Dear Beyoncé

With every tear, laugh and smile, we decide which print we want to leave in the world.

November 20, 2017

On August 19, 2012, Beyoncé performed “I Was Here” for United Nations World Humanitarian Day. She sang:

“I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, meant something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget

I was here. I lived, I love
I was here
I did, I've done everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here … “

Dear Beyoncé,

I am here.

Despite all of the obstacles in front of me, I am living and loving. I have loved every moment with my family, spending the evenings with aunts and cousins in my grandfather's house. I cherish every Allah yerda allek (God bless you) from my mom's mouth.

I enjoy tasha (hanging out) with my friends: talking, laughing, singing and playing cards; every PlayStation game, when we shout in glee when we win. I love the tradition of making ajwa (mashed dates). I love the smell of rain on the ground, and autumn when the weather gets cold.

height= — *Basman (fourth from left, back row) with his friends*

I love playing sad music, blasting it through the speakers. I love the sound of Fayrouz (a Lebanese singer) in the morning, and a novel that takes me away with its details.

I am here. I live and love, although I am not allowed to do everything I wanted. I hate when someone looks at me as if I am not human. I hate the sound of drones. I hate that I cannot travel and see the world due to the Israeli and Egyptian blockade. I hate that I am afraid time will steal my dreams.

But still, I will leave the world with something to remember, so they won’t forget. In my own way, I am leaving my mark. As a physiotherapist, I work hard to help people live a pain-free life. I love when one of my patients is able to walk again. I try every day to be kind to others and smile to lift their spirits. I want to leave a footprint on the sands of time.

I know that ups and downs are part of the journey. With every breath, I fight to keep pushing up the hill. With every tear, laugh and smile, we decide which print we want to leave in the world. Mine will be a print of love and passion.

Yours,

Basman