Team Sarcoma Store Rocks!

I got my first order from the Team Sarcoma Store and I loved everything! I have to say the quality was really good too. I order a T-shirt, a bumper sticker, a Tote and a water bottle. Will post a pic later today when I get home. I will be sporting the bumper sticker soon too, so look out for Team Sarcoma on the roads of Bahrain.
Anyone interested in ordering the T-shirt, please take a size smaller than your normal size.

Get your goodies here
http://www.cafepress.com/team_sarcoma

Helping out

I know I have been away too long, but I just find it really hard to come here and write these days. And I am just not one of those who can ramble about anything and everything, yes I keep my feelings bottled up and thats how I like it!

I recieved my bracelets from Team sarcoma Iniative (http://www.team-sarcoma.net/team-sarcoma-bracelets) I will post a pic with wearing it soon. There are more things you can get here: http://www.cafepress.com/team_sarcoma (adding this to the side bar for future)


I also participated in this event via cuases on facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/52656?m=4a83263b

Besides sarcoma related things I am trying to support this cause:
http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/small-business-for-afghan-women/?RF=facebook_242894
I came to know about the above after watching the Oprah episode of the same topic. loads of info here: http://www.oprah.com/package/oprahshow/oprahshow/pkgregistry/20090925-tows-registry-girls-women

Have a look, its worth it!

Live Strong Day

On the ocassion of Live Strong Day I am bumping this one:

Sami's dedication page

Happy Birthday Sweetheart

Allah blessed me with bringing you into this world on this day. The joy and happiness that you have given me are infinite, Happy Birthday darling.

Wishing you a Happy Birthday

I wanted to wish you a happy birthday. This in no way feels right, the very first birthday where you will not be around us, the first birthday where we won't see you or hear from you. I just want you to know that you are not forgotten we still remember you in our prayers and in our hearts. Your memories will forever stay with us.
You are truly missed.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMI.

One Year

Its one year today since Sami passed away, 15 Ramadan.
May his soul rest in peace and Allah grant him the best of Jannah and us the strength to go on.

More pics

Sami's own photography and editing skills.

Causes on Facebook | The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative

Causes on Facebook The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative

Our Moment

If you all remember I have mentioned about the Moments in Sarcoma a few times, mine and Sami's was published too, here is the link:

http://www.team-sarcoma.net/moments-in-sarcoma/3661

August 2008: Istanbul, Turkey. We had moved from our home in Bahrain, thousands of miles away with the hope of Sami doing better in a better hospital with the latest treatments. Sami died September 15, 2008, from Osteosarcoma.
Sami and I used to take daily trips via a hospital-provided shuttle for about a half of every day to go to the hospital. Sami was taking radiation therapy for lesions on his lungs. We were tired doing this every day, but this very day Sami had woken up looking so peaceful, and while we were in the bus he held my hand looking out at the beautiful Istanbul landscape and said, “I love these bus rides, they are so peaceful.”
What I remember the most is his face. Yes, he had lost most of his hair, lost a lot of weight and hardly looked like the guy I met, fell in love with, got married to, but to me at the moment he had never looked more handsome, beautiful and happy. We looked at each other and smiled; then, I put my head on his shoulders and briefly closed my eyes in an attempt to remember this moment forever, and I did. It feels like it’s etched in my mind and every time I close my eyes, I can remember him exactly the way he looked, how his hand felt in mine, how he smelt, and I even get a feel of the surroundings that day, the wind in our faces.

There is also a Arabic version there.

A deication page for Sami @ Livestrong.com and how you can help

This is the page: http://www.livestrongaction.org/node/102473
All you have to do is sign this page and spread the word by telling your freinds, it just take a few minutes. Its the Livestrong initiative to "Create a World without Cancer"
Also if you would like to make a dedication yourself to someone you can do so here:

http://www.livestrongaction.org/node/add/dedication-page

A forgotten cancer

A very nice video:
http://sarcomahelp.org/sarcoma_videos/english.html

And in other languages
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=700EE233B651030B

Sami's Story

As he started writing it for the Adult Bone Cancer Survivors a few years ago and later completed by me.
Read it here: http://www.abc-survivors.net/memorials/870#more-870

It's International Sarcoma Week- Please Share

Hello Friends,

It's Internatiobal Sarcoma Week July 18-26, please take a few minutes to learn more about Sarcoma and read touching stories here: Moments in Sarcoma

Remember Knowledge is Power

Also please take a few minutes and share this with family and friends, you can use the buttons below to share, or simply go to the link below and use the share buttons there.

A Song to remember

Do any of you listen to Radio Bahrain in the morning while driving to work? I do sometimes, and starting this week Bryan Adams is on the vintage vibe, listening to "Please Forgive me" today brought back memories of the Bryan Adams Concert me and Sami attended.
Sami liked him and it was one the best concerts I attended in Bahrain, it was really romantic for us. I remember Sami was wearing a black shirt and blue jeans, he looked great and we had so much fun.

Things I want you to know...

... I am doing fine and trying to keep up with my promise the best I can.
... I saw Transformer 2, it was great and you would have loved it!

Pictures Sami took in Turkey

Sami had a blast this day, the first time we witnessed snowing ever!

This was the view from the Hospital room

I miss you today...

...when I woke up you were not the first one to wish me a happy birthday.
... because I don't feel extra special today, like the way you used to make me feel.
... when I walk into my bedroom today there will be no You waiting for me with your sweet smile.
... I will have no (your usual special) roses today.
... I will forever miss your special cards that you so lovingly created for me each year.
... I am another year old in my life, a life thats without you.

In the hospital room

At the seaside with me and Samiha.

No words

Sorry to any and all who come to read updates here, latley I have not been able to write much. There is one thing , whoever came up with the saying "time heals all wounds" was either a liar or never dealt with any heartache in life.

I MISS YOU...

...A LOT

Things we would be, could be doing if you were here (4)

........summer is here, you would soon be having holidays and we would be spending lazy summer days at home, together.
........you would have been me my plus one at last night's dinner, and I wouldn't have felt so alone.
........we would be getting our daily icy smoothies in the evenings.

Just Sami

Back during his healthy days, a fine friday afternoon on our way to my parent's for lunch.

Moments in Sarcoma

Lots of new enteries in 'Moments in Sarcoma', very touching, most brought tears to my eyes, its like reading your own story even though its not.

http://www.team-sarcoma.net/category/moments-in-sarcoma

The Notebook

We both loved this movie so much, it would have been such a blessing if we had a Notebook ending, but I am very unforunate there. I will share a little secret, on his last day Sami was only communicating with moving his head for a while as he was hooked up wth a lot of machines, a lot of us were there for him that day, I sat my his bedside, holding his hand and I remembered The Notebook and whispered in his ear 'wouldn't that be perfect now', he agreed with moving his head and then came the tears in his eyes.

Sami and American Idol

Sami liked watching it, I remember he was so pissed when Daughtry and Bo Bice were eliminated in previous seasons and I pretty sure he would not be to happy with yesterday's results either.
His favourite ever was Constantine.

Open Letter

Idea from tpf, posted this there as well

Dear love,

I miss you so much, still every morning I say 'Good morning love' to you and still wish you 'Good night', I hope you are listening.

Yours forever,
Me

This picture was taken in Oct 2008, we were going to a party, the last we ever attended together.

Thoughts

How time flys and Life stands still, atleast for me.
Its been 8 months since Sami's gone, if I look at it in one way, I amazed as it just feels like yesterday that Sami was next to me laughing and talking, but when I count the months I feel its just going to fast for me, time is passing me by.
I miss you Sami.

I cannot bring myself to.....

...go watch the new Fast & Furious, coz it was an our thing!
...go see a doctor about this nagging cough coz You used to drag me everytime, and I hate hospitals now.
...go into our ex-bedroom, I feel my heart ripping inside when I do!

........

Everything about life is so amazing, the way we come into this world and they way we leave, I believe every one leaves their mark on the world in some way, may it be by doing something big to be remembered for or just by doing some little things. Some people and I think Sami is one of them, just leave love behind, yes LOVE, lots and lots of it. He made me feel like a princess all the time, I have told this to a lot of you before! He made me feel good about myself, made me feel beautiful, wanted; I don't feel any of those anymore....
Its so weird but in a good way, that I spent my entire life being me except for the 7 years me and Sami were together, however I cannot think or do anything without remembering how he did things or how we did it together, I think when you are truly in love with someone your entire life, your entire being becomes as one, even the most simplest things you do, you might not notice this on a regular basis, but just think about it and you will know what I am talking about. A lot of things me and Sami did became our things, I am still doing our things, and I don’t remember how to do my things anymore.

Do you have OUR THINGS with your partners? Tell me something, just one thing!

Simple yet beautiful moments

Last night while trying to sleep I was flicking through channels and the movie "Just Married " was on, remember the scence when that huge coakroach is on Ashton Kutcher's face, Sami used to find it so funny , that he watched it over and over and laughed harder everytime! Sometimes when the movie would come on TV, he would make me watch it just for that particular scene. So while watching it last night I laughed too :)

Don't forget!

Don't forget, go to Moments in Sarcoma and read the inspirational and touching stories.

Quotes

This is a lovely one, also courtsey of Myrna, a dear friend and one the sweetest person I know. I love you and you know Sami did too.

Smiling Sami

Few more pics courtesy of the lovely Myrna. Thanks!

Things we would be, could be doing if you were here (3)

.......gearing up for formula one

.......making a dinner order at our favourite cafeteria

.......watching American Idol together, choosing our favourites and arguing over it

Another pic

June 2008

Faces of Sarcoma- Very Touching

The faces of survivors and those lost, its very touching, people from all around the world and of all ages. I consider it as a wall of Heros. I have requested to add Sami's pic, will let you know when its added.

http://abc-survivors.net/sarcoma_cause/main.php

Edit:

Sami's pic has been added, here is the link, for reference its on page 25

http://abc-survivors.net/sarcoma_cause/main.php?g2_page=25

ESUN

A great resource for Sarcoma Knowledge:

http://sarcomahelp.org/esun.html

Only If...

If Tears could build a Stairway

and Dreams build a Lane

I'd walk right up to Heaven

And bring you Home again.

New facebook group

Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=78309255986

Moments in Sarcoma

From today till August 6th everyday there will be a new story

Read the stories:

http://www.team-sarcoma.net/category/moments-in-sarcoma

VERY INSPIRING!

I WISH....

... we were watching the movie we planned to watch together.

... I could just call you and tell you about my day.

...you could tell me all will be better soon.

...You were here.

Things we would be or could be doing if you were here (2)

....faking a sick day as we sometimes did to spend some time together at home.

....planning a shopping spree as its pay day today!

....thinking if and can we take a vacation this year.

....you would be calling me right about now and telling me about your boring morning at work and what you had for breakfast.

Sami in his Ihraam

I got this tiny pic of Sami, its from when we went for Umrah in Feb 2006, it was taken by a not so good camera phone thus the size. This is one the greatest experience we shared together! Miss you Sami.

Wear the bracelet

http://www.team-sarcoma.net/team-sarcoma-bracelets-and-shirts

get the stupid cancer lapel pin

http://stupidcancer.org/pins/

Sami's Story at www.abc-survivors.net

Abc's new site here with Sami's Story, as we wrote it in 2006:
http://www.abc-survivors.net/memorials/870#more-870

Us

Thanks to Murat, one of mine and Sami's dearest friends, I got a hold of this picture. Its Valentines day 2008. Thanks Murat!

International Sarcoma Week in Bahrain

I want to do something in Bahrain, if anyone likes to help in anyway or have any ideas let me know, call me/ email me (samiasw@gmail.com).

Moments in Sarcoma II

Update, follow this link http://www.team-sarcoma.net/?cat=81
All Moments/Stories will be published in May.

International Sarcoma Week July 18-26, 2009

Supporting Cancer Patients
Funding Cancer Research

The Initiative
The Team Sarcoma Initiative (TSI) is an internationally coordinated set of events with two goals: to raise awareness of sarcoma and to raise funds to support sarcoma research, clinical trials, and patient and family services. TSI has taken place annually since 2003.
TSI consists of a "core" Team Sarcoma event and local Team Sarcoma events that are held worldwide during the same week.

For More info: http://www.team-sarcoma.net/

Just a some Pics

Friends

My gorgeous Guy!

Sami, the poet

Do anyone of you know that Sami used to write Poetry?
Yes he did!
Nothing major, just some small ones, mostly for me and straight from the heart.
I will share some with you later, I found some written in his writing too!

Some more memories

I remember the first time he brought his ps2 to our house, because he wanted me to play fatal frame 2. He said we'd love it and we did!
I remember his face when he was stuck at Prince of Persia doing the wall jump and I did it the first time I played it.
I remember that whenever we all went out, I always ended up wanting to eat what he ordered, and even though "Sami doesn't share", he still used to share some, because after all he was AWESOME!
I remember once he was telling us all these horror stories, and we were really into it, but all the horror was gone once he ended with the words, 'it was so skoopy'... he he hilarious.

Things we would be or could be doing if you were here (1)

.....I would be planning a night out with you...you would probably be suggesting a movie....and warning me if Nicholas Cage is in it there is now way you are seeing that movie.

.....you would be thinking of Friday lunch and what my mom would be cooking for us...

.....I would be dying to get home to spend the weekend together...

....you would be thinking of F1 and how badly you want the good seats this time...

....I would be sending you an sms saying "I miss u"...but now I always will...

...you would be smsing me back saying "me too" as you always do...

Sharing a moment

This picture was taken on one of the early days of being in Turkey, as you can see he is looking healthy and naughty here, it was before he began any chemo. Its not very clear as it was taken with a camera phone but you can still see that naughty smile, this smile normally meant either "I have done something, and you don't know" or " I am hiding a little secret" or " I am shy when complimented"

First Time Sami was introduced

I remember the first time Samia introduced us to Sami. We were first introduced to Sami at the Seef Mall. I remember he was wearing a white thobe and a baseball cap(i think). When Samia introduced us Sami was kinda nervous, I still remember his nervous smile I don't blame him he was meeting three of us, me, Saba and Sana. We met him near Hallmark I remember this day crystal clear. When I met him I instantly liked him, the best person and a great man I have ever met.

A kind gesture

I almost forgot about this, a friend from TPF (The Purse Forum) made a kind donation in honour of Sami for I'm Too Young For This ( Cancer support for Young Cancer Patients, see the links at the left for more detail).

Here is a link for a better view: Network for Good

The message reads: ' Hi Samia,Just a small gesture in honor of you and in memory of your husband, for I'm Too Young For This. I hope you're doing better as each day passes and know that we're all here for you, if you need us.-Juli (Mock)"

Thanks a lot Juli

This day in our history (2002)

This was the day me and Sami took a day break from all our wedding festivities and were chilling in our honeymoon Suite at the Hotel.

Moments in Sarcoma

Again some great work done by some volunteers. I have submitted an entry for Sami too, I hope it makes to publishing. Check this out for the moment and share something, after all even your lives were touched by Sami and by sarcoma.

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=60278649336&h=OOrQt&u=cdGH4

Happy Anniversary

A pic from our wedding Day

Happy 7th anniversary to Sami and Me!

This day in history

This very day in 2002, Sami and I sat talking to each other on the phone with butterflies in our stomach, the next day (02/02/02) we were married.

Butterfly Effect

I so wish it was possible sometimes!

If it was I would probably go back to:

-beginning of 2006 and make Sami have an early scan, catch the stupid cancer real early.

- or simply go back to our wedding days and live it again as they were PERFECT!

Missing Sami

For the last few days I have missed Sami so much that I couldn't bring myself to write anything and still finding it hard to do so now.

The Stupid Cancer Radio Show

This particular radio show supports people like me, young spouses of those lost due to cancer. Tune in:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/stupidcancershow/stupidcancershow/2009/01/27/Bereaved-Young-Spouses

One Wish

If I could have just one wish

I would wish to wake up everyday

to the sound of your breath on my neck,

the warmth of your lips on my cheek,

the touch of your fingers on my skin,

and the feel of your heart beating with mine...

Knowing that I could never find that feeling

with anyone other than you.

Peaceful

Things Sami taught me

I am talking about the fun things, not the serious stuff here.

How to spit like a guy!

How to eat chips without using your hands!

How not to be Computer dumb! Yes, I can now format on my own.

How to drive! I have no idea how I passed the test.

All the short cuts around Bahrain.

Where to find the best (in Bahrain):

1. sambosa
2. halwa puri (A Pakistani breakfast special) at 7:00 am
3. Cheese and Chips sandwich both in Bahrain and Duabi

Fond Memories

To remember Sami is pretty easy but to miss him is the toughest. Sami is a great man and an even greater friend to all of us. I am amazed at the kind of impact he had on our lives. I would never forget his advices, his jokes or his mere comments at all the movies we watched together, especially the Hindi ones at awal, haha.
Above all I would never forget his strength and courage to fight Osteosarcoma. I like to think of Sami as a warrior, the ultimate fighter. It's hard to beileve he is not amongst us any more. Infact, the other day when I was on an unexpeceted shopping spree at Puma I almost dialled his number to ask him if he wanted something.
We miss Sami, but he will forever live in our memories.
I think Allah blessed us the day Sami and Samia met. I am so proud and honored to say that I met Sami and knew him and had the honor to spend time with him.
Thank you Allah for introducing Sami into our lives.

Sami in a festive Mood

Like it was yesterday

Things I remember like it happened yesterday

How Sami looked the first time I ever saw him!

His mischievous smile!

The last conversation we had together, its embedded in my heart, mind and soul.

How he managed to smile and say Alhamedullah through every difficulty he faced.

Him saying bye to me with a kiss (he never ever missed a day) before leaving to work every morning for the last 6 years.

How his face lit up the first time he saw snow! He spent the entire morning by the window taking pictures.

Things I remember

I remember Sami loved fuddruckers.

I remember he loved steaks.

I remember Sami's voice.

I remember once we were trying to fix my ps2 and he re wired the plug and we shorted out the whole apartment. And I remember he knew that was going to happen.

I remember he loved mixed vegetables.

I remember once he randomly started singing in the car (saiyyan), and we all burst out into laughter. The song was in all our heads and we knew one of us would do that. But he was the last one we expected to do that. And I remember Samia saying that to him.

I remember he always used to sit on the same couch whenever he came over.

I remember he loved baseball caps, and collected so many of those.

I remember so much, and I don't think I'll ever forget.

Time to let go

I have decided to let go of some of Sami's belongings for a good cause, the tragedy in Gaza. I will be donating some of his clothes.
You can help too, give me a call or drop an email and I will let you know where and how to help. They need winter clothes, so if you can spare any, please do.
I will share another pic with you.

FAMOUS SAYINGS

When ordering food at a resturant to all of us:
'Sami doesn't share (food)'

And here is another pic: Forumla One Bahrain 2007

Last Birthday pics 12/09/08

I will always celebrate his birthday, but here are some pics of his last birthday here on earth.

Sami's Fight

Sami was lost to cancer on 15 September 2008.

His battle with cancer was long and hard, starting in 1994 when he lost a leg, then in 2006 when he lost part of his lungs and finally 2007-2008 when he lost his life. For those of you who don't know he had Osteosarcoma, a kind of bone cancer that starts in teenagers/young adults mostly in the bones. More info: Osteosarcoma

Ofcourse there were also cycle after cycle of hard and difficult chemotherapy but he always came out smiling and being thankful to Allah no matter what. I will not go into a lot of details because I want this to be about him not stupid cancer! Yes I call it stupid cancer now, as do so many others: stupidcancer/im2youngforthis

Edit:
I said earlier that this blog could not be about cancer, but have realized that it has to be, as much as Sami's memories are precious and special I feel that its my obligation to inform all who come across this blog with as much info I can about cancer, its effects on lives, the fight and the numerous great causes out there making a difference.

Sami's Nick names

'SimSim' - I know a lot of us used to call him that.

'Simi'

'Mesu'- one of our fave

'Kaka'- given by Salman

Hello

Hi everyone, I really don't know where and how to start, so I will just go ahead. I am creating this blog to honor the great guy we knew as Sami, a lot of us miss him dearly and I thought I could put together a few memories and great times here to share with you all. If there is anything you want to share please do in the comments section.

Thanks