Day 6 - Arief Ebrahim

Dear All Those Who Are Hurting,

It is from you that the idea of hope is born. You give those who are fortunate the opportunity to feel gratitude and to find ways to be of service to others. Each day, you teach us so much about what we have to look forward to. Often through the smallest of things. You have a way of holding our eyes open a little wider, helping us see far beyond ourselves: what we have, and what we so often forget to give thanks for.

Your courage and resilience teach us the most important life lessons, especially the strength found in faith. It is often said that “our stories have already been written,” yet you show us that, even if this is true, we can still edit our stories in every moment and add new chapters. Chapters that reflect awareness of the struggles of others, gratitude for what we have, and the ability to let go of what no longer serves us- cleansing our hearts and souls as we revise our stories.

I often marvel at the great miracles of the world like the vast oceans, the incredible mountains, the ancient structures. Yet, all along, the greatest miracles have been found in those who never give up. In those who believe. In those who, despite their circumstances, still see a light, a light so bright that they use it not merely to illuminate their own path, but to guide the way for others. You teach us that what we think matters may not hold the significance we give it, and if only we understood these messages earlier in life… oh, the difference we could make.

Regardless of when your teachings reach us, know that the ripple effect of your graciousness will carry through the rest of our lives and into the lives of those who follow us, in their innocence and curiosity thus, the true meaning of the ripple effect.

I conclude by holding close in my heart a mentor and friend, Hans Smits. Hans was a master at carrying forward the lessons you teach, ensuring that the ripple effects of kindness, gratitude, compassion, and understanding would span multiple generations. He is now teaching the angels, and every ounce of his wisdom echoes like poetry above the clouds.

With all my love,

​Arief
(Edmonton, Alberta)