"Nothing in life is promised except death."

“So and so has died.” That was the notification I saw one evening sometime in 2020. When I saw the name and picture, I realized it was someone I had once been connected to. I didn’t know him well at first. He was just a student I used to see around school in a wheelchair. He was in a different department, so our paths never really crossed.

During the COVID period, we connected through my writing. He reached out to tell me he enjoyed my work and mentioned that he was also a writer. We started talking, and through our conversations, I learned more about him and his life. I didn’t even know he was dealing with serious medical issues until we became closer. At some point, the interaction faded naturally. We stopped talking, and I simply assumed he was fine. About a month later, I heard he had passed away.

The news shook me deeply. I knew what he had been going through, yet I never reached out again when the connection fizzled out. I just hoped he was okay, not knowing he was fighting for his life until it eventually gave way. This isn’t a “check up on people” post, because that would feel hypocritical coming from someone who struggles with that too. This is a reminder that we will all die and eventually be forgotten. We were born, and one day we will be gone. No one lives forever. So do things that will outlive you. Do things you will be proud of on the Day of Judgement. Life is fragile. Spend it wisely.

Today started with a lot of enthusiasm, but that energy didn’t last long before the dopamine crash set in. I still managed to go through parts of my morning routine, even with hesitation, because I’m trying to build discipline and consistency. I went to work and spent most of my time reading more about databases and MySQL, alongside other tasks. It was a productive day, and I felt accomplished by the end of it.

Someone should honestly help us beg the government to fix our roads. I’m tired of coming home every day looking like a brown, snowy man. I didn’t eat much today, as usual, even though I’ve been warned repeatedly that if anything serious happens to me, I should know it’s my fault. I’m trying, but eating sometimes feels like a chore. I think I might publish my first Medium article of the year tomorrow. Watch out for that.

Things I’m grateful for today:
Good people. Recently, I’ve been blessed with very intentional people in my life, and it feels good to be genuinely cared for.
Complete limbs and functioning senses. I saw a blind woman today being led by a very young girl as they crossed the road. Watching someone help both of them made me deeply grateful for my eyesight. I imagined different scenarios and silently prayed that I never lose my sight. I’m using my computer glasses consistently now.
Qur’an. The constant.

That’s all for today. See you tomorrow, In shā’ Allāh.