Hugs from AJ Bear

I recently came across this photograph of the grandkids laying on a picnic blanket basking in the sun and hugging AJ Bear. I was immediately flooded with memories of warm summer days full of laughter and fun filled outdoor activities. AJ adored his kids and nieces and nephews and grandkids. And he was much loved by all of them, as he was, by far, the coolest Dad/Uncle/Grandpa. He was a true sportsman and could master any activity- be it indoor or outdoor. And he loved to play pranks and have everyone in fits of giggles. From our early days together, I knew he would make a wonderful father. I recall my pregnancy days when I would be woken up in the middle of the night with him singing to my fat belly. In irritation, I would ask him what he was doing and he would claim that he was playing with the baby. And sure enough, the baby would poke it’s heel or elbow through my womb and he would poke it back and this would continue into the wee hours of the morning. Of course, my pathological fatigue during those pregnancy days would mean that I was typically oblivious to most of these games.

During the last 10 years of his life, he made a special point of spending quality time with the kids and the grandkids (technically Maya, Selina and Sophie are our grand nieces, but to all intense and purposes, they are our very own grandkids.) I do believe they were his inspiration to carry on during some of the especially difficult times. He never let on what he was going through and remained cheerful and full of life. From hiking and tobogganing and playing Santa Claus and setting up  tents in the house so that the grandkids could experience camping- he did it all. I recall the first time Maya said her prayers in earnest and asked Allah to help her Grandpa Ayaaz get better- he was so honoured to be in their hearts.

I really hope that the grandkids keep his spirit alive so that when our girls have their children, they can hear stories about their super cool Grandpa from their cousins. At the celebration of life, Selina aged 5, stood up and in front of the entire crowded room, thanked her Grandpa Ayaaz for having the courage to hang on so that they had the opportunity to meet him. Not a dry eye in the room after her heartfelt speech.

Although I am not a very physically affectionate person by nature, I get so much comfort from the grandkids hugs and kisses. For our Christmas get together this year, little Sophie, who had a bad cold, came up to me and said “Grandma Salma, I wanna Kish U.” As she turned her very snotty little nose up at me, all I could think about was how much I loved her and that I would have to microsan my entire face after her Kish, but it would be worth it. As I reached down for my kiss, I realized that she wasn’t actually saying “Grandma I wanna KISH U” but rather, Grandma I wanna TISSUE” !

God Bless little grandchildren everywhere.