THE FAMILY HOME
(Publication Date: October 16, 2006)
Rocky 5 is on TV right now.
As always, Rocky is asking Father Carmen for help.
And, as always, Father says, “Why not?” etc., etc.
Anyway, Rocky isn’t really our subject.
*
On Friday, I had the chance to put into action a plan I’d been thinking about for a long time.
Meanwhile, we’re watching Rocky in the kitchen at my father’s home, with my older brother.
Yes, I’m in İzmit, with my family—in other words, I’m at my family home.
Why?
*
“Mom! I want to fast too.”
“Mooom! Don’t forget to wake me up for the pre-dawn meal!”
“Mooom! How long until iftar?”
“Hasan, can I have a pide with two eggs?”
“Mom, why am I breaking my fast in the middle of the day?”
Actually, these short sentences describe my favorite parts of my childhood memories, the times I spent with my family during Ramadan.
These fond memories led me to the idea of spending at least one iftar with my family this Ramadan and brought me to İzmit.
I’m so glad I came.
*
My visits, which began with a surprise, continued with more surprises.
First, a surprise for Mom.
My dear wife planned everything.
I landed at Sabiha Gökçen Airport at around 8:30 p.m.
Together with my older brother, who was waiting for me, I headed home.
According to the plan, we would wait at the front door, while my wife—as we do every Friday—would call my mother and say, “Have a blessed Friday, Mom.”
While she was doing that, we’d knock on the door. When my mother said, “Let me see who’s at the door,” my wife would say, “Let me put Cem on the phone too.” As my mother opened the door, my wife would tell her, “Here, I’m giving you the real thing,” and I’d be grinning “like a Cheshire cat.”
Okay, I admit it was a complicated plan, but don’t worry—everything went well, and we managed to surprise my mother.
This urge to surprise people continued with visits to my siblings’ homes.
By the time you read these lines, I’ll be in Cyprus.
(By the way, Rocky taught his former student Tommy Gunn a lesson in the street. The people in the street are shouting, “Rocky! Rocky!” (I’m telling you so you won’t worry.))
*
My heart always fills with excitement during Ramadan.
I have to admit, in the seven years I’ve been in Cyprus, I haven’t been able to experience that excitement at all.
After all the memories I made in my childhood, it’s impossible for me to feel the same way while I’m far from my family.
This isn’t just because of what makes the month of Ramadan special.
I suppose it must be homesickness.
I’m sure those living far from home understand what I mean.
Isn’t it always like this?
“Longing for home” is rekindled by memories.
The memories you made there follow you wherever you go, and your mind interprets this as longing.
The problems you face far from home and the struggle to make a living cause the pleasant parts of those memories to be etched into your mind.
They bring about small changes in your expression, and you brush those memories aside with a little smile.
Then you carry on with the struggle.
*
If you feel homesick, appreciate it.
Because it means you made fond memories in your homeland.
Fond memories aren’t made alone; you have friends, family, and loved ones alongside you.
Visit those who share your memories.
They, too, have fond memories of you and are waiting for you.
And don’t forget those who rest in eternal peace!
They are waiting for your visit too.
All texts and other content on this page are original and belong to Cem KAR. They may not be used, even in part, in any way in print or any other electronic medium (CD, Internet, etc.) without permission.