My Dad, I and a "cheesy" night

My dad is a gadget freak; really he is which makes me wonder if it is genetic. He had asked me to buy a video projector for him to take back to Egypt with him for the North Coast condos where he serves on the board of directors. They had this idea of playing children's movies every night during the summer time. They will buy pirated movies and charge a fee to raise money for the association. I am not sanctioning this but welcome to the world of no copyrights. He wanted a projector with high lumen to display a nice picture in an open place. Last night dad wanted to see a demo. Which movie do I play for a demo? Hmm…

Well, a few days ago, I was at blockbuster returning V for Vendetta that I had for more than ten days and I could hardly make the time to watch. It was the first day of spring break and everyone and their mama was in blockbuster. I had to stand in a very long line to pay my late fee which is now knows as "restocking fee", whatever. I used the time to browse the classics on-sale when my eyes fell on "Sound of Music". "long time fella". I haven't watched this movie for ages but I thought "that's a must buy". Well, don't get too excited, I didn't watch it that night or the night after. The DVD just found a new shelf to be placed on. You can't just spend a night alone watching such a movie. Last night though, it was picked for the demo. My dad was excited. We made sure we hook up the best set of speakers I had.

We only watched 20 minutes, but that was a blast from the past. I think I enjoyed it much more than any other time before. Every thing was perfect; the music, the dialogue, the humor, the acting, the picture, etc... Let me say everything was just glamorous. It felt like I was watching it for the first time.

Now that I think about it; who watches the "Sound of Music" with his dad? That's soooooo cheesy dude!! Anyway, we are heading to Chicago tonight and he is flying to Egypt on Monday so I guess we won't finish the movie nor will I watch it alone. The DVD is going back on the shelf until, I don't know, further notice I guess.

Life is too short: Are we really aware of that?

I just came back from an absentee funeral prayer for Muhannad Jondy. Muhannad was one of the first people I met when I came to the US. I can't claim that I was close to him but I can say that I always had so much respect for him. People say that I am a good judge of character and I believe that Muhannad was a decent young man. May Allah shower him with His mercy and grant him paradise.
No matter how many times we come across a reminder like this that our life is too short and that death can come when you least expect it, I don't really feel that I internalized that meaning. I believe it, I accept it conceptually but I haven't internalized. That is very scary. We will never be ready to face Allah and be held accountable for our deeds but we have to reach a state of perpetual readiness for the hereafter. I am not there and that is worrisome. May Allah perfect our endings.
This is the second time in my life to pay condolences to a father for the loss of his son. If I can hardly express how tough this was for me, I am not sure you can imagine how hard it is for the parents themselves. The real consolation here is that the prophet (peace be upon him) said: إنما يبتلى المرء على قدر دينه which means that you get tested in life as much faith you have in your heart. I believe that this is a great family. The Jondies are a family of giving. I can't even list their contributions to everyone they knew. May Allah give them patience.
I had mentioned that I was expecting a month of emotional roller coaster but never in my mind did I think it was going to start that way. Please pray for the Jondies.

Busy and exciting

So inshallah, it is going to be three weeks of excitment. This weekend I am getting a bliss of warmth in San Jose, CA both physically and spiritually as I am attending the MAS Youth national exec meeting. On Valentine's day my dad will be arriving from Egypt...and yes it is just a coincidence in case you were wondering :). The weekend after that we have the MAS Youth Detroit retreat. I may be able to attend its second half. The weekend after that my dad will be away for business and I may go skiing with some of my Ann Arbor-Egyptian friends. Then, off to chicago to give my dad an ultimate winter experience. I will, inshallah drop him off at the airport on March 5 and like everytime I drop a family member at the airport, Iwill come back home empty hearted :(.

When I visited Egypt in November, I didn't get to spend time with my dad. Both of us are looking forward to this weekend to have some father-son time. I am sure he has tons of stories and I always have something to say :).

Now I am busy packing for the CA trip and getting my apartment ready for my dad :) then off to a month of excitment and emotional roller coaster.

Those are some more entries that I may bother you with.