A Birthday party in Kuwait

Facebook is wonderful! It has its drawbacks…for sure. As an example, many of the applications are cheesy. For the most part, joining Facebook has been a positive experience and has allowed me to reconnect to old friends I haven’t heard from in years. One of the best things about Facebook has been connecting with Khalid’s sister in Kuwait. She has recently “friended” me on Facebook-- and since that day I have felt like a part of Khalid’s family.

Khalid has a special place in his heart for his sister and always speaks of her in glowing terms. He describes her as a generous, warm, caring woman: someone who would go to great lengths to help someone in need. I have spoken to her a few times over the telephone and I get the same impression. She has always treated me with respect, warmth and a welcoming spirit, despite the fact that she has never met me.

She has allowed me a glimpse into her life in Kuwait. I cannot describe in words what this has meant to Khalid and I. She has posted many pictures of her beautiful family. I especially love the pictures she posted of a family trip to Entertainment City in Kuwait: a large and brightly colored amusement park set within a lush and palm tree bespeckled landscape. These pictures showcase a lovely and elegant woman with a lively smile and a young son with an impish yet infectious grin.

Today she posted pictures of her daughter’s first birthday party. Khalid’s sister is wearing a beautiful royal purple outfit with dangling earrings and an intricate purple beaded necklace. (I always notice beaded necklaces because I design and make them myself) Her daughter is a lovely child, dressed in a shimmery gold dress with matching headband. Her attention is occupied by a large birthday cake with a large motif of Barbie encased on the frosting. In the corner is a closed pink flower candle that unfolds magically when lite.

Even though I love perusing these pictures I can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness. Khalid and I would love to be a part of his sister’s life. We want to spend time with her and her family. For now..that dream is regretfully on hold.

I make this promise to Khalid’s sister: I will do whatever I can to make it possible for you to see your brother again. Once this immigration nightmare is over we will travel together to Kuwait and spend some time with you and your family. Perhaps, in the not so distant future we can attend a birthday party in Kuwait.