By: Rameez Rasool Mir
Sisters are truly a blessing in this world. Many of us have sisters we love unconditionally. Some of us have older sisters, while others have younger ones. Regardless, we are all fortunate to have sisters in our lives. In this essay about my sister, I will share more about her and my deep, unwavering love for her.
My sister was an exemplary role model for both me and our family. Her name was Shagufta Rasool, and she was my only and older sister. She was an essential part of our family, much like all girls tend to be. She always approached matters with great seriousness. From a young age, she showed entrepreneurial skills and had a forward-thinking mindset. Her outlook was always positive, and she was deeply committed to my education and other important aspects such as discipline. She often encouraged me, saying, “You have a good approach and understanding of your studies. Focus on this, and we will support you in every way. Your career is very important to all of us.”
It was my sister’s suggestion that I pursue a Master’s in Social Work. She worked in the NGO sector and had extensive knowledge about it. She frequently spoke about the University of Kashmir and the importance of such a prestigious institution. After my father passed away when I was only 3 years old, we never felt a void due to the loving nature and strong support of our family. My sister took on significant responsibilities for all of us, ensuring we never felt lacking.
Overcoming Loss and Building a New Life:
After my father passed away when I was just 3 years old, our family encountered numerous challenges and experienced significant hardship from our paternal relatives. During these difficult times, our maternal uncles were a great source of support, making our lives more meaningful and productive. As the years went by, we worked hard to rebuild our lives. My elder brother, my only sister, my younger brother, and my mother embarked on this new journey together, which was filled with joy and accomplishments. My sister, who was working diligently in the NGO sector, supported us while we focused on our studies. I was in my second year of university at the time. Despite her efforts, she continued to suffer from persistent fever. When the fever did not subside, my mother decided to take her to Srinagar for treatment, where she was diagnosed with leukaemia (CML).
Her Battle with CML and Her Lasting Wish:
She was referred to SKIMS Soura for CML treatment. Initially, she recovered well and was able to return to work. However, after a few months, the medications stopped being effective. We decided to seek treatment outside the state. Her diagnosis came as a shock to everyone due to her loving nature.
Dr. Aleem Jan, who specialized in CML, was very dedicated to her case and always addressed her by name, treating her as if she were his own daughter. When I was in my final year, her condition worsened, and she showed no signs of improvement. We brought her back home, and she was readmitted to SKIMS. A few months later, in 2016, she passed away.
In her final moments, I recall her telling our mother, “Rameez excels in his studies; ensure he gets into a good institution.” Following my graduation, I was admitted to the Department of Social Work at the University of Kashmir, which was also my sister’s wish for me.
Embracing Lessons of Life, Duty, and Compassion in Memory of My Sister:
It is a well-known fact that death waits for no one. The passing of my sister has profoundly affected my life. It has made me deeply reflect on the true meaning of life. Struggling with illness is a part of our journey, and each challenge brings valuable experiences and lessons. My sister’s death was Allah’s decree, reminding us that we must be prepared for our own day. From this tragedy, we must draw meaningful lessons.
Her passing has taught me numerous important values: seriousness, loyalty, sympathy, empathy, and the importance of social work. I am now particularly sensitive to any form of disrespect towards sisters or daughters, understanding the immense loss their absence can cause.
Additionally, I feel a strong sense of duty to provide guidance and support to others dealing with similar illnesses. I urge everyone to be proactive in their communities, offering assistance to patients who need blood and other essential support. These patients often face urgent needs, and our help can be lifesaving.
Often, we become complacent and depend solely on doctors to identify the cause of illness. It is crucial that we take proactive steps, as advised by our faith, to support those in need. This includes following religious and ethical guidelines to ensure we are contributing positively to the well-being of others.
By embracing these lessons and acting on them, we honour the memory of those we have lost and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
In conclusion, my sister Shagufta Rasool was a remarkable influence in my life and our family. Her entrepreneurial spirit, unwavering support, and deep love have left an indelible mark on us. Despite the hardships following our father’s passing and her battle with leukaemia, she remained a pillar of strength. Her dedication to my education and her wish for me to excel continue to guide me. Her passing has taught me invaluable lessons about life, duty, and compassion. By supporting others and embracing these lessons, we honour her memory and strive to make a positive impact on those around us.
Author is a Social Worker. He can be contacted via email at rameezmasw@gmail.com.
