13 Comments
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polina a's avatar

this really resonated with me, you truly have a talent for writing❤️

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Amal Kiswani's avatar

Thank you so so much <3

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Alaya's avatar

the best piece i’ve ever read about the mother/daughter relationship. i lost my dad 5 years ago, and ever since then, the thought of being separated from mom feels like it’s tearing me apart from the inside out. i feel guilty for having fun, going out, or even having dreams - dreams that don’t include her. and nothing kills me more than watching my mother cry. this article made me feel heard and understood.

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Amal Kiswani's avatar

Alaya! Thank you so much for reading. I also lost my dad when I was young and it's hard navigating that loss... especially when you kind of become the primary caretaker for your mom. I'm sorry for your loss. And I'm here to let you know that we're in this together, and we'll come through the other side so much stronger, and empathetic, and loving than before. Sending you love <3

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ملاك's avatar

from one arab girl to another, thank you

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layla qais's avatar

unequivocal must read for every daughter of a single mom

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A Water Bearer's avatar

you're well on your way to breaking the cycle

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Reem Faruqi's avatar

Love your ending poem, so poignant

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Amal Kiswani's avatar

Thank you, Reem!

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Jack Render's avatar

I'm sure you know my feelings on this. Your mother is probably enormously proud of you, maybe too proud of you ever to say either for fear of your, or her own, modesty. It's a lot to live up to, but from where I am, it looks like you're doing it.

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Amal Kiswani's avatar

So much love for you, Jack! Thank you for your words :")

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Pertingence's avatar

❤️

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Dahlia S's avatar

A beautifully devastating read. I hear you and i see you Amal.

The guilt, the resentment, the anger and yet the love— soo much love. Too complex of an emotion to feel towards a person.

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