In Memory of Mansour…

On this day, August 29th, last year I was told my brother, Mansour, passed away. The hours that followed were by far the toughest task I had ever faced. How do I tell the family? Will we be able to arrange a flight back for my father in time, so we can break the news? What am I supposed to do? What needs to be prepared?  It’s not like we take courses, nor are there online tutorials on what to do. Somehow, it was done. Breaking the news to the family was another immensely tough thing to do, beyond description. Amazingly, a few simple words were told to me that calmed me down, and gave me strength to face this challenge. Later that night, as i sat on my bed contemplating on what is happening, i remembered those words, and thought to my self what would Mansour expect me to do? One thing is for sure, Mansour would want me to face any challenge with open arms, rather than hide away from it. This is what gave me strength to perform all that was needed to honour Mansour, my brother, my best friend, my teacher.

This post is not to reflect how sad I am, nor to mourn his memory on this day. This post is to celebrate his life, celebrate Mansour! From day one, I refused to relate his passing (mind you to a better place) with sadness or sorrow, rather, I always relate it with all the amazing and beautiful things he gave us, and continues to give us after his passing. There is no doubt that the pain is there, and it will always be there, nevertheless, there is so much presence in his absence, that it compels us to be happy and celebrate him.

Mansour left us young. He passed at the age of 23 years and 26 days. Mansour left us with an amazing legacy, which people always spoke about his warm heart, openness to help others, and touching people around him, even those he briefly met. Mansour left an incredible amount of love to everyone, even those that hurt him. Mansour saw people as weak, but deserved love and help when we can. Mansour did not know how to hate or hold grudges (except horrible Fox’s Fantastic Four movie). Mansour taught us why love and compassion is what we leave on this earth when we pass. Mansour taught us to live everyday as its your last day, while never forgetting those that matter in your life. Mansour also left us with a beautiful baby Shiba Inu, which reflects his personality: random, stubborn at times, comical, but above all, caring beyond anyone’s imagination.

For us, his family, August 29th is a day we will celebrate Mansour’s life, the most beautiful soul I have ever met, and will meet. And those who know Mansour, would know he would want his memory to bring smiles, and not sadness.

To Mansour: I know you are in a better place, yet with us. I hope you are playing your pranks as you did to us. A presto ciccio!

Thabet