It’s been seven months today since the love of my life left this earthly world. I can’t help but think as I write this while at the seashore, the very special times Abdullah and I had while at various seashores ourselves. The first seashore we were at together was the Arabian Sea in Dubai. We were not yet married and met each other in Dubai. He came from Pakistan and by that time, I was already working in India, so I came in from New Delhi. Abdullah had visited with me earlier in India but this was at a time when there were political tensions between India and Pakistan and transport between the two countries was shut down.
I arrived in Dubai first and immediately checked in to a hotel. After a quick shower I took a taxi back to the airport as I wanted to surprise Abdullah and meet his flight! We had not seen each other for 3 months and I could not wait to see him. By this point in our relationship, we knew we were serious about one another. We weren’t sure yet how we were going to make a future together given our respective diplomatic careers. I had been in India less than one year and Abdullah would be departing from Islamabad soon to an assignment that was yet not known.
Abdullah exited through customs and our eyes locked. I could see the surprise, joy and love on his face when he saw me there. He dropped his bag and in five large strides was beside me. The next thing I knew I was lifted up off the floor in a strong encompassing embrace. Abdullah did not care who witnessed our display of affection. He twirled me around and as he put me down he told me, “American Girl, you are Mine.”
As we rode in a taxi to the hotel, he had his arm around me holding me snugly beside him. He was impatient while getting checked in to his room telling me he could not wait to talk to me in total privacy. He said he had something very important to say. “He has been told of his next assignment.” I immediately thought silently to myself.
At his request, I accompanied him to his room. He told me to sit on the couch while he retrieved some stuff 
from his bag. He then sat beside me with several boxes in his hands. He handed me the first box and told me that this box was a gift representative of how much he had missed me. As I was opening the box he told me he had selected the gift while in Saudi Arabia during the past Ramadan. The box was a narrow black velvet box and I could tell by its shape it was likely a piece of jewelry or maybe a watch. I opened the lid slowly and as I got my first view of the treasure inside my jaw dropped. It was a delicate and exquisite gold necklace with a budding rose as its centerpiece. “You are the rose in my heart.” Abdullah told me with his voice husky with emotion.
He then handed me another velvet box but this one was much larger. “This is what you will wear at the time of our marriage.” Abdullah said in a soft whisper. My hands shook as I opened this box. Inside was a dainty and elegant jewelry set in white gold and diamonds. There was a necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring. I had never seen anything so beautiful and so, well, me! I was overwhelmed with emotion and let the tears fall from my cheeks as I hugged him and thanked him.
“Ahhh, American Girl, it is not over yet. I have a final gift to present to you.” At that point, Abdullah got down on the floor on one knee as he pulled out a small black velvet box from his pocket. As he opened it and presented it to me he said, “Carol Fleming, will you do me the honor to become the wife in my life, will you marry me?” I was totally overcome with joy and happiness hearing those words. We had spoken of a life together but I knew that with this marriage proposal, Abdullah wanted us to soon start life as a married couple. Without hesitation, I responded “Of course!”
Abdullah placed the perfect ring on my finger. He knew I liked “simple elegance.” The ring was a small band made of white gold with a row of small diamonds on the top. After placing the ring on my finger, he kissed the top of my hand and then the top of my head before taking me in his arms where I felt I had come home.
Since that unforgettable day anytime I am at the seashore, I reminisce of the time Abdullah proposed to me when we were in Dubai. We saw other seashores together during our all too short time together but the Arabian Sea will always hold a treasured memory.
Filed under: Abdullah, breast cancer, cancer, culture, Freedoms, relationships, Saudi Arabia, Saudi blogs, Saudi culture, travel, Uncategorized Tagged: | blogging, cancer, culture, KSA, Love, marriage, Relationship, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Saudi customs
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Beautiful story. May he rest in eternal peace and you have a healthy and happy life!
When I first visited your blog, I was impressed. An American moving all the way to Saudi to set up a lovely family there. My company deals with the Middle East. So I can understand how is the lifestyle over there..more or less. Indeed a great lost that Abdullah had left. I wish you all the best. Cheers. =)
very beautiful story! I always enjoy reading your stories with Abdullah.may he rest in peace.
mariam-Iran
What a beautiful story of love. Love can overcome anything!! I recently moved to Saudi Arabia so I love reading your blog. However, this one moved me to comment!
Very touching & romantic story May he rest in eternal peace Inshallah
What a beautiful love story and a sweet memory!
aww carol, that sweet. Such love is rare and beautiful. You were blessed to experience it.
hope you ar well . keep your spirits up.
I have so many memories of the short time with Abdullah. It feels good to share them.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful memory! I daresay your Abdullah was the man all women wish for; in sharing him with us, you make us feel good, too.
What a beautiful story. May he rest in peace and may you treasure these blessed memories for the rest of you life…
Loved this! Thanks for sharing it with us.
What a moving story and romantic too. Certainly memories to be treasured for sure. Please hangin there and EID Mubarak Carol.
I’ve been a way for almost a year! Just knew what happened…
I’m so sorry for your loss my dear. My deepest condolences..
Missed you
Carol,
My heart goes out to you; he was certainly a wonderful man and apparently you are a wonderful American Girl.
Thank you for sharing that with us. It shows that there is no difference in the hearts of good Americans and good Muslims.
I wish peace for all of us and I certainly am glad that you have your wonderful memories.
Hugs to you,
Donna
oh carol, your story brought tears to my eyes!
you found a love many — most — people would not get a chance to know in 20 lifetimes. even if he was taken away too early, allah yerhamo, you have been so blessed.
next time you see him, it will be him waiting on the other side of the gate to surprise you
I am so sorry for your pain. May Allah SWT comfort you in this time. One never feels it will get better, and that there will always be a hole in our hearts.
It has been 5 years now, and this spring I began to think that I would survive.
Ma Salaama
Hala
Thank you one and all for the comments of support and kindness.
@Hala, I had not realized that you too had lost and have grief and sadness. I am sorry to learn this. We do learn how to go on with each day out of necessity but our loved one is never far from our mind and our heart.
Very touching….
It is so touching to read such a post!such love story is like a priceless gem and I am sure the loved ones always remain in our heart!
May God give you all the power to overcome the grief and pain!
Wonderful story! Wonderful memories!
A very romantic & touching story….. Thanks for sharing & May Allah rest his soul in eternal piece.
Carol,
Reading this post made me remember the day I knew I would marry my husband. Everything happened exactly as yours, except it was my habibi who arrived first and who met me at the airport in Dubai, and later pulled out some most beautiful gifts. We too arrived from different countries, and we too are of different nationalities. At times reading your blog makes me sad and happy at the same time. I’m sad that your love story was cut short, and happy that you were able to create so many happy memories together. On the days when my habibi drives me nuts for whatever reason, I try to think of you, and I try to remember that we don’t know when our time in this world will end and we should strive to create happy memories together. You are in my thoughts and prayers Carol.
Hi Cookie,
Thanks for sharing! I’d love to hear more about you and your habibi! Where have the two of you decided to make home?
Best Regards, Carol
Carol:
I no longer have much association with any one in the Muslim community, and I am now in North Eastern Ohio, far from any Masjid. However, I now keep house for a couple college women and just having them around eases the pain and keeps me busy. Inshallah, when they finish college, I will move and be closer to other Muslimahs
Ma Salaama
Hala
As I have learned Hala, take things step by step one day at a time and do not be afraid to reach out.