Introduction: Welcome to my blog

Introduction 

Welcome to my blog, Passion of the Soul. I write my words with passion from my heart and soul. I am a mother, counsllor, family therapist and ADHD Coach. I live in Dhahran, in the east of Saudi Arabia. I lived six wonderful years in Canada. 

Writing has been my passion since childhood. I used to write articles and poems, some were even published. I was encouraged by my mother (may Allah shower her soul with mercy) Dr. Laila Fatani, who passed away about 20 years ago. She was also interested in writing, but her job in the medical field as a cardiologist consultant prevented her from practicing this hobby. I was also inspired by my grandmother, Lutfia Al-Khatib (may Allah shower her soul with mercy). She wrote the book, With the Saudi Girl on the Path of Hope, and was a role model for me. She was one of the pioneers in girls’ education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using her writing to encourage the advancement of girls' education. She was the first Saudi female author who published articles with her real name.

My mother’s grandfather, Sheikh Abdul Hamid Al-Khatib, was also a poet and author. He is the first Saudi writer to publish an article in a magazine.

Perhaps most influential to me was my mother’s  dedication to her own mother’s writing, assembling what she wrote into a collected works and having it published while she (my mother) was in the midst of her doctoral studies and while she was pregnant ( carrying me). She then published her mother’s second edition of collected works in the last few days of her own life. Her commitment to seeing her mother’s work published has inspired me to do the same with my own.

I did not write for many years due to various life circumstances, but throughout this time my dear friend (who’s more like a sister), Abrar Albar, encouraged me to return to writing. We have shared a love of writing since childhood. Likewise, Ms. Fatima Bajbir, my grade five Arabic teacher, has encouraged me since childhood to continue writing, and has helped me refine my Arabic writing skills.

When I write my words come from the passion of my heart and soul. I associate the words “passion” and “heart” with the spirit of my mother. As a cardiologist she was a passionate doctor of the heart. The blog’s name reminds me of my beloved mother my first teacher, my dear friend, and my first inspiration. When I write here it will be for those who are passionate about the heart, in memory of my dear mother.

What Will I Write On My Blog?

I will address several areas here, God willing, starting with my personal story of breast cancer. I will write it in the section, Winter Storm in the Middle of Spring. As a marriage and family  therapist specializing in ADD/ADHD, I will also write in the field of mental health, family and marital education, and will include some resources that may be helpful, including articles, perspectives, and poems. I’ll touch on any area that I think may be beneficial.

Why This Date?

I have chosen this date for several reasons. In the Hijri(Islamic) calendar today is 29/4/1440 (Rabi al-Thani 29th, 1440). In the Gregorian calendar today is 5/1/2019 (January 5th, 2019). The first date is my birthday according to the Hijri calendar. The second was my mother’s birthday.

The Hijri calendar is follows the lunar cycle, whereas the Gregorian calendar uses a solar dating system, so they do not cycle together. In other words, on the day I was born the Hijri calendar was 29/4/1440, and on the day my mother was born the Gregorian calendar was January 5th. This year, these two dates coincide. So it felt appropriate to choose this day to give life to my new blog.

More than twenty years ago, my mother left this world in this month. I was also married in Rabie II, so this month is special to me as it has marked new stages and beginnings in my life.

Today I am 39 years old, just one step away from 40. I am so grateful to reach this age, fourteen years after my breast cancer diagnosis.