Salam Ana Jani
The weather here hasn’t been very good for the past few days, there were strong winds, thunder, lightning and in some places even floods and storms. But the sun is finally out today and everyone is busy because Eid is coming.
Like most women my mother is fasting because these ten days are considered very blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah, but we are cleaning and arranging the house while the men try to find a way to afford the sacrificial animal, dried fruits and all the other expenses. This has become very hard for them now and everyone is trying to find a way to make sure their family can enjoy the celebration.
My brothers and sisters are so excited and keep taking out their clothes to try them on. Some are making plans for henna and getting ready with bangles, some are thinking about scarves. Two of them have gone to look at the clothes of our neighbours who are my uncle’s children and coming running to find my mother.
‘Our clothes will be more beautiful than theirs.’
‘I will have more bangles and my shoes will be new!’
Ana Jan! I must go because if I sit here any longer, my mother will get angry with me. The carpets and rugs we had to wash weren’t even that dirty but, well, that’s just how our mothers are.
The last line sounds like a tribute to all mothers - just in time for Mother's Day here in France!