in these distressing, surreal times, i realize how much i’ve always taken my siblings (my two sisters and my brother) to be a constant in my life. as something given. solid and reliable. that will be there for me, no matter what. i want to tell them how much i love them and how much they mean to me. i’m starting with my youngest sister, kalsoom. beautiful, kind-hearted, dependable. she’s the kind of person u want most when u are down or vulnerable. she has that light touch and generosity. no wonder she became a doctor. she’s not just sweet, she’s incredibly strong. she can control her temper and stay even-keeled. she has patience. she’s magnificently resilient. but she’s also a lover of books and riddles and games. an impressive mom. an artist. a devoted daughter. my dearest sister.