I WAS in Bahrain this weekend attending a family wedding when I heard early in the morning that the iconic star of the 70s, Farrah Fawcett, had died at the age of 62 after a long and brave battle with liver cancer. After less than four hours on the same day, it was announced that the pop star legend, Michael Jackson, had also died of cardiac arrest at his home in California at the age of 50.
Both stories were sad for fans, and equally sad to hear that someone had died even when you do not know them. Maybe because deep inside we all know that we will have the same fate even if our journey is long. It is life’s mystery, people are born with a ticking clock that announces the day they will die.
Regarding the news, we have to be sympathetic and not judgmental. After all we suffer in this short life but we all stand with loud ovations when we see a hero. In Farrah’s case, she was a brave heart, the one who did not give up, and the one who fought till the end. Her story that will be aired soon will show how humans differ when they are fighting for their lives. Some will keep a brave stance, and think of their loved ones, and others will cower in fear. And probably, bring their own end by abusing their bodies. The end is just the end — it’s the journey that makes the difference, it’s the daily small details, and brave choices that make the difference between human beings. Salute to all, but my salute goes to Farrah — the Brave One.
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Dear Nadia
My daughter who is going to be seven next month likes to collect seashells. We go every Friday to the beach. She keeps her collections in glass jars, marking each one with the date and the place. We already have three jars from Saudi Arabia, and two from Australia. I hear that we can also find seashells in the desert. Is that true?
— Kelly
Dear Kelly
It is true, especially in Saudi Arabia, where it is said that many millions of years ago the area was covered with rivers, forests and some sea. If you go to No’airia or Safania, north of Jubail, you will find old seashells, whitewashed ones and broken ones. They are fun to collect. If you are lucky, you might even find broken clay pieces. Many places in the Kingdom are cluttered with old seashells — not only in one area.
Good luck.
