Dear Wafa,

It has been a year since I last wrote. But today marks the fourteenth year of your departure and I couldn't let this day pass without writing to you.

The year that passed since my last letter has been pretty eventful, with its share of joys and sorrows and emotional dramas.

You have a niece now, a little angel named Sarah, may Allah bless her with the best, and your parents are besotted with her! I took the liberty of promising her that I will introduce you to her in Jannah, in sha Allah.

I am now qualified for Assistant Professorship but I haven't joined any college yet. I am not ready to leave my kids at home while I pursue my career. I would rather wait until they are older.

By the way,  my boys are already growing up. My eldest is five and hates the fact that his school has reopened after the summer vacation. My youngest is almost two and wants to be independent already. And I am expecting again. Have I told you why I don't plan to name my daughter (if I ever have one) after you? It's because no matter how many years pass and how different life turns out to be, I want the name Wafa to bring only your image to my mind.

Your cousin got married a few days ago. I wonder how many of the people who saw her all dressed up remembered you because she looks somewhat like you. You would have made a beautiful bride.

All in all, the past year has been quite a ride. I have had a lot of trouble, including a slipped disc, but I have also had wonderful people to guide me back on track, like my teacher Ms. Zareena and my dear friend Ummehani.

I don't know what the future holds for me, but I am going to put my trust in Allah and be hopeful. After all, we have Jannah to look forward to.

Love,
Nasoo.