Fifty-one : Alhamdulillah

I woke up today, as usual at 5.30 in the morning, still dark outside, and everyone in the household (and other houses!) were still asleep.  Alhamdulillah.  I walked silently to the stove and put a kettle on to boil some water.  Alhamdulillah.  I went into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, washed myself and took my 'wuduk'.  Alhamdulillah.  I spread my prayer mat, started and completed by Subuh prayer and ended with a 'doa'.  Alhamdulillah.

I have been going through this routine for as long as I can remember and it was today that I saw my routine in a different light.  Not that I have never realized it at all; only today seems to be a little more poignant.  Allah has graced me with fifty-one years of life (with all the trimmings, Alhamdulillah!)   

I say poignant, because of all days, today I suddenly remembered my late mother (not that I don't remember her at all)  I will continue to miss her because come every single one of my birthdays, she would be the first person to wish me happy birthday.  Even when she was sickly, she found the time, and energy, to call me and wish me happy birthday.  

I say poignant because I don't really look forward to celebrating my birthday (not that I ever did!)  I really didn't mind when, for the first time after twenty one years of marriage, my wife forgot to wish me happy birthday (she usually does it as I wake up in the morning!)  I didn't mind when my children didn't get me funny small presents bought using their pocket money!  In fact, I didn't even mind the fact that I baked my own birthday cake and prepared dinner for us all!

My point is, I don't have time to be pedantic because, in reality I am happy to say that I have lots to be grateful for.  Alhamdulillah.  I am grateful Allah has given me reasonable health, livelihood, a roof over my head I can call my own and a family who call me their own!  With all these said, and those not said, I raise both my hands in silent and grateful prayer; Alhamdulillah.