My childhood web is pretty wide having travelled outside my
home country at a very young age and lived in two other countries. Though I have
formed various friendships and few people have remained within my memory,
however, I will be highlighting the impact my family had on me as they have
been constantly there and still are. Their support has made me the person I am
today. They have always made me feel as a special child.
My father, the pilot, has always spoilt my brothers and I,
however, I have always had the advantage of being the youngest and the only
girl. He used to take me in his arms and speak to me about my day, giving me
undivided attention and asking for my opinion even at a very young age. He had
always told me how the result is all that matters and we have to work to get
the result that we want. To date, he encourages me in all my endeavors giving
me his wisdom but never forcing an opinion.
My mother is superwoman, the sweetest person on earth and my
best friend. Mum has greatly shaped me to become the person I am. She taught me
to love children, she always portrayed me as a princess and taught me how to
behave, talk, walk and smile. She has always wanted me to appear and be at my
best. She has pushed me to study and progress. Also, she has always pushed me
to develop hobbies and be occupied with sports, ballet, piano, etc. We enjoy shopping
together, cooking and talking over a cup of coffee where we both give and take
pieces of advice on various situations.
My two elder brothers, my bodyguards, are 9 and 7 years
older than me. They have always tried to act as my two bodyguards who are
always there for me be it for help, to go out to have fun and by sharing their wisdom
and experience. I guess as kids, they felt like they want to protect me
especially with the age gap and then as we grew up we enjoyed each other
company. If only it wasn’t for those moments when a cute girl passes by and
they start saying “yes my sister, aha, I got you sister” J
The support I have received from my family as a child and
the protectiveness has really shaped my emotions, character and personality. At
times I feel that I was too protected that I get truly surprised by certain
personalities in this world, however, I turn and thank God for the efforts they
have put in me, the seed of goodness and the belief in me which has encouraged
me to develop and pursue my goals.
Dear Lubna, You are among the few that enjoyed positive influence that shaped their lives for good. Your dad was indeed great for making out time for you guys in spite of his busy pilot life. He understood the importance of his contribution to your life and he did not allow his job to be an excuse.
ReplyDeleteYour mum made out time to teach and nurture your life for a healthy development that has made your present personality. We as mothers should learn from these great woman and make out time to teach and nurture our children life for a better development.
Thank you Chidinma, true. there is a saying by Napolean that is very famous in the middle east, it says: "The woman who rocks the cradle in one hand, rocks the world in another" hence the great value and responsibility every mother (and woman) has towards raisin generations
DeleteLubna,I think it is interesting that you were given the opportunity to live in other countries; to have the experience other cultures share. I like the fact that in the midst of traveling and uprooting from one place to another that your family stayed together working with, enjoying, and supporting one another. The exosystem refers to a broad social setting that provide support for the development of children and adults. My hat goes off to you and your family and one day hope to venture outside the boundaries of the US and share in enjoying some of the aspects of other countries.
ReplyDeleteIt is a challenging yet nice experience to meet different cultures. Surely it was easier having been with my family. yet still, having to meet new friends and people everytime with different mentalities and backgrounds is the biggest challenge I must say
DeleteLubna,
ReplyDeleteI would like to hear more about two countries in live in. It seems that living in two countries was not bad because you had your family. Family is the most important support system ever. Most people accomplish a lot when they have their family by their side. I enjoyed hearing about your brother being your bodyguards. I was lucky I didn't have brother I had all sisters. I lucked up. Your family seems loving and supportive.
Hi Ebony,
DeleteI was born in Damascus, Syria, then at age of 3 moved to Amman, Jordan, then at age of 12 moved to Dubai, UAE. Though still within the Middle East region, one surely experiences various personalities. Especially with the later as Dubai has over 150 nationalities and so one has to go beyond self and look at the bigger picture respecting the various views.
Lubna,
ReplyDeleteYour last paragraph really struck close to home. I grew up needing to make very few of my own decisions, as I had a nuturing (and possibly sheltered) upbringin. I am often surprised by other people that I meet and how they behave. My friends sometimes call me naive because I expect that people will stick to their word and are always being truthful. My family raised me to be truthful and I assumed that everyone else was as well. I think the way you react to situations that you are unfamilar with says a lot about your character.
True Alison, those new situations clarify one's background and heart. As you said, though one might feel naive, however, at least one is honest with him or herself and has a pure conscious at the end of the day :)
DeleteLubna,
ReplyDeleteWay to go! How was it to be the only girl? I am sure it was cool! I can totally understand about your brothers being overprotective. I am still in the same situation, from brothers and sisters. I am thankful though. I can see that you have traveled and have been exposed to many different people, but you have stayed humble and grateful. Keep that sweet attitude and I look forward to chatting with you.
-Theressa
Lubna,
ReplyDeleteI have big brothers as well and according to them I will always be their baby sister. Continue to keep the bonds you have with your family, it is one of the greatest gifts you can ever have. I can tell you have a lot of fun times with them.