My name is Mariyah, I am 40, and I am from Damascus.
I spent the first 19 years of my life growing up in this wonderful city as part of a large family. I have four older brothers, my eldest being 10 years my senior. At the age of 19 my father decided I should go elsewhere to further my education and I ended up in Canada. There, I spent another 20 years, first earning my degrees at a university and then continuing to work at the university as an Anthropological researcher.
Now, after major upheaval in my life, namely the divorce from my husband, I have returned to Damascus. I left the only adult life I’d known back in Canada – sold my house, my furniture, left my friends, left my career – and started life anew back with my family. I am struggling to regain a sense of self and to overcome some physical conditions which have impaired my ability to work outside the home.
This move has prompted me to write this blog about my journey back. In this journey, I look at who and what now surrounds me as they are familiar but differ from what they were 20 years ago. Memories of a place do not change with the times, and I have had to adapt to many unexpected changes. I also look at the history of my family and my home as a way to redevelope my sense of identity which seemed to have been lost or somewhat misplaced abroad. It is a great adjustment, much larger than I had first supposed it might be.
Some of us can spend a lifetime trying to figure out who we are and what we want from life; others seem to always know. My life was pretty much on track for a long time and I thought I was travelling down a clear path until it was suddenly derailed. With the support of family and friends, however, I have made great progress. I’m starting to feel grounded again. And having you here, dear reader – those of you who read what have to say and some of you who comment – is also extremely helpful. Thank you for being here with me on this journey.
Mariyah
Mariyah
abufares
sahir said,
December 13, 2008 at 3:13 am
ill start by saying that im allready addicted to your blog (: it joins my other addictions such as cigarettes and draft beer.i admire the way you describe things and events as you really have lived it or experienced it..seems as graet talent u have so just keep on doing the good thing.still searching for the reason for that..is it the lost innocence? nostalgy?hope that we experience those feelings again? i dont know!!!!but i love your writing
sahir-palestine
Mariyah said,
December 13, 2008 at 4:01 am
Thank you, Sahir. The reasons for writing is a combination of many factors. Certainly the things you listed are part of it. What really keeps me going, however, is readers like you. Your comments are much appreciated.
sahir said,
December 14, 2008 at 2:18 am
i guess u r awake at the moment !!!! do you think alexandra will choose to loose control? ( im thinking loudly) ,i hope she does.
Mariyah said,
December 14, 2008 at 3:11 am
Sahir, I’m often awake during the deepest, darkest hours of the night!
By loose control, do you mean to rebel against her father? Well, you shall find out soon enough. Of course, I can’t tell you now!!
sahir said,
December 16, 2008 at 4:00 am
keefik mariyah??? its like a private smile from god hiself..walking over the clouds…meeting of the lovers…
beautifull
Mariyah said,
December 16, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Sahir, how very poetic!