the new stage of their relationship. Mom stays optimistic and tells me some days she remembers her, and some days she shuts her out. The days she remembers, they both are smiling and laughing as they use to. 

We have been going weekly to visit her, Ali; our driver stops at her favorite bakery, Pie in the sky. It’s the usual order of chicken patties, marble cake, and biscuits; we try to go for tea time since she is less tired at that time. My mother sits by her side. I watch them sweetly as they have their usual friendly banter, and my mother reminding Lubna Aunty of their childhood memories.  
I
t’s been so endearing to watch my mother lead her relationship values of consistency, empathy, compassion, and unstoppable commitment to never stop giving up hope. 

She has and continues to impact how my values, habits, and decisions are sculpted and selected. 

She leaves her legacy of relationships for my sisters Zainab, Zeenat, and me as we co-lead our teams, clients, and peers. The Ujala (light) shines within each of us bright. 

P.S This picture was from her son’s wedding last year; my mother did Lubna Aunty’s make-up and hair.