Day 2: Madiba

Ramadan is so much about patience and perseverance, about dignity and carrying on.  My hero – no doubt, ‘our hero’ – is the epitome of these values.He remains in critical but stable condition.   I pray that he’s not in pain. I pray that his family stays strong and united, that they get through this difficult time with the qualities Madiba taught us all.I remember when I met him, in 1995.  He had just become President.  We were at the Parliament building in Cape Town, and I had organized a press conference with him. I hesitated to go up to him, not wanting to disturb him.  But I knew I would just have that moment. I approached him. He was wearing dark glasses; his eyes damaged by years of cutting limestone at Robben Island.  What do you say to your hero in a single moment. “It’s such an honor to meet you,” I said.  He smiled, “it’s an honor to meet you.” I knew I would think that moment a dream.  I pulled out a piece of paper and he signed his name. It hangs on my wall. My gentle reminder to be patient, to persevere, to carry on.Day Two, Dua Two: Prayers for Madiba