"Finding Strength and Joy: Reflections on Izyan's 16th Birthday"

Today, as Izyan celebrates his 16th birthday, my heart is filled with a whirlwind of emotions. On this day, I find myself missing Sharique, my late husband, more intensely than ever.Reflecting on the journey of the past 16 years, I realize how much life has changed.

It seems like just yesterday when I was younger, happily married, eagerly awaiting the arrival of our precious baby. The memory of that early morning rush to the hospital and the joy of welcoming Izyan into the world at 1 pm remains etched as one of the most beautiful moments of my life.

Life back then felt perfect, almost dreamlike in its blissful simplicity.However, life had its own plans.

As a new parent, I experienced the myriad challenges and sleepless nights that come with raising a child. Yet, strangely, amidst all the struggles, the joy of those early years stands out in my memory, overshadowing the hardships.Izyan, this sweet boy who captured my heart instantly, continues to be my world. Despite the unexpected turns our journey took—like his diagnosis of autism at the age of 3. As any parent would, I initially struggled to accept the diagnosis, grieving over the future I had envisioned.

Eventually, I learned that life doesn't always go as planned; all we can control is our response to its challenges. So, I made a promise to myself: to embrace Izyan for who he is, and nurture the best version of him possible.Sharique and I faced these challenges together, leaning on our faith and accepting God's wisdom in every twist and turn. But life had more in store for us.

Six years later, Sharique's sudden passing from a cardiac arrest shattered my world once again. It was a stark reminder of life's unpredictability and the importance of resilience, faith, grace, and patience.In the aftermath of loss, I found myself rebuilding—not just for myself, but for Izyan too. Every day since has been about finding the silver linings, celebrating small victories, and cherishing the moments of joy amidst the trials.

Today, as Izyan turns 16, our path diverges from the typical teenage milestones. While his peers navigate high school, social life, and driving lessons, Izyan remains the innocent boy who finds joy in simple activities. There are moments when I doubt myself, feeling like I've fallen short as a mother. Yet, more often than not, I am filled with pride for how far I come and the strength we've shown together, (Me & Izyan).Life hasn't been easy, but it has been a journey of love, growth, and resilience.

As I sip my tea and reflect on this milestone birthday, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the privilege of being Izyan's mother. He may not follow the conventional path, but his path is uniquely beautiful, and I am honored to walk it by his side, embracing every moment with love and acceptance