In loving memory of an inspirational woman

Our friendship started 3 years ago in 2007 when I first started my blog. She had started her blog earlier, using the blogname Raden Galoh… telling about her fight against breast cancer. I blogged about the lives of people living with HIV whom I’ve been dealing with in the course of my voluntary work.

I visited her blog, leaving comments. She visited my blog, leaving comments. We became regular visitors to each other’s blogs. Even though we had not met in person then, we still became good friends.

After a while, we met, in reality. And yes, we clicked straight away. Every time we met after that, we’re just like 2 long lost friends trying to catch up with each other. I’d provide all the selamba jokes, and she’d provide the laughter! (It shows from the pic above, doesn't it? Sorang selamba, sorang ketawa...)

I’ve been following her blog postings, her ups and downs, her joys and sorrows. When her condition worsened lately, and her blog updates were not as frequent as before, I followed her updates on facebook. When Elviza SMSed me last month telling me that her condition had worsened, I was itching to go visit her. The opportunity came when I attended the TKCOGA AGM at Putrajaya on 26th June. Banting was not that far off, so yes, I managed to visit her at home just a few days before she left for umrah. I didn’t stay long though, she already had so many visitors, and it was clear to me that she looked tired; and so I figured it was best if I let her rest.

That was the last I met and talked to her. On the day she came back from umrah, I did send her a text message, asking if she was back. She replied, “Salam kak. Baru sampai. Letih sangat. Tak sihat.” Again, I didn’t want to bother her.

Yesterday morning, Elviza forwarded me a text message: This sms is from blogger Dalilah’s husband: “Salam semua. Dalilah Tamrin sedang nazak. Mohon dari semua keampunan. Maafkan kesalahannya dunia akhirat.”

After that every time I heard the SMS tone on my handphone, I quickly checked… in case there was any update. All I could offer was just my doa for her.

This morning, there weren’t any updates on Dalilah on facebook yet, neither was there any SMS updates from Elviza (whom I had depended on for updates on our dear friend). But I noticed there was an incoming message on my facebook, from a facebook friend/blog reader. She told me she received news from her lunch buddy who was Dalilah’s UIA mate, saying that Dalilah had passed away this morning. A few minutes later, she also sent me a text message, telling me the same thing.

At that time, I did not see any updates whatsoever on facebook or anywhere else. I needed to get more info, I needed to be sure. I tried calling Elviza but there was no answer. Who else could I call to get more info? I finally decided to call Dalilah’s handphone number, hoping one of the family members would answer her phone. And yes, someone did answer the phone… I heard a sobbing female voice answering the phone. After getting the confirmation and the address of Dalilah’s parents' home, where her body was to be brought to, I immediately updated my facebook page with the news. And sent text messages to blog friends whose numbers are stored in my handphone.

It was then about 9.30 am. Dalilah passed away at about 8.50 am. There was ample time for me to drive over to Banting to pay her my last respects. And so I did, by about 10.15 am or so, I headed over to Banting.

It was almost 1 pm by the time I got to Dalilah’s parents home. Her jenazah reached home not long after I arrived. I took the opportunity to kiss her for one last time.

So many people attended her funeral today. I’m sure many of her school friends were there, but I didn’t know them. There were many fellow bloggers as well… Elviza, Eleena (Acciacatura), Kak Ton (Tok Mommy), Kak Ena, Rocky, Bigdog, Kerp, Mat Salo… and some other bloggers whom I met for the first time today… Kak Ezza, Silversarina, and there were a few others who had to be introduced by their blog names to be able to be recognised.

The many people who attended her funeral just showed how much she was loved.

She may be gone from our lives, but she remains in our hearts. We still have her blog to refer to. And I have her book, “Kanser Payudara Ku, Perjuangan & Kesedaran”… specially autographed…

And don’t forget to listen to the song, “Kembaliku Padamu Ilahi”, the lyrics of which she penned herself. I have embedded the video on the sidebar of my blog. Do listen to the beautiful and touching song.

Dalilah, your courage, your strength, your patience had been truly inspirational. To me, you are an inspiration. I consider myself one of the lucky people to have had the opportunity to know you.

May Allah bless your soul. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. Alfatihah.